Sacramento vs San Diego: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,573▲ | $111,764 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.22▲ | $53.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,828▲ | $81,498 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,907▲ | $96,113 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,551▲ | $136,960 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,567▲ | $170,807 |
| Total Employed | 5,590 | 5,620▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Diego is $21,809 (19.51%). 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,San Diego spans $89,309. 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 25.36% more than San Diego ($99,890 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,221)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,620 employed)
- ✓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 17.5% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$121,060 (2019) → $130,150 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$92,720 (2019) → $108,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, 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