Civil Engineer Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median civil engineer salary in Raleigh, NC is $88,141 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Civil Engineer Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median civil engineer salary of $88,141, which is $5,396 above the North Carolina state average of $82,745. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for civil engineers in Raleigh spans from $59,192 at the 10th percentile to $135,828 at the 90th percentile — a $76,636 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,760, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,400. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Civil Engineer Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $60,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,192 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,736 |
| Median (50th) | $88,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $135,828 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Civil Engineer in Raleigh
Education
Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open civil engineer positions in Raleigh, NC: