San Diego vs Santa Clara: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between San Diego, CA and Santa Clara, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,764 | $135,947▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.73 | $65.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,498 | $88,923▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,113 | $109,855▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,960 | $173,897▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,807 | $210,718▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,620▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Santa Clara, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Santa Clara is $24,183 (21.64%). Santa Clara's median is +31.36% 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,Santa Clara spans $121,795. Santa Clara 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, Santa Clara ($120,201 effective) pays 20.33% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (5,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Clara if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,718)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,201)
- ✓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 -8.8% growth in Santa Clara over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$92,720 (2019) → $108,900 (2025)
Santa Clara, CA
$145,182 (2024) → $132,463 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: San Diego or Santa Clara?
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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