Pittsburgh vs Altoona: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Altoona, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Altoona, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,328▲ | $96,144 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.67▲ | $46.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,784 | $70,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,682▲ | $78,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,134▲ | $112,349 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,026▲ | $128,236 |
| Total Employed | 4,210▲ | 220 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Altoona is $7,184 (7.47%). Pittsburgh's median is -0.16% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $74,242,Altoona spans $57,452. Pittsburgh has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($109,144 effective) pays 1.61% more than Altoona ($107,415 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,026)
- ✓Larger job market (4,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,144)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Pittsburgh grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Altoona over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$82,250 (2019) → $100,680 (2025)
Altoona, PA
$78,930 (2019) → $93,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Altoona, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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