Prescott vs Tucson: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Prescott, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prescott, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,776▲ | $83,633 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.52▲ | $40.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,613▲ | $63,477 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,739▲ | $73,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,873▲ | $108,583 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,003▲ | $135,913 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Prescott, AZ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Prescott and Tucson is $13,143 (15.72%). Prescott's median is -6.49% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prescott spans $79,390,Tucson spans $72,436. Prescott 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, Prescott ($98,250 effective) pays 13.83% more than Tucson ($86,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prescott if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,776/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,003)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,250)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Prescott grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Prescott, AZ
$74,390 (2019) → $94,296 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$78,760 (2019) → $81,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prescott, AZ
Tucson, AZ
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