Charlotte vs Holly Springs: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charlotte, NC and Holly Springs, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Holly Springs, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,062▲ | $93,533 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.51▲ | $44.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,731▲ | $68,653 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,365▲ | $74,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,091▲ | $119,722 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,329▲ | $144,976 |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Holly Springs.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Holly Springs is $11,529 (12.33%). 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,Holly Springs spans $76,323. 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, Charlotte ($107,924 effective) pays 8.00% more than Holly Springs ($99,928 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,924)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Holly Springs if…
- ✓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 9.7% growth in Holly Springs over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$80,710 (2019) → $102,370 (2025)
Holly Springs, NC
$83,091 (2024) → $91,136 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Holly Springs, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Charlotte or Holly Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Holly Springs?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Holly Springs as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Charlotte vs Holly Springs?
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