Rocklin vs Sacramento: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Rocklin, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rocklin, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,773 | $133,573▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.66 | $64.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,509 | $83,828▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,272 | $102,907▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,422 | $163,551▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,448 | $180,567▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 5,590▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rocklin.
The salary gap between Rocklin and Sacramento is $17,800 (15.37%). Sacramento's median is +29.07% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rocklin spans $97,939,Sacramento spans $96,739. Rocklin 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, Sacramento ($125,221 effective) pays 22.33% more than Rocklin ($102,363 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rocklin if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,573/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,567)
- ✓Larger job market (5,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,221)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Rocklin grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Rocklin, CA
$138,534 (2024) → $112,806 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$121,060 (2019) → $130,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rocklin, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Rocklin or Sacramento?
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Should I relocate from Rocklin to Sacramento as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Rocklin vs Sacramento?
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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