Portsmouth vs Roanoke: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,547▲ | $93,106 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.97▲ | $44.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,910 | $68,198▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,975 | $77,752▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,714▲ | $117,029 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,999▲ | $134,712 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Portsmouth, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Roanoke is $441 (0.47%). Portsmouth's median is -9.61% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $81,089,Roanoke spans $66,514. Portsmouth 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, Roanoke ($99,453 effective) pays 9.72% more than Portsmouth ($90,646 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,547/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,999)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,453)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Portsmouth grew -15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$107,848 (2024) → $91,150 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$66,650 (2019) → $90,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Roanoke, VA
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