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What is the average salary in Durham, NC?

The average salary in Durham, NC is $61,505 per year.

The average yearly salary in Durham, NC, stands at $61,505, offering a solid financial outlook for job seekers. With a diverse economy, Durham provides numerous opportunities across various sectors, ensuring competitive compensation for many roles. This average reflects the robust earning potential available to those who choose to work in this vibrant region.


Different industries contribute to this average, with key sectors offering attractive salaries. For instance, those in higher-paying fields like healthcare, finance, and technology can expect salaries upwards of $73,777 annually. Other sectors, including education and retail, also provide fair compensation, making Durham an appealing place for professionals seeking a good balance between salary and quality of life.

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What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

Job seekers in Durham, NC, have many high-paying opportunities to explore. Top-paying roles include software engineering and nursing. These jobs offer competitive salaries and good benefits. Software engineers in Durham earn a high average salary, making technology a strong career choice. Nurses, particularly nurse practitioners, also enjoy rewarding pay and job security. Pharmacists and directors also earn above-average wages, with roles in finance and project management being particularly lucrative. Other high-paying jobs include clinical supervision, outside sales, and engineering. These positions provide attractive salaries, making Durham a great place for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $137,238 and Programmer with the lowest at $102,107.
  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $137,238
    In Durham, tech companies like Red Hat and IQVIA are hiring software engineers. They design and develop software. They test and maintain it, too. This role needs strong problem-solving skills.
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  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $134,639
    Nurse practitioners work in clinics and hospitals. They provide primary and specialty care. Duke Health and UNC Health are hiring. They work with patients and doctors to ensure the best care.
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  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $127,480
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise on medications. They work in pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. They also consult with doctors and patients to ensure proper medication use.
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  4. Director
    Average Salary: $119,065
    Directors oversee departments in organizations. They set goals and manage teams. They work in various industries, like healthcare and tech. Decision-making and leadership skills are key.
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  5. Project Director
    Average Salary: $118,982
    Project directors lead projects from start to finish. They work in construction and IT. They coordinate teams and manage budgets. Strong organizational skills help them succeed.
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  6. Controller
    Average Salary: $109,101
    Controllers manage financial operations. They work in finance and accounting. They prepare budgets, analyze finances