Engineering North Carolina (NC) Rank #30 of 50

Electrical Engineer Salary in North Carolina

The median electrical engineer salary in North Carolina is $96,241 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $104,610.

Median Salary
$96,241
vs National
$-8,369
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Electrical Engineer Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #30 out of 50 states for electrical engineer compensation. Electrical Engineer salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $96,241 per year, electrical engineers in North Carolina earn $8,369 less than the national median of $104,610.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $96,241 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $104,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: electrical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $60,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $149,040 — a $88,320 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $102,518.

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for electrical engineers across the country.

Electrical Engineer Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level electrical engineer earns around $62,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,600 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,520
$-8,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $60,720
25th Percentile $76,360
Median (50th) $96,241
75th Percentile $121,440
90th Percentile $149,040

Electrical Engineer Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for electrical engineers in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Electrical Engineer in North Carolina

Education

Most electrical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Circuit DesignMATLABPCB DesignPower SystemsControl SystemsEmbedded Systems

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Electrical Engineer Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Electrical Engineer make in North Carolina? ▼
The median electrical engineer salary in North Carolina is $96,241 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $104,610. Salaries range from $60,720 (10th percentile) to $149,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Electrical Engineer make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,241, a electrical engineer in North Carolina earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for electrical engineers? ▼
North Carolina ranks #30 out of 50 states for electrical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level electrical engineers earn $62,560, while senior professionals earn $142,600.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for electrical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for electrical engineers is Hawaii at $177,837. North Carolina's median of $96,241 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($97,287) and New Mexico ($97,287).
What is the entry-level electrical engineer salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level electrical engineer in North Carolina earns approximately $62,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $97,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $142,600.
What city in North Carolina pays electrical engineers the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for electrical engineers, with a median salary of $102,518. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.