Overview Salaries

Salaries in Durham, NC

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Durham, NC?

The average salary in Durham, NC is $64,771 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $64,771 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $5,398 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $1,246 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $31 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Durham, NC, can expect a competitive salary range. The average yearly salary stands at $64,771. This provides a good foundation for many professionals. Several industries offer attractive pay packages, including education, healthcare, and technology.

Here are some key salary figures in various fields in Durham:

  • Education: $59,364
  • Healthcare: $76,545
  • Technology: $93,727

These numbers reflect a strong job market with diverse opportunities. They highlight the potential for salary growth and job stability in these sectors.

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What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

Durham, North Carolina, offers many top-paying job opportunities. Some of the best positions include software engineering and nurse practitioner roles, which provide high salaries and rewarding careers. Aspiring professionals can also find excellent opportunities as project directors, pharmacists, and controllers. These roles allow individuals to earn competitive wages while contributing to the community. The tech industry, healthcare sector, and project management fields are booming in Durham, providing ample chances for growth. Job seekers will appreciate the city's vibrant economy and its strong demand for skilled professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $142,447 and Electrical Engineer with the lowest at $105,020.

  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $142,447
    Design and develop software systems. Work with tech giants like IBM and Red Hat. Enjoy a vibrant tech community.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $133,039
    Provide primary and specialty care. Serve in healthcare facilities like Duke Health. Make a difference in patients' lives daily.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Project Director
    Average Salary: $130,957
    Manage projects from start to finish. Work with companies like EY. Ensure projects meet goals and deadlines.
    Find Project Director jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $128,690
    Dispense medications and advise patients. Work in pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens. Play a vital role in healthcare.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Director
    Average Salary: $115,462
    Lead teams and make strategic decisions. Work in various industries. Guide organizations toward their objectives.
    Find Director jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Controller
    Average Salary: $113,830
    Oversee financial reporting and analysis. Work with companies like IBM and Cisco. Ensure accurate financial records.
    Find Controller jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $111,834
    Sell products directly to customers. Work for companies like Cisco and IBM. Build and maintain client relationships.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $111,669
    Manage clinical staff and services. Work in healthcare settings. Ensure high standards of patient care.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Marketing Manager
    Average Salary: $109,393
    Develop and implement marketing strategies. Work with companies like Red Hat. Drive brand awareness and sales.
    Find Marketing Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $105,020
    Design and test electrical equipment. Work on projects for tech firms. Ensure safety and efficiency in electrical systems.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC without a degree?

Durham, NC, offers several high-paying job opportunities that do not require a college degree. Sales Inspectors, for instance, earn an average salary of $71,917. This role involves inspecting sales records to ensure accuracy. Another top-paying job is a Canvasser, with an average salary of $52,313, focusing on gathering information for market research. Additionally, Restaurant Managers in Durham earn around $50,722 per year. This position involves overseeing restaurant operations, managing staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Other good-paying jobs include Irrigation Technicians, earning about $46,364 annually, and Lawn Care Technicians, with an average salary of $44,053. These roles provide a good mix of skills and compensation, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $71,917 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $36,363.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $71,917
    Inspect and evaluate the quality of sales in different businesses. This role often involves evaluating the performance of sales teams and ensuring compliance with regulations. Companies like IBM and SAS Institute offer growth opportunities.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $52,313
    Promote products and services directly to the public. You will engage with people to understand their needs and present suitable options. Local businesses and political campaigns provide varied experiences.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,722
    Oversee the daily operations of a restaurant. This includes managing staff, maintaining inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Chain restaurants like Panera Bread and local eateries offer diverse experiences.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $46,364
    Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems. This role involves working with landscaping companies to ensure efficient water use. Local firms and large landscapers provide varied projects.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $44,053
    Perform tasks such as mowing, trimming, and planting. This role ensures properties look well-maintained. Companies like TruGreen and local lawn care services offer opportunities.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $40,643
    Supervise kitchen staff and manage food preparation. This role ensures high-quality food and efficient kitchen operations. Restaurants and catering companies provide diverse experiences.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,284
    Create and maintain outdoor spaces. This involves planting, pruning, and designing landscapes. Local businesses and larger landscape firms offer varied projects.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,772
    Plan and lead recreational activities for different age groups. This role involves organizing events and ensuring safety. Community centers and parks offer engaging experiences.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,544
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, offices, and other facilities. This role ensures a clean and comfortable environment. Hotel chains and local businesses provide stable opportunities.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $36,363
    Cut and package meat products. This role requires precision and attention to detail. Supermarkets and local butcher shops offer diverse experiences.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Durham, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

