Charlotte vs Greenville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charlotte, NC and Greenville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Greenville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,062▲ | $96,893 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.51▲ | $46.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,731▲ | $65,139 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,365▲ | $72,549 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,091▲ | $109,722 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,329▲ | $131,377 |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Greenville is $8,169 (8.43%). 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 Charlotte spans $93,598,Greenville spans $66,238. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greenville ($109,605 effective) pays 1.56% 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…
- ✓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
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,605)
- ✓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 15.4% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$80,710 (2019) → $102,370 (2025)
Greenville, NC
$81,810 (2019) → $94,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Greenville, 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