Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Winston, NC: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Winston, NC runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,384 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Winston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,835 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Winston, North Carolina, civil engineers can expect a median hourly pay of $41.53, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.76. This hourly rate reflects the region's unique economic landscape and cost of living index of 92.043, indicating a more affordable environment for professionals in the field. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this translates to varied earnings based on hours worked. Additionally, per-diem civil engineers in Winston often find themselves employed at consulting firms, construction sites, or government offices that utilize advanced design software like CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD. The hourly range for civil engineers in this area spans from $32.95 at entry-level positions to $66.70 for the most experienced professionals, as reported in official BLS data.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.95 | $263.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.42 | $299.35 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.82 | $446.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.70 | $533.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,841. With a cost-of-living index of 92.04 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.37 | $7,199 | $86,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.82 | $4,320 | $51,835 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.55 | $2,880 | $34,557 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Winston) | $41.53 |
| 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 Winston, NC earn a median of $86,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.53% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 10.90% below the North Carolina state average of $96,951.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,835/year (purchasing power: $56,316).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,391/year (purchasing power: $93,860).
CoL index: 92.043 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Winston grew 7.5% from $37.66/hr (2019) to $40.47/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.63/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 Winston 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 Winston
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that a civil engineer working 24 hours a week may earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. The financial implications may present a trade-off, especially when considering the considerable rewards associated with per-diem engagements; 1099 employees often charge rates between $100 and $180 per hour. Specializations, particularly in structural or forensic engineering, can yield even higher fees, with rates reaching $250 to $500 per hour. Hourly pay also varies based on the type of employer, whether it be a large engineering firm like AECOM or a state DOT. Some civil engineers opt for positions with lower hourly pay to secure benefits, while others may prefer higher rates without associated health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, understanding the local job market and leveraging relevant credentials like the PE license can provide significant advantages for civil engineers in Winston, NC.
More salary data for Winston, 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 Winston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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