Average Civil Engineer Salary in North Carolina

Civil engineers design, build, supervise, and maintain infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, water systems, and buildings. They are the backbone of the built environment, combining principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to solve complex structural and environmental challenges. Civil engineering encompasses many sub-disciplines — structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, environmental, and construction management — each with distinct salary dynamics. The national median annual salary is approximately $95,890, with specialized roles in transportation and energy infrastructure reaching $130,000 and above.

In North Carolina, civil engineers earn an average of $95,220 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $61,887 for entry-level roles to $136,470 for the most experienced professionals — +0.7% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by pe licensure — engineers with a pe license earn significantly more and qualify for senior roles, specialization — structural and transportation engineers in high-demand markets earn premiums, and the specific metro area within North Carolina.