Job seekers in Durham, NC, have the opportunity to work for companies that offer competitive salaries. Among the best-paying employers in the area are Google, LifeStance Health, and IQVIA. These companies provide excellent compensation packages for their employees, making them attractive options for those looking to advance their careers. Google leads the pack with an average salary of $188,413, followed closely by LifeStance Health at $160,420 and IQVIA at $153,554. Other notable employers in Durham, such as The Clorox Company, CHG Healthcare, and Novartis, also offer strong salaries, making the region an ideal place to seek rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Google with the highest at $188,413 and Thermo Fisher Scientific with the lowest at $106,403.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $188,413
    Google is a tech giant known for its innovative projects and products. Working here offers opportunities in software development, engineering, and more.


  2. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $160,420
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services across the United States. Employees here enjoy a supportive environment and good pay.


  3. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $153,554
    IQVIA is a leading healthcare information technology company. It offers jobs in data analysis, healthcare consulting, and more.


  4. The Clorox Company
    Average Salary: $140,061
    The Clorox Company makes household cleaning products. Employees here can look forward to a stable job with competitive pay.


  5. CHG Healthcare
    Average Salary: $138,208
    CHG Healthcare focuses on connecting healthcare professionals with opportunities. It provides a good salary and benefits package.


  6. Novartis
    Average Salary: $130,131
    Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company. It offers jobs in research, development, and other areas of the pharmaceutical industry.


  7. UniFirst
    Average Salary: $118,711
    UniFirst provides uniform and facility services. Employees here benefit from a solid salary and good company culture.


  8. RTI International
    Average Salary: $111,041
    RTI International is a research institute. It offers careers in research, technology, and more. Employees enjoy a decent salary.


  9. LabCorp
    Average Salary: $108,819
    LabCorp is a leading clinical laboratory services company. It provides jobs in lab testing and healthcare services.


  10. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $106,403
    Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global biotech company. It offers careers in scientific research, lab services, and more.

How does the cost of living in Durham, NC compare to the national average?

Durham, NC, shows a cost of living index that generally aligns with the nationwide average. Housing stands at 90, which is 10% below the national average. Groceries are slightly higher at 95, only 5% below the national average. Utilities in Durham are just 2% below the national average at 98, while transportation costs are noticeably lower at 85, showing a 15% reduction. Healthcare maintains parity with the national average, set at 100. Miscellaneous costs also follow closely at 93, which is 7% below the average. Overall, the cost of living in Durham is moderately lower than the national average, offering potential savings across various categories.
Cost of living comparison graph for Durham, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 10% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

The cost of living index in Durham, NC, shows that residents typically spend less on most expenses compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For housing, the index stands at 90, meaning residents pay 10% less than the national average. Groceries in Durham are slightly cheaper, with an index of 95, indicating a 5% decrease from the average.


Transportation costs in Durham are notably lower at an index of 85, suggesting a 15% savings compared to the national average. Utilities, however, are slightly higher, with an index of 98, indicating a 2% increase. Healthcare costs align perfectly with the national average at 100, while miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 93, show a modest 7% reduction. Overall, job seekers may find it financially advantageous to consider relocating to Durham, NC, due to these relatively lower costs.

There are 2,677 job openings in Durham, NC, today!

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Discover what it's like to work in Durham, NC. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Durham, NC
2,677 Job Openings

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