Springfield vs University City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Springfield, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,978▲ | $84,136 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.86▲ | $40.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,781▲ | $57,725 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,355▲ | $66,421 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,883 | $106,759▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,986▲ | $128,527 |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between Springfield and University City is $842 (1.00%). Springfield's median is -17.89% 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,University City spans $70,802. Springfield 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, Springfield ($95,928 effective) pays 2.16% more than University City ($93,902 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,978/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,986)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,928)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose University City if…
- ✓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 University City over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$72,980 (2019) → $82,800 (2025)
University City, MO
$77,734 (2024) → $81,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Springfield or University City?
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Should I relocate from Springfield to University City as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Springfield vs University City?
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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