Watertown vs Worcester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Watertown, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Watertown, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,606 | $104,447▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.33 | $50.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,710 | $76,942▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,123▲ | $82,925 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,089 | $129,704▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,299▲ | $155,782 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Watertown and Worcester is $1,841 (1.79%). Worcester's median is +0.92% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Watertown spans $86,589,Worcester spans $78,840. Watertown 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, Worcester ($101,877 effective) pays 7.73% more than Watertown ($94,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,299)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,447/year)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,877)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Watertown grew -20.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Watertown, MA
$126,370 (2024) → $99,977 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$79,830 (2019) → $101,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, MA
Worcester, MA
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