Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,108▲ | $95,569 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.05▲ | $45.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,121▲ | $68,214 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,940▲ | $75,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,627▲ | $122,329 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,016▲ | $148,132 |
| Total Employed | 4,640▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $8,539 (8.93%). 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,Wake Forest spans $79,918. 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, Raleigh ($106,063 effective) pays 3.88% more than Wake Forest ($102,104 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,063)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓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 9.7% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$86,650 (2019) → $101,440 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$84,900 (2024) → $93,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, 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