EngineeringUpdated Q1 2026

Geotechnical Engineer Salary
in Cary, NC

Study soil and rock behavior to support foundations, tunnels, and earthworks design. Median salary in Cary: $101K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$101K
per year
Take-home: $66K

Salary range in Cary

Entry level (25th)$76,000
Median (50th)$101,000
Senior (75th)$132,000
Top earner (90th)$168,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Cary, North Carolina.

Key facts for Cary

Median salary
$101K
annual
Take-home pay
$66K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+3.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cary Geotechnical Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $101K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Cary

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Geotechnical Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$85K$92K$100K$107K$114K201920212023202520272029
2026
$104K
projected
2027
$106K
projected
2028
$109K
projected
2029
$111K
projected
2030
$114K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$101,000+$0
2028 projected$101,000+$0
2029 projected$101,000+$0
2030 projected$101,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Geotechnical Engineer Salary in Cary, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Geotechnical Engineer salary in Cary, NC is $101,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cary–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Geotechnical Engineer in Cary

Entry-level Geotechnical Engineers in Cary with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $76,000 and $101,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $101,000 to $132,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $132,000 to $168,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cary for Geotechnical Engineers

Cary has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Cary are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Geotechnical Engineer

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license. 20% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Geotechnical Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cary (current)$101K112
Charlotte$90K100
Raleigh$95K102
Greensboro$79K88
Durham$95K100
Winston-Salem$77K85