Overview Salaries

Salaries in Durham, NC

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Durham, NC?

The average salary in Durham, NC is $62,541 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $62,541 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $5,212 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $1,203 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $30 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Durham, NC, can look forward to a variety of salary options across different industries. The average yearly salary for jobs in Durham is $62,541. This figure varies based on the type of job and the industry. Many roles offer salaries that provide a good quality of life for residents in the area.

Some of the top-paying jobs in Durham include roles such as software developers, who earn around $125,091 per year. Other well-paid positions include financial managers at about $91,727 and healthcare administrators at approximately $75,045 annually. These salaries highlight the range of opportunities available, particularly in tech and healthcare sectors. Job seekers with the right skills can find rewarding career paths in these industries.

View jobs in Durham, NC
View all jobs in Durham, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

Job seekers in Durham, NC, have a variety of top-paying job options. Software Engineers lead the list with an average salary of about $139,558 annually. Next, Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists can expect to earn around $132,960 and $127,886, respectively. In Durham, healthcare and technology fields offer some of the highest-paying positions. For example, Project Directors and Directors, often found in management roles, earn around $122,351 and $116,353, respectively. Financial experts, like Controllers, also find good opportunities, with salaries around $112,018. Those in sales and programming fields can look forward to earning around $108,514 and $106,012 annually, respectively. These jobs provide good pay and strong career growth potential.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $139,558 and Electrical Engineer with the lowest at $103,917.

  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $139,558
    Create and test software solutions. Work with tech companies. Opportunities for growth and innovation. Many startups and established firms in the area.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $132,960
    Provide healthcare services. Work in clinics and hospitals. Focus on patient care and treatment. Strong demand in the community.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $127,886
    Distribute and manage medications. Work in pharmacies. Ensure patient safety and satisfaction. Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities hiring.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Project Director
    Average Salary: $122,351
    Oversee projects from start to finish. Manage teams and resources. Work in construction and engineering. High demand in the construction sector.
    Find Project Director jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Director
    Average Salary: $116,353
    Lead teams and departments. Set goals and strategies. Work in various industries. Many leadership roles available.
    Find Director jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Controller
    Average Salary: $112,018
    Manage financial operations. Ensure accuracy and compliance. Work in finance and accounting. Many firms seeking financial expertise.
    Find Controller jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $108,514
    Sell products and services. Build and maintain client relationships. Work in various sectors. Great opportunity for sales professionals.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $107,830
    Supervise clinical staff. Ensure quality care. Work in healthcare settings. Many openings in hospitals and clinics.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Programmer
    Average Salary: $106,012
    Write and test code. Develop software solutions. Work in tech companies. Opportunities for growth in tech startups.
    Find Programmer jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $103,917
    Design and develop electrical systems. Work in manufacturing and construction. Ensure safety and efficiency. Many engineering firms hiring.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC

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

Durham, NC, offers various high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. With the right skills and dedication, individuals can earn substantial incomes. Sales Inspectors, for instance, enjoy a top salary of around $74,077. They often work in retail or wholesale industries, inspecting items to ensure quality. Other well-paying jobs include Canvassers, who earn about $52,106, and Restaurant Managers, with an average salary of $50,315. These roles involve face-to-face interactions and leadership skills, providing a strong foundation for a successful career. Each position offers opportunities for growth and development in the local job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $74,077 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $36,729.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $74,077
    This role involves examining products for quality and compliance. You will work for companies in the area, ensuring that products meet standards. Pay attention to detail and good communication skills are essential.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $52,106
    You will gather information and promote products or services to potential customers. This job offers flexibility and the chance to interact with a diverse range of people. Companies in the region value strong interpersonal skills.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,315
    Manage daily operations at local dining establishments. You oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Good leadership skills and experience in the food industry are beneficial.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $44,000
    Install and maintain irrigation systems for businesses and properties. You will work on projects that ensure efficient water use. Attention to detail and technical skills are important for success.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $42,920
    Perform tasks such as mowing, trimming, and general landscaping. You will ensure properties are well-maintained. Physical stamina and a neat appearance are valuable traits.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $41,833
    Oversee kitchen operations in restaurants. You will coordinate with staff, manage food supplies, and ensure food safety. Strong organizational skills and experience in a kitchen environment are helpful.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,142
    Assist in organizing and leading recreational activities for different age groups. You will promote physical fitness and social interaction. Good communication and leadership skills are beneficial.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $38,034
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces for residential and commercial clients. You will plant trees, install decorative elements, and ensure aesthetics. Physical fitness and a creative eye are important.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Fryer
    Average Salary: $37,333
    Prepare food by frying it in restaurants or food service settings. You will ensure quality and consistency. Attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are key.
    Find Fryer jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $36,729
    Cut and portion meat for retail and food service outlets. You will ensure meat is properly prepared and packaged. Precision and good knife skills are essential.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Durham, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

