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Average Civil Engineer Salary in North Carolina
A civil engineer's wage in North Carolina can range anywhere from $66,500 to $104,700 annually, according to their experience, the field they work in and the city they work in.
- Entry-level civil engineer salary: $66,073/year
- Mid-career (4–6 years): $86,254/year
- Senior-level engineers (10+ years): $1,00,621/year
Since there is much activity in transportation, residential, and eco-friendly projects here, the average salary for civil engineer in North Carolina is virtually in line with the rest of the United States.
5 Career Paths for Civil Engineers in North Carolina
1. BIM Engineer
Infrastructure planning relies on BIM Engineers using Revit, Navisworks, and Civil 3D for making information-rich 3D models. Because digital construction and teamwork are important in North Carolina’s growing cities, the need for BIM engineers is greater.
2. Structural Engineer
Such professionals plan the basic layouts of bridges, buildings, and highways so they remain safe in every scenario. Due to the fast urban development in North Carolina, engineers are needed on every significant project.
3. Transportation Engineer
The job of transportation engineers is to arrange, design, and care for roadways and public transportation systems. North Carolina’s heavy investment in its highway system and light rail makes roadway engineers highly sought after.
4. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers develop sustainable designs that comply with state and federal environmental regulations. With North Carolina’s push for clean energy and sustainable growth, these roles are increasingly important.
5. Geotechnical Engineer
These engineers study soil, rock, and subsurface conditions to support infrastructure development. In North Carolina, their expertise is critical for projects in both hilly and coastal terrains.
Civil Engineer Salaries in Charlotte vs. Raleigh
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Charlotte, NC |
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Raleigh, NC |
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Durham, NC |
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Greensboro, NC |
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Wilmington, NC |
The civil engineer salary in Charlotte NC is slightly higher than in Raleigh, likely due to its status as a major financial and commercial hub. However, the civil engineer salary in Raleigh NC remains competitive, especially for engineers in the tech and research sectors.
Also Read - Florida Civil Engineer Salary: Miami, Orlando, & Tampa Comparison
Factors Affecting Civil Engineering Salaries in North Carolina
1. Experience and Career Progression
Experience significantly impacts compensation. The beginning salary for civil engineers in North Carolina is about $66,073, but it can exceed $1,11,924 for those with 15+ years of experience, leadership roles, or specialized certifications.
2. Educational Background and Licensure
Holding a PE (Professional Engineer) license or advanced degrees increases salary potential. Licensure also opens doors to senior positions and independent project responsibilities.
3. Technological Skills and Specialization
Engineers with expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM), AutoCAD Civil 3D, and sustainable infrastructure practices typically earn more. BIM in particular is shaping the civil engineering salary in North Carolina as firms prioritize digital workflows.
4. Industry and Employer Type
Salaries differ depending on whether you work for a government agency, a private consulting firm, or a multinational construction company. The private sector often offers better bonuses and advancement options.
5. Geographic Location
While Charlotte and Raleigh lead in pay, cities like Durham and Wilmington offer more affordable living, which may balance out lower base pay. These differences play a crucial role in determining the average salary in civil engineering across the state.
6. Project Complexity
Engineers working on multimillion-dollar developments or public-private partnerships typically earn higher wages than those working on smaller, local projects. Complexity translates directly to compensation.
Also Read - Washington Civil Engineer Salaries: Seattle vs. Washington D.C.
Average Salary in Civil Engineering: 5-Year Trends in North Carolina
Over the past five years, the civil engineering salary North Carolina professionals earn has steadily increased, reflecting economic growth, increased infrastructure investments, and technology adoption.
- 2019: The average salary for civil engineer professionals was about $81,780, driven by early investments in transportation and urban housing.
- 2020: Despite pandemic disruptions, the salary only rose slightly to $83,540, as essential construction continued.
- 2021: The salary dipped by -5.80%, bringing the average down to $78,960, largely due to lingering effects of the pandemic and slowed construction activity.
- 2022: Green building initiatives and federal funding pushed average earnings to $81,230.
- 2023–2024: The average salary for civil engineer in North Carolina now stands at around $90,504, with Charlotte engineers averaging $85,254 and Raleigh engineers earning $93,198.
These trends show consistent salary growth and expanding career potential for civil engineers across the state.
Boost Your Salary as a Civil Engineer by Mastering BIM
In today’s competitive AEC industry, standing out as a civil engineer requires more than just a degree. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming how infrastructure projects are designed and executed. By mastering BIM, you not only stay relevant but also open doors to higher-paying roles and faster career growth.
The BIM Advantage:
- Civil engineers with BIM skills are very much in demand, earning over 40% more than the rest.
- Better use of BIM boosts efficiency, makes collaboration far simpler, and helps to achieve superior project results.
How Novatr Helps?
Novatr Offers BIM Professional Course for civil and structural engineers, Novatr’s comprehensive program helps you gain BIM expertise in just 7 months. This course helps you learn about information modeling, parametric structure families, preparing drawings and presenting your designs. It also covers 3D modeling, BIM principles for infrastructure and 4D/5D visualization.
The main focus of this program is on real skills, which involve using the cloud, streamlining BIM techniques, working together and locating clashes. It enables you to use Revit, as well as over 12 other leading building information modeling programs, while following practical methods. Upon the completion of the course, you will be eligible for recognition from Autodesk and Novatr, which can improve your job prospects.
Key USPs:
- Get Dual Certification from Autodesk and Novatr
- Learn Essential BIM Workflows
- 40+ hours of live learning with lifelong access to program content, including multiple RIBA & ISO 19650 Capstone projects.
- Mastering Revit and 10+ BIM software, including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Construction Cloud, Tekla & Civil 3D with industry workflows in just 7 months.
- 48% Average CTC Hike: Get placement assistance to land BIM jobs in globally operating AEC firms.
- ISO Verified Project Experience: Practice your skills by working on an international, standard-structured project
- Career Guidance and Placement Support: Prepare for success with guided interviews, portfolio building, and LinkedIn optimization.
- Dedicated Mentor Support: Stay on track throughout with quick query resolution and personalized feedback. Learn from global mentors who are a part of the top 1% AEC companies.
- Weekly live sessions for learning, revision, and practice.
- Professionally built in-house digital platform to elevate your learning experience.
Why Choose Novatr?
- Trusted by Thousands: Join 6,000+ BIM learners from over 45 countries who have successfully graduated from Novatr.
- Expert-Driven Curriculum: Designed through the analysis of 1,000+ job descriptions and rigorously vetted by 200+ global BIM experts.
- Globally Recognized Certifications: Earn certifications from both Autodesk and Novatr, showcasing your verified expertise.
- Proven Career Impact: Learners report an average salary hike of 48% after course completion.
- Loved by BIM Learners: We have a 4.6+ average rating across platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
In a rapidly evolving industry, Novatr stands out as the premier choice for civil engineers looking to master BIM. Enroll today to future-proof your career and unlock unparalleled growth opportunities in the AEC sector.
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