San Francisco vs Santa Maria: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,583▲ | $123,135 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.23▲ | $59.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,250▲ | $80,647 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,740▲ | $96,883 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,441▲ | $155,310 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,062▲ | $175,549 |
| Total Employed | 10,990▲ | 610 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Maria is $10,448 (8.48%). San Francisco's median is +29.08% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $114,812,Santa Maria spans $94,902. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($115,543 effective) pays 2.09% more than Santa Maria ($113,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,583/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,062)
- ✓Larger job market (10,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,543)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in San Francisco grew 11.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$116,270 (2019) → $130,160 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$112,400 (2019) → $119,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: San Francisco or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Maria as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in San Francisco vs Santa Maria?
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