San Diego vs Fresno: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between San Diego, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,764 | $122,869▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.73 | $59.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,498▲ | $76,839 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,113▲ | $93,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,960 | $143,579▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,807▲ | $169,001 |
| Total Employed | 5,620▲ | 1,250 |
Verdict
San Diego and Fresno are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Diego and Fresno is $11,105 (9.94%). Fresno's median is +18.72% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $89,309,Fresno spans $92,162. Fresno 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, Fresno ($120,273 effective) pays 20.41% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,807)
- ✓Larger job market (5,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,869/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,273)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in San Diego grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$92,720 (2019) → $108,900 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$109,260 (2019) → $119,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: San Diego or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Fresno as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in San Diego vs Fresno?
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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