St. Louis vs Springfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between St. Louis, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,377▲ | $84,978 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.77▲ | $40.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,286▲ | $66,781 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,216▲ | $74,355 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,358▲ | $105,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,154▲ | $137,986 |
| Total Employed | 3,150▲ | 350 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Springfield is $14,399 (16.94%). St. Louis's median is -3.98% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $74,868,Springfield spans $71,205. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($104,511 effective) pays 8.95% 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 St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,154)
- ✓Larger job market (3,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,511)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in St. Louis grew 14.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$84,970 (2019) → $96,830 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$72,980 (2019) → $82,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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