Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in High Point, NC: $45.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in High Point, NC runs $45.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,441 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against High Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,664 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In High Point, NC, civil engineer hourly pay is projected at $45.40 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.76. This median hourly rate reflects the typical earnings for part-time civil engineers working three days a week in settings such as consulting firms with advanced CAD and drafting software, construction site offices, or even government departments focused on infrastructure projects. Entry-level engineers might earn around $30.97 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $70.37 per hour, creating a diverse range for those entering the field. Understanding this hourly pay structure is essential for professionals considering various work arrangements, especially as many engineering roles can offer flexibility between traditional employment, freelance, or contract work.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.97 | $247.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.94 | $287.53 |
| Median (P50) | $45.40 | $363.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.12 | $464.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.37 | $562.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in High Point
Based on $45.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.40/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in High Point, NC can expect to earn approximately $94,439 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,484. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in High Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in High Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,816.14 | $7,870 | $94,439 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,089.68 | $4,722 | $56,664 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.46 | $3,148 | $37,776 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (High Point) | $45.40 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $45.72 |
| Construction Manager (National Avg) | $51.87 |
Civil Engineers in High Point, NC earn a median of $94,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.75% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 2.60% below the North Carolina state average of $96,962.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.40/hr = $56,664/year (purchasing power: $60,538).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,439/year (purchasing power: $100,897).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in High Point grew 15.8% from $38.19/hr (2019) to $44.24/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.60/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem civil engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the High Point metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Civil Engineer in High Point
Examining part-time work further, a civil engineer in High Point who opts for a 3-day work schedule would net approximately $56,332 annually, a stark contrast to their full-time counterparts. Per diem civil engineer pay in High Point can drastically rise, with billing rates for independent contractors often ranging from $100 to $180 per hour; these rates climb higher for specialization in fields such as forensic engineering or structural consultations. The type of firm shapes earnings significantly; consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs may offer competitive pay with benefits, while government positions provide stability, albeit at a lower hourly rate. Engineers should also consider their health insurance needs when weighing options between higher hourly wages in private firms and potentially lower pay with benefits in public sectors. Engaging in salary negotiations with knowledge of local trends can empower civil engineers to secure favorable terms in this competitive environment.
More salary data for High Point, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for civil engineers in High Point. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for High Point is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov