Charlotte vs Fayetteville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Fayetteville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,133 | $107,734▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.50 | $51.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,518▲ | $67,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,484▲ | $79,696 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,882▲ | $130,133 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,992▲ | $160,077 |
| Total Employed | 1,770▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Charlotte and Fayetteville are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Fayetteville is $601 (0.56%). Fayetteville's median is -13.84% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $153,474,Fayetteville spans $92,777. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($117,130 effective) pays 6.43% 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 Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,992)
- ✓Larger job market (1,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,734/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,130)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Charlotte grew -0.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.6% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$103,620 (2019) → $103,360 (2025)
Fayetteville, NC
$76,100 (2019) → $103,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Fayetteville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Charlotte or Fayetteville?
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Should I relocate from Charlotte to Fayetteville as a electrical engineer?
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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