Architecture and Engineering professionals in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $78,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, reflecting the distinct economic landscape and demand dynamics of this specific region compared to broader national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $78,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,420.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,750 individuals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations, and a location quotient of 0.65, the job market in Western North Carolina indicates a concentration of these roles that is below the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit less concentrated, demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-24.3%below the national average.
$37.7
$1,507
$6,530
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Western North Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation driven by inflation and evolving industry demands.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and specialized expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a substantial increase from their initial earnings.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,720 | $22.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $58,770 | $28.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $75,280 | $36.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $97,950 | $47.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,420 | $58.4 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$78,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $78,360 in Western North Carolina aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This suggests that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,750
Total Jobs
10.764
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.65x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.65 signifies that Architecture and Engineering Occupations are less concentrated in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This implies that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $89,860↑ 15% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $87,800↑ 12% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $85,010↑ 8% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $85,780↑ 9% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $103,570↑ 32% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $78,360. This typically ranges from $46,720 for entry-level positions to $121,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 24.3% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $78,360 is significantly lower than the national average of $103,510 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($89,860) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 2,750 suggests a moderate pool of professionals, indicating a steady but not overly competitive job market for Architecture and Engineering roles in the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.65 mean for engineers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.65, means that Architecture and Engineering Occupations are less prevalent in this area compared to the national average, suggesting fewer specialized job opportunities relative to the overall workforce.
How does the cost of living affect the $78,360 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $78,360 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch similarly to what they would elsewhere in the country.
Are there many Architecture and Engineering jobs per capita in this area?
With 10.764 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Architecture and Engineering roles is present, though the lower location quotient suggests it's not a primary hub for these professions nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,750 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.764 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area