Burlington vs Charlotte: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Burlington, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,856 | $105,062▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.45 | $50.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,654 | $75,731▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,191 | $81,365▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,243 | $133,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,681 | $169,329▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 3,730▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Charlotte is $2,206 (2.14%). Charlotte's median is +1.52% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $90,027,Charlotte spans $93,598. Charlotte has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($110,365 effective) pays 2.26% more than Charlotte ($107,924 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,365)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,062/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,329)
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Burlington grew 38.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$72,450 (2019) → $100,220 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$80,710 (2019) → $102,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov