Average Civil Engineers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Civil Engineers in Wilmington, North Carolina, can expect an average annual salary of $94,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $106,590, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially specific industry demands in Wilmington influence compensation levels. Factors such as the concentration of engineering firms and the scale of ongoing infrastructure projects likely play a role in shaping these local pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,490.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, hosts a dedicated workforce of 480 Civil Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 1.1 indicating a slightly higher concentration than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally booming, demand for these professionals within the local job market. The presence of 2.542 Civil Engineers per 1,000 workers points to a consistent need for their expertise in the region's development and maintenance.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Wilmington, NC earns-11.1%below the national average.
$45.6
$1,822
$7,896
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in Wilmington, NC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, infrastructure investments, and the increasing complexity of engineering projects typically drive upward pressure on compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Wilmington, NC, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and design expertise can significantly increase their earning potential. The gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles reflects the career trajectory available, rewarding specialized skills and years of dedicated service in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,480 | $31.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,063 | $34.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $92,670 | $44.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $118,438 | $56.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $129,490 | $62.3 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $94,750 in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to that of their national counterparts, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
2.542
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.1, Wilmington, NC, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Civil Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where demand is present and potentially growing, but not so saturated as to depress wages significantly. Professionals in this field can expect a good number of opportunities within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $83,550↓ 12% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Civil Engineers Salary | $87,530↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $94,320↓ 0% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $97,250↑ 3% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $95,680↑ 1% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Wilmington, NC is $94,750. This typically ranges from $65,480 for entry-level positions to $129,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 11.1% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.Civil Engineers in Wilmington earn an average of $94,750, which is on par with the national average cost of living. While below the national average salary, the strong local concentration suggests a robust job market.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($83,550) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average Civil Engineer salary in Wilmington, NC, is $94,750, which is lower than the national average of $106,590.
What is the job market like for Civil Engineers in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington has a slightly higher concentration of Civil Engineers than the national average (LQ of 1.1), indicating a stable and competitive job market with consistent demand.
Does the cost of living in Wilmington affect Civil Engineer salaries?
No, the cost of living in Wilmington is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $94,750 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
How many Civil Engineers work in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 480 Civil Engineers employed in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 2.542 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 Wilmington, NC