Salt Lake City vs Washington: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Washington, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Washington, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,398▲ | $91,573 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.75▲ | $44.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,918▲ | $60,677 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,130▲ | $76,211 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,098▲ | $117,213 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,048▲ | $141,937 |
| Total Employed | 2,890▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Washington.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Washington is $9,825 (10.73%). Salt Lake City's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $90,130,Washington spans $81,260. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($100,525 effective) pays 7.69% more than Washington ($93,347 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,398/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,048)
- ✓Larger job market (2,890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,525)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Washington if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Salt Lake City grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.8% growth in Washington over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$75,960 (2019) → $98,800 (2025)
Washington, UT
$87,674 (2024) → $89,226 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Salt Lake City or Washington?
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What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Salt Lake City vs Washington?
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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