Morrisville vs Raleigh: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Morrisville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morrisville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,527 | $104,108▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.93 | $50.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,478 | $76,121▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,367 | $81,940▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,107 | $130,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,853 | $168,016▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 4,640▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morrisville.
The salary gap between Morrisville and Raleigh is $8,581 (8.98%). Raleigh's median is +0.60% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morrisville spans $80,375,Raleigh spans $91,895. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($106,063 effective) pays 3.92% more than Morrisville ($102,059 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Morrisville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,108/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,016)
- ✓Larger job market (4,640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,063)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Morrisville grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Morrisville, NC
$84,862 (2024) → $93,079 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$86,650 (2019) → $101,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morrisville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Morrisville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morrisville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Morrisville to Raleigh as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Morrisville vs Raleigh?
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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