Tucson vs Yuma: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Tucson, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tucson, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,633 | $96,852▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.21 | $46.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,477▲ | $62,327 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,904 | $76,880▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,583 | $125,383▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,913 | $156,470▲ |
| Total Employed | 760▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Yuma, AZ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Tucson and Yuma is $13,219 (15.81%). Yuma's median is -6.42% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tucson spans $72,436,Yuma spans $94,143. Yuma 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, Yuma ($104,472 effective) pays 21.04% more than Tucson ($86,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Yuma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,852/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,470)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,472)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Tucson grew 3.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Tucson, AZ
$78,760 (2019) → $81,490 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$79,270 (2019) → $94,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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