Raleigh vs Fayetteville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Raleigh, NC and Fayetteville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Fayetteville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,108▲ | $98,607 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.05▲ | $47.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,121▲ | $74,058 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,940 | $84,454▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,627▲ | $121,853 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,016▲ | $135,071 |
| Total Employed | 4,640▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Fayetteville is $5,501 (5.58%). 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 Raleigh spans $91,895,Fayetteville spans $61,013. Raleigh 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, Fayetteville ($107,207 effective) pays 1.08% more than Raleigh ($106,063 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,108/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,016)
- ✓Larger job market (4,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,207)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Raleigh grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$86,650 (2019) → $101,440 (2025)
Fayetteville, NC
$86,690 (2019) → $96,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Fayetteville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Raleigh or Fayetteville?
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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