Apex vs Charlotte: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Apex, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,703▲ | $107,133 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.74▲ | $51.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,598▲ | $67,518 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,017▲ | $80,484 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,984 | $142,882▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,279 | $220,992▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,770▲ |
Verdict
Apex and Charlotte are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Apex and Charlotte is $2,570 (2.40%). Apex's median is -12.26% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $94,681,Charlotte spans $153,474. Charlotte has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Apex ($117,204 effective) pays 6.50% more than Charlotte ($110,052 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,703/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,204)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,992)
- ✓Larger job market (1,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Apex grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.3% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Apex, NC
$101,770 (2024) → $105,840 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$103,620 (2019) → $103,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov