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Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Wilmington, NC

Electrical Engineers in Wilmington, NC, command an average annual salary of $112,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $121,030, suggesting that while demand exists, specific local economic factors or industry concentrations may influence compensation levels. The presence of a dedicated workforce and specialized industries in Wilmington likely shapes the earning potential for these professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $112,760 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $203,160.
  • Outlook: Wilmington, NC, hosts a local workforce of 370 Electrical Engineers, with 1.954 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.6 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing demand for electrical engineering talent within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$112,760

The average Electrical Engineers in Wilmington, NC earns-6.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$54.2

Weekly

$2,168

Monthly

$9,397

Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC

The salary landscape for Electrical Engineers in Wilmington, NC, typically shows a clear progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average, potentially reaching the upper 75th or 90th percentiles, reflecting substantial career growth opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$66,690$32.1
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$84,570$40.7
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$100,310$48.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$140,950$67.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$203,160$97.7

Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$112,760

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$112,760

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average salary of $112,760 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Electrical Engineers in Wilmington, NC, experience a purchasing power that is directly aligned with the national average. This means that the nominal salary effectively translates to a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country, making relocation financially predictable.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

1.954

Per 1K Jobs

1.6

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Wilmington, NC has 1.6x the national concentration of Electrical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Wilmington, NC, boasts a Location Quotient of 1.6 for Electrical Engineers, signifying that the area has 60% more of these professionals than the national average relative to its workforce size. This elevated concentration suggests a competitive market with potentially abundant opportunities for skilled engineers, but also indicates a strong local ecosystem supporting this profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers

Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC

Hiring Electrical Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Wilmington, NC?

The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Wilmington, NC is $112,760. This typically ranges from $66,690 for entry-level positions to $203,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 6.8% lower than the national median of $121,030.

Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $112,760 is below the national average, the high concentration of roles (LQ 1.6) and a national-average cost of living suggest a stable and opportunity-rich environment for electrical engineers.

Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Electrical 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 Goldsboro, NC ($102,420) and Fayetteville, NC.

How does Wilmington's Electrical Engineer salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Electrical Engineers in Wilmington, NC, is $112,760, which is approximately $8,270 less than the national average of $121,030.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Wilmington?

A Location Quotient of 1.6 means that Electrical Engineers are 60% more concentrated in Wilmington, NC, than the national average, indicating a strong local presence and demand for the profession.

How does the Cost of Living in Wilmington affect an Electrical Engineer's salary?

Wilmington's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $112,760 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without being significantly impacted by high or low living expenses.

What does the total local workforce number imply for Electrical Engineers?

With 370 Electrical Engineers in the local workforce, it suggests a substantial, established community of professionals in Wilmington, contributing to a dynamic job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.954 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.