Los Angeles vs Sunnyvale: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,497 | $136,846▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.60 | $65.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,776 | $90,953▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,702 | $106,510▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,283 | $175,163▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,159 | $212,111▲ |
| Total Employed | 16,340▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sunnyvale, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Sunnyvale is $25,349 (22.74%). Sunnyvale's median is +32.23% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $100,383,Sunnyvale spans $121,158. Sunnyvale 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, Sunnyvale ($120,996 effective) pays 23.24% more than Los Angeles ($98,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (16,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,111)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,996)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Los Angeles grew 1.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.8% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$107,100 (2019) → $108,640 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$146,141 (2024) → $133,339 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Los Angeles or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Sunnyvale as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Los Angeles vs Sunnyvale?
Related Comparisons
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