Engineering Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Environmental Engineer Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median environmental engineer salary in Charlotte, NC is $94,884 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$94,884
vs State Avg
+$5,810
vs National
$-1,936
Cost of Living
98%

Environmental Engineer Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median environmental engineer salary of $94,884, which is $5,810 above the North Carolina state average of $89,074. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte'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 environmental engineers in Charlotte spans from $59,780 at the 10th percentile to $145,040 at the 90th percentile — a $85,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,720, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,160. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $62,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,040
$-1,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,160
$-2,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $59,780
25th Percentile $74,480
Median (50th) $94,884
75th Percentile $119,560
90th Percentile $145,040

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Charlotte

Education

Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Charlotte, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $94,884 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $59,780 (10th percentile) to $145,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,884, a environmental engineer in Charlotte earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Charlotte's median environmental engineer salary of $94,884 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $89,074. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a environmental engineer salary of $94,884 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Charlotte? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Charlotte require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.