Ponce vs San Juan: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ponce, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponce, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,824 | $63,200▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.40 | $30.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,068 | $46,861▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,543 | $48,996▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,705 | $80,359▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,808 | $103,010▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between Ponce and San Juan is $10,376 (19.64%). San Juan's median is -38.93% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponce spans $57,740,San Juan spans $56,149. Ponce has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,200/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,010)
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Ponce grew 38.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Ponce, PR
$37,200 (2019) → $51,470 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$51,070 (2019) → $61,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Ponce or San Juan?
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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