Clemson vs Greenville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Clemson, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clemson, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,135 | $105,534▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.86 | $50.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,830 | $67,048▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,947 | $80,616▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,683 | $139,382▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,502 | $164,834▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,170▲ |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clemson.
The salary gap between Clemson and Greenville is $16,399 (18.40%). Greenville's median is +1.97% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clemson spans $72,672,Greenville spans $97,786. Greenville 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, Greenville ($113,161 effective) pays 16.16% more than Clemson ($97,415 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clemson if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,534/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,834)
- ✓Larger job market (1,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,161)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Clemson grew 17.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Clemson, SC
$74,148 (2024) → $86,851 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$86,750 (2019) → $102,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clemson, SC
Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Clemson or Greenville?
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Should I relocate from Clemson to Greenville as a civil engineer?
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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