Reno vs Sparks: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Reno, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reno, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,244▲ | $102,639 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.04▲ | $49.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,497▲ | $64,264 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,727▲ | $82,989 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,740▲ | $131,379 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,953▲ | $159,091 |
| Total Employed | 730▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sparks.
The salary gap between Reno and Sparks is $5,605 (5.46%). Reno's median is +4.59% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reno spans $86,456,Sparks spans $94,827. Sparks 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, Reno ($107,157 effective) pays 2.63% more than Sparks ($104,414 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,244/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,953)
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,157)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Reno grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Reno, NV
$88,330 (2019) → $105,470 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$97,192 (2024) → $100,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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