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State comparison · 2025

Environmental Engineers salary: California vs North Carolina

Occupation

Environmental Engineers in California earn a median of $130,410. In North Carolina, $99,440. After cost-of-living, the gap is 11.7% — not 31.1%.

Nominal pay gap
+31.1%
California vs North Carolina
COL-adjusted gap
+11.7%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Environmental Engineers

Median
$130,410
p25
$95,950
p75
$148,650
p10
$79,790
p90
$170,790
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-59%
See full breakdown for California

North Carolina

Environmental Engineers

Median
$99,440
p25
$76,640
p75
$127,040
p10
$69,000
p90
$143,040
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
94.3
Hiring velocity (180d)
0%
See full breakdown for North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.