Average Civil Engineers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Civil Engineers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $100,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the Research Triangle area. While not exceeding the national benchmark, this salary reflects the specialized skills required for civil engineering roles in this dynamic metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $100,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $146,870.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a robust local workforce of 690 Civil Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated job market. The presence of 2.025 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent demand for civil engineering expertise within this growing metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-5.3%below the national average.
$48.5
$1,941
$8,413
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, infrastructure projects, and an increasing demand for specialized engineering services typically drive upward salary adjustments in this field, reflecting both inflation and the evolving skill requirements.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the 75th percentile and beyond. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and increased earning potential available through professional development and accumulated experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $73,430 | $35.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $75,713 | $36.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $92,670 | $44.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $126,188 | $60.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $146,870 | $70.6 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$100,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$100,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $100,950 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, relocating professionals can expect their earnings to maintain a comparable standard of living without significant financial adjustments related to local expenses.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
2.025
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.88x the national average concentration of Civil Engineers 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 0.88 for Civil Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This indicates a competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated. While not a hub of exceptionally high concentration, the steady job availability implies a healthy environment for skilled Civil Engineers seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $104,470↑ 3% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $99,020↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $95,070↓ 6% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $96,370↓ 5% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $91,330↓ 10% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $100,950. This typically ranges from $73,430 for entry-level positions to $146,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 5.3% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary relative to the cost of living.Civil Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill earn $100,950 annually, which aligns with the national average cost of living. This makes the compensation highly competitive for the region.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($104,470) and Burlington, NC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Civil Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill is $100,950, which is slightly below the national average of $106,590.
What is the job market like for Civil Engineers in this area?
The job market is stable with a Location Quotient of 0.88, indicating a solid presence of Civil Engineers and consistent demand, with 2.025 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $100,950 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Civil Engineers work in Durham-Chapel Hill?
There are approximately 690 Civil Engineers employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 2.025 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC