Richmond vs Suffolk: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Richmond, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,701 | $95,056▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.05 | $45.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,981▲ | $67,434 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,252▲ | $76,965 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,497 | $119,928▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,459 | $147,337▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,680▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Suffolk, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Richmond and Suffolk is $1,355 (1.45%). Suffolk's median is -8.15% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $65,478,Suffolk spans $79,903. Suffolk 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, Richmond ($95,752 effective) pays 3.96% more than Suffolk ($92,109 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,752)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,056/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,337)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Richmond grew 7.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.5% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$84,800 (2019) → $91,300 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$109,587 (2024) → $92,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Richmond or Suffolk?
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Should I relocate from Richmond to Suffolk 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