Environmental Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $83,265 (2026)

Environmental Engineer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median environmental engineer salary of $83,265, which is $5,809 below the North Carolina state average of $89,074. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $83,265 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,820 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for environmental engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Winston-Salem spans from $52,460 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $74,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,120. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,280

$-13,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$122,120

$-19,880 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$52,460	$56,120	$61,000
25th Percentile	$65,360	$69,920	$76,000
Median (50th)	$83,265	$89,074	$96,820
75th Percentile	$104,920	$112,240	$122,000
90th Percentile	$127,280	$136,160	$148,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$52,460

25th Percentile

$65,360

Median (50th)

$83,265

75th Percentile

$104,920

90th Percentile

$127,280

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median environmental engineer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $83,265 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $52,460 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $83,265, a environmental engineer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median environmental engineer salary of $83,265 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $89,074. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a environmental engineer salary of $83,265 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most environmental engineer positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina