Civil Engineers vs Computer Systems Analysts: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn $4,200 more per year than Civil Engineers professionals — that's 4.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $166,030 for Computer Systems Analysts.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Computer Systems Analysts$63,160 – $166,030
$63,160$166,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Computer Systems Analysts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $63,160 | +$2,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $80,900 | $-2,110 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $103,790 | $-4,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $132,360 | $-4,070 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $166,030 | $-5,040 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $111,960 | $-4,910 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Computer Systems Analysts
497,800
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
Best Cities for Computer Systems Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $160,800 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $132,580 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $127,150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $126,520 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Civil Engineers or Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $4,200 (4.2% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
What is the salary range for Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts salaries range from $63,160 (10th percentile) to $166,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $103,790.
How many Civil Engineers and Computer Systems Analysts jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 497,800 Computer Systems Analysts positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Systems Analysts to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 while Computer Systems Analysts earns $103,790. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS