Charlotte vs Concord: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charlotte, NC and Concord, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Concord, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,062 | $106,781▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.51 | $51.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,731▲ | $69,778 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,365 | $82,207▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,091 | $136,681▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,329▲ | $165,511 |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Charlotte and Concord are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Concord is $1,719 (1.64%). Concord's median is +3.18% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $93,598,Concord spans $95,733. Concord 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, Concord ($114,082 effective) pays 5.71% 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 Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,329)
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Concord if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,781/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,082)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Charlotte grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in Concord over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$80,710 (2019) → $102,370 (2025)
Concord, NC
$88,396 (2024) → $104,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Concord, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Charlotte or Concord?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Concord?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Concord as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Charlotte vs Concord?
Related Comparisons
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