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Structural Engineer Salary in Charlotte, NC

How much does a structural engineer make in Charlotte? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Charlotte's cost of living.

Median Salary
$100,040
per year in Charlotte
Entry Level
$61,249
Starting salary
Senior Level
$137,811
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how structural engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Charlotte.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$61,249$100,040$137,811
Monthly$5,104$8,337$11,484
Biweekly$2,356$3,848$5,300
Weekly$1,178$1,924$2,650
Hourly$29$48$66

Charlotte vs National Average

How Charlotte's structural engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Charlotte Salary
$100,040
COL Index: 108
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,710
Lower in Charlotte

Cost of Living in Charlotte

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$61,340
per year
Population
885,708
residents
Rent % of Income
29.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charlotte have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Structural Engineer

Overview

Design structural components and systems for buildings and infrastructure.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Structural AnalysisCADBuilding CodesDesign Software

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Structural Engineer Salary

See Structural Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
+6%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+5%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+0%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-5%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Structural Engineer Salary in Charlotte, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a structural engineer in Charlotte, NC is $100,040 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charlotte's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level structural engineer professionals in Charlotte can expect to earn around $61,249 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level structural engineers earning approximately $137,811 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charlotte's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charlotte are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a structural engineer's salary in Charlotte typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 18.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Structural Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Charlotte, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.