Overview Salaries

Salaries in Durham, NC

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Durham, NC?

The average salary in Durham, NC is $65,839 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $65,839 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $5,487 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $1,266 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $32 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Durham, NC, job seekers can find a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $65,839, providing a solid income base for many workers. This average includes salaries from various sectors, such as education, healthcare, and technology, which are all well-represented in the area.


The salary distribution in Durham showcases a diverse economic landscape. Most positions offer salaries between $42,273 and $94,091 per year. Key industries contribute to this spread, with notable concentrations in the tech and research fields. Job seekers can expect competitive pay, especially in specialized roles, making Durham an attractive place for career growth and financial stability.

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What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

Job seekers in Durham, NC, have many opportunities for high-paying positions. The city offers excellent salaries across various industries. Solution Architects lead with an average salary of $161,830, followed closely by Clinical Research Managers at $158,580. Other top-paying roles include Software Engineers, Directors, and Clinical Managers, all earning above $130,000. Professionals can also find good opportunities in healthcare, with Pharmacists and Nurse Practitioners earning over $130,000. Clinical Supervisors and Outside Sales Representatives also enjoy competitive pay. Engineers, with an average salary of $112,196, round out the list of top-paying jobs in Durham. These roles provide not only financial rewards but also stable career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Solution Architect with the highest at $161,830 and Engineer with the lowest at $112,196.

  1. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $161,830
    This role involves creating software solutions for businesses. It requires a mix of technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Companies in Durham often seek these experts to enhance their technology infrastructure.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Clinical Research Manager
    Average Salary: $158,580
    This position oversees clinical research projects. It involves coordinating with research teams and ensuring compliance with regulations. Health and pharmaceutical companies in Durham offer opportunities for professionals with a background in clinical research.
    Find Clinical Research Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $150,982
    Software Engineers develop, test, and maintain software applications. They use programming languages and tools to create solutions for various needs. Tech companies in Durham look for skilled engineers to join their teams.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Director
    Average Salary: $149,714
    Directors lead teams and departments within a company. They make strategic decisions and ensure goals are met. Leadership roles are available in various industries in Durham, including tech and healthcare.
    Find Director jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Clinical Manager
    Average Salary: $137,797
    This role involves managing clinical staff and operations. It requires a mix of healthcare knowledge and management skills. Healthcare facilities in Durham seek experienced managers to oversee patient care services.
    Find Clinical Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $131,846
    Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They play a crucial role in healthcare. Pharmacies in Durham need skilled pharmacists to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $129,406
    This role involves supervising clinical staff and ensuring quality care. It requires strong leadership and clinical skills. Healthcare providers in Durham often hire supervisors to maintain high standards of care.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $129,176
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose illnesses and manage treatment plans. Medical practices in Durham value experienced nurse practitioners for their patient care skills.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $114,366
    This role involves selling products or services to businesses. It requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Sales positions are available in various sectors in Durham, from tech to healthcare.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Engineer
    Average Salary: $112,196
    Engineers design, build, and test products or systems. They apply principles of math and science to solve problems. Companies in Durham offer engineering roles across different industries, including tech and manufacturing.
    Find Engineer jobs in Durham, NC

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

Durham, NC, offers several well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. These roles provide competitive wages and valuable work experiences. For instance, a Sales Inspector can earn around $72,667 annually, while a Canvasser makes about $54,736 a year. Other opportunities include roles such as Landscaper, Recreation Assistant, and Housekeeping, each offering strong earning potential. Landscapers can make around $40,500, Recreation Assistants about $38,893, and Housekeeping staff $37,219 each year. These jobs provide good pay and the chance to gain important skills in various fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $72,667 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $32,362.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $72,667
    Perform inspections and gather data for sales. Work with real estate agents and clients. Companies like Keller Williams Realty offer these roles.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $54,736
    Promote products and services door-to-door. Engage with potential customers and gather feedback. Roles are available with local businesses and campaign teams.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $40,518
    Maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. Work on gardens, lawns, and other greenery. Companies like TruGreen serve the area and offer these jobs.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,893
    Help organize and lead recreational activities. Engage with community members and promote healthy lifestyles. Local parks and recreation departments often hire for these roles.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,219
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and other establishments. Ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment for guests. Many hotels, like Marriott, offer these positions.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,850
    Prepare meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work closely with the kitchen team to meet demand. Restaurants like P.F. Chang’s provide job opportunities.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,822
    Maintain the grounds of properties. Mow lawns, trim hedges, and ensure the area looks neat. Schools and local businesses look for groundskeepers regularly.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $33,624
    Serve guests and ensure they have a great experience. Work in a team to handle orders and clean the area. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s offer these roles.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,656
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Engage with customers and provide a welcoming atmosphere. Coffee shops like Starbucks have openings.
    Find Barista jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $32,362
    Maintain and clean floors in various settings. Use specialized equipment to ensure floors look great. Hotels and commercial buildings often hire floor techs.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Durham, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

