Pittsfield vs Salem: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Pittsfield, MA and Salem, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsfield, MA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,461▲ | $100,162 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.74▲ | $48.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,178▲ | $73,175 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,452 | $82,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,919▲ | $124,403 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,439▲ | $155,250 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Pittsfield, MA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Pittsfield and Salem is $3,299 (3.29%). Pittsfield's median is -0.03% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsfield spans $79,261,Salem spans $82,075. Salem 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, Pittsfield ($108,785 effective) pays 17.84% more than Salem ($92,315 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,461/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,439)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,785)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Pittsfield grew 29.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -20.9% growth in Salem over the same period.
Pittsfield, MA
$78,060 (2021) → $100,810 (2025)
Salem, MA
$123,360 (2024) → $97,595 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsfield, MA
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