Springfield vs St. Charles: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Charles, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Charles, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,978 | $86,296▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.86 | $41.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,781▲ | $58,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,355▲ | $67,619 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,883 | $109,913▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,986▲ | $133,760 |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Springfield and St. Charles are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Charles is $1,318 (1.55%). St. Charles's median is -16.62% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $71,205,St. Charles spans $75,544. St. Charles 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, St. Charles ($96,313 effective) pays 0.40% more than Springfield ($95,928 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,986)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,296/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,313)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Springfield grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in St. Charles over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$72,980 (2019) → $82,800 (2025)
St. Charles, MO
$79,730 (2024) → $84,085 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Charles, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Springfield or St. Charles?
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Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Charles as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Springfield vs St. Charles?
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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