Companies in Durham, NC, offer competitive salaries, making it an attractive place for job seekers. Google leads with an average salary of $185,705, followed closely by LifeStance Health at $159,938. Nutanix and IQVIA also provide attractive compensation packages, with averages around $156,581 and $148,562, respectively. These companies, along with CHG Healthcare, The Clorox Company, Novartis, Grail, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and LabCorp, offer strong earning potential. Each of these organizations pays over $100,000 on average, providing job seekers with excellent career opportunities and financial stability.
Graph displaying company salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Google with the highest at $185,705 and LabCorp with the lowest at $106,547.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $185,705
    Google is a tech giant known for its innovative products and strong work culture. Employees enjoy various perks and competitive salaries.


  2. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $159,938
    LifeStance Health focuses on mental health services. It provides a supportive environment and good compensation for its staff.


  3. Nutanix
    Average Salary: $156,581
    Nutanix specializes in cloud computing. The company offers rewarding opportunities and competitive pay.


  4. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $148,562
    IQVIA provides data and technology services for the healthcare industry. Employees benefit from high salaries and career growth.


  5. CHG Healthcare
    Average Salary: $136,275
    CHG Healthcare offers staffing solutions for healthcare providers. It pays well and values its workforce.


  6. The Clorox Company
    Average Salary: $136,109
    The Clorox Company produces household cleaning products. It is known for its stable employment and good pay.


  7. Novartis
    Average Salary: $125,980
    Novartis is a global healthcare leader. It provides excellent compensation and benefits to its employees.


  8. Grail
    Average Salary: $112,847
    Grail focuses on early cancer detection. The company offers a dynamic work environment and good pay.


  9. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $107,330
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments and services. It offers competitive salaries and career development.


  10. LabCorp
    Average Salary: $106,547
    LabCorp is a leading clinical laboratory services company. It pays its employees well and supports their professional growth.

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

Durham, NC has a cost of living index slightly below the nationwide average. The overall index stands at 93, meaning expenses are about 7% lower than the average U.S. city. Housing costs in Durham are notably affordable, with an index of 88, which is 12% less than the national average. Each category shows Durham's competitive prices. Groceries cost 93, just 7% below the average, while utilities are slightly higher at 97, only 3% above average. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also remain close to or below the national average, offering a balanced living experience.
Cost of living comparison graph for Durham, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 12% lower, groceries 7% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 1% lower, miscellaneous 6% lower.

Job seekers considering Durham, NC, may find that the cost of living there is slightly below the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Durham stands at 92, which is 8% lower than the benchmark of 100. This lower cost can make everyday expenses more manageable for residents. For example, housing costs are about 12% below the average, with an index of 88. This means that housing in Durham is more affordable compared to the rest of the country.


In addition to housing, the transportation index in Durham is 10% below the average at 90. This suggests that getting around the city could be more budget-friendly. Groceries are also more affordable, with an index of 93, meaning they cost only 7% more than the national average. Utilities and healthcare costs in Durham are close to the nationwide average, while miscellaneous expenses are slightly lower at 94, indicating a 6% reduction. Overall, Durham presents a cost of living that is generally favorable for those looking to settle in this vibrant city.

There are 3,675 job openings in Durham, NC, today!

View Jobs in Durham, NC

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Durham, NC

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.
City
Overview
Durham, NC
3,675 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire