Sacramento vs San Luis Obispo: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,573▲ | $113,109 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.22▲ | $54.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,828▲ | $77,568 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,907▲ | $89,052 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,551▲ | $141,773 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,567▲ | $168,200 |
| Total Employed | 5,590▲ | 720 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Luis Obispo.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Luis Obispo is $20,464 (18.09%). 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 Luis Obispo spans $90,632. 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 20.22% more than San Luis Obispo ($104,156 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 San Luis Obispo 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 9.7% growth in San Luis Obispo over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$121,060 (2019) → $130,150 (2025)
San Luis Obispo, CA
$100,500 (2019) → $110,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Sacramento or San Luis Obispo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Luis Obispo?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Sacramento vs San Luis Obispo?
Related Comparisons
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