Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $45.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in New Bern, NC runs $45.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,060 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineers in New Bern, NC, can expect a median hourly pay of $45.70 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $49.76. This hourly rate can provide a solid foundation for both full-time professionals and those opting for part-time or per-diem roles. For instance, a civil engineer working three days a week can still enjoy a reasonable income while managing other commitments, particularly within environments like consulting firm offices where they utilize software and design tools such as CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD. The pay scale in New Bern shows a substantial range, with entry-level positions starting at $31.00 per hour and top earners reaching up to $70.84, indicating varied opportunities based on experience and specialization in the field.
About the New Bern 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) | $31.00 | $248.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.78 | $286.21 |
| Median (P50) | $45.70 | $365.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.69 | $461.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.84 | $566.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $45.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.70/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $95,058 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,841. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,828.05 | $7,922 | $95,058 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,096.83 | $4,753 | $57,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.22 | $3,169 | $38,023 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (New Bern) | $45.70 |
| 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 New Bern, NC earn a median of $95,060 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $96,901.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.70/hr = $57,035/year (purchasing power: $60,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,058/year (purchasing power: $101,558).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in New Bern grew 12.6% from $39.54/hr (2019) to $44.53/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.90/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 New Bern 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 New Bern
In analyzing the earning potential, a civil engineer working a 24-hour week could take home around $57,456 annually, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem civil engineers in New Bern often command higher rates, with many billing between $100 and $180 per hour, reflecting the demand for specialized skills in areas such as geotechnical investigations and hydraulic studies. Moreover, seasoned professionals acting as expert witnesses can earn anywhere from $250 to $500 per hour. Different employers can also impact pay rates; while top-tier firms like AECOM or Jacobs may offer competitive hourly rates, local public works departments might provide lower compensation in exchange for job stability and benefits. Negotiating hourly pay effectively can hinge on understanding the local market dynamics, considering whether to prioritize higher pay with fewer benefits or a more secure position with health insurance. Insight into these factors can help civil engineers in New Bern make informed decisions about their career paths and compensation expectations.
More salary data for New Bern, 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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