EnergyUpdated Q1 2026

Energy Engineer Salary
in Cary, NC

Design and optimize energy systems for efficiency, sustainability, and cost reduction. Median salary in Cary: $118K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$118K
per year
Take-home: $77K

Salary range in Cary

Entry level (25th)$87,000
Median (50th)$118,000
Senior (75th)$155,000
Top earner (90th)$196,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Cary, North Carolina. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Cary

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

12% premium vs national median

Energy Engineers in Cary earn approximately 12% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $13,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Cary's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Strong 6.5% annual wage growth

This role's national salaries are growing at 6.5% year-over-year, well above the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. If that pace holds, the Cary median reaches $161,670 in five years.

Key facts for Cary

Median salary
$118K
annual
Take-home pay
$77K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+6.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cary Energy Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $118K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Cary

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

HistoricalProjected
Energy Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$99K$108K$117K$125K$134K201920212023202520272029
2026
$121K
projected
2027
$124K
projected
2028
$127K
projected
2029
$130K
projected
2030
$134K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$118,000+$0
2028 projected$118,000+$0
2029 projected$118,000+$0
2030 projected$118,000+$0

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

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

The median Energy Engineer salary in Cary, NC is $118,000 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 Energy Engineer in Cary

Entry-level Energy Engineers in Cary with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $87,000 and $118,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $118,000 to $155,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $155,000 to $196,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cary for Energy 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 Energy Engineer

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; PE license. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Energy Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cary (current)$118K112
Charlotte$105K100
Raleigh$107K102
Greensboro$92K88
Durham$107K100
Winston-Salem$89K85