Civil Engineer Salary

Baltimore vs Salisbury: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$103,143
$49.59/hr
Salisbury, MD
$90,017
$43.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDSalisbury, MD
Median Salary$103,143$90,017
Hourly Rate$49.59$43.28
Entry Level (P10)$77,989$70,024
25th Percentile$85,275$78,697
75th Percentile$129,427$100,978
Top Earner (P90)$148,485$140,634
Total Employed2,54040
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($103,143) and Salisbury ($90,017) civil engineer salaries.BaltimoreSalisburyMedian Salary$103,143$90,017Entry Level (P10)$77,989$70,024Top Earner (P90)$148,485$140,634US Median $103,492

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Salisbury is $13,126 (14.58%). Baltimore's median is -0.34% compared to the US national median of $103,492.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $70,496,Salisbury spans $70,610. Salisbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$77,989
P25$85,275
Median$103,143
P75$129,427
P90 (Top)$148,485
Salisbury
P10 (Entry)$70,024
P25$78,697
Median$90,017
P75$100,978
P90 (Top)$140,634

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($98,714 effective) pays 4.85% more than Salisbury ($94,143 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $103,143
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $98,714
Salisbury
Nominal: $90,017
CoL Index: 95.617
Adjusted: $94,143

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,143/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($148,485)
  • Larger job market (2,540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,714)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Salisbury if…

  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Baltimore grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Salisbury over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+28.3%

$78,360 (2019) → $100,500 (2025)

Salisbury, MD

+14.5%

$76,590 (2019) → $87,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Baltimore or Salisbury?

Baltimore has a higher median civil engineer salary at $103,143/year, compared to Salisbury at $90,017/year — a difference of $13,126 (14.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Salisbury?

Baltimore civil engineers earn $49.59/hr while Salisbury hygienists earn $43.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Salisbury as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Salisbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $98,714, Salisbury = $94,143), job availability (2,540 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Baltimore vs Salisbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $77,989 in Baltimore and $70,024 in Salisbury. The Baltimore area offers higher starting salaries.
JC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, Ph.D.Data verified by Carlos Ramirez, M.S.

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