Phoenix vs Tempe: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,706 | $95,179▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.57 | $45.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,416 | $66,365▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,795▲ | $76,432 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,364 | $121,260▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,902 | $147,528▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,690▲ | 43 |
Verdict
Tempe, AZ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Tempe is $2,473 (2.67%). Tempe's median is -8.03% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $77,486,Tempe spans $81,163. Tempe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tempe ($96,628 effective) pays 7.69% more than Phoenix ($89,731 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,179/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,528)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,628)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Phoenix grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Tempe over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$77,350 (2019) → $90,330 (2025)
Tempe, AZ
$93,970 (2024) → $92,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Phoenix or Tempe?
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Should I relocate from Phoenix to Tempe as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov