Sacramento vs Fresno: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Sacramento, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,573▲ | $122,869 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.22▲ | $59.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,828▲ | $76,839 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,907▲ | $93,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,551▲ | $143,579 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,567▲ | $169,001 |
| Total Employed | 5,590▲ | 1,250 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Fresno is $10,704 (8.71%). Sacramento's median is +29.07% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $96,739,Fresno spans $92,162. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($125,221 effective) pays 4.11% more than Fresno ($120,273 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,573/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,567)
- ✓Larger job market (5,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,221)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Sacramento grew 7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Fresno over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$121,060 (2019) → $130,150 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$109,260 (2019) → $119,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Fresno, CA
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