Job seekers in Durham, NC, can find high-paying opportunities at top companies. Google leads with an average salary of $189,615. Other notable employers include LifeStance Health at $160,349 and IQVIA at $155,636. These companies offer competitive wages, attracting skilled professionals. The Clorox Company, Fortrea, and Lane & Associates Family Dentistry also provide attractive compensation packages. GRAIL, RTI International, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Labcorp round out the list of top-paying employers in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Google with the highest at $189,615 and Labcorp with the lowest at $107,934.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $189,615
    Google is a tech giant known for its innovative products. It offers a range of tech roles that come with competitive salaries and excellent benefits.


  2. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $160,349
    LifeStance Health focuses on mental health services. They provide a supportive environment and offer attractive compensation packages.


  3. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $155,636
    IQVIA is a leading provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and contract research services to the life sciences industry.


  4. The Clorox Company
    Average Salary: $144,695
    The Clorox Company manufactures consumer packaged goods, including cleaning and personal care products. They offer good salaries and benefits.


  5. Fortrea
    Average Salary: $126,770
    Fortrea is a contract research organization that provides clinical development and laboratory services to the life sciences industry.


  6. Lane & Associates Family Dentistry
    Average Salary: $122,516
    Lane & Associates Family Dentistry is a dental practice that offers comprehensive dental care. They value their employees and offer competitive salaries.


  7. GRAIL
    Average Salary: $116,345
    GRAIL is a healthcare company focused on early cancer detection. They provide innovative services and attractive compensation packages.


  8. RTI International
    Average Salary: $112,900
    RTI International is a research institute that offers consulting and technical services. They provide good salaries and benefits.


  9. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $109,010
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments, services, and solutions. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.


  10. Labcorp
    Average Salary: $107,934
    Labcorp is a global life sciences company focused on advancing health and improving lives. They offer a variety of roles with competitive compensation.

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

The cost of living index in Durham, North Carolina, reflects a generally lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, housing, utilities, and transportation costs are significantly lower, while grocery and miscellaneous expenses are slightly below the national average. Healthcare costs in Durham align with the national average. In detail, Durham's housing index stands at 80, utilities at 90, and transportation at 85. These indices suggest potential savings for those relocating. Meanwhile, groceries and miscellaneous costs, at 95 and 90 respectively, remain competitive, providing a balanced cost of living scenario.
Cost of living comparison graph for Durham, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 20% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

The cost of living in Durham, NC, differs from the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing in Durham stands at 80, which is 20% below the national average of 100. This suggests that housing expenses in Durham are notably lower compared to other regions in the country. For job seekers considering Durham, this lower housing cost can be an attractive benefit, potentially allowing for a better quality of life or increased disposable income.


In addition to housing, other cost factors also show differences when compared to the national average. Groceries in Durham are priced at 95, which is 5% below the average. Utilities and miscellaneous costs also follow this trend, with utilities at 90 and miscellaneous costs at 90, each 10% below the average. Transportation costs in Durham are slightly lower at 85, which is 15% below the national average. Healthcare costs, however, match the national average at 100, providing no change in this essential expense. Altogether, these figures indicate that while some costs in Durham are below the national average, others remain comparable, offering a balanced living experience.

There are 2,706 job openings in Durham, NC, today!

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Durham, NC
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