Seattle vs Spokane Valley: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Seattle, WA and Spokane Valley, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Spokane Valley, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,543▲ | $105,138 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.47▲ | $50.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,300▲ | $69,180 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,928▲ | $81,301 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,037▲ | $134,577 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,014▲ | $162,964 |
| Total Employed | 7,680▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane Valley.
The salary gap between Seattle and Spokane Valley is $14,405 (13.70%). Seattle's median is +15.51% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $81,714,Spokane Valley spans $93,784. Spokane Valley 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, Seattle ($107,568 effective) pays 9.88% more than Spokane Valley ($97,894 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,543/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,014)
- ✓Larger job market (7,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,568)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Seattle grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.4% growth in Spokane Valley over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$91,440 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
Spokane Valley, WA
$127,145 (2024) → $102,444 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Spokane Valley, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Seattle or Spokane Valley?
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Should I relocate from Seattle to Spokane Valley as a civil engineer?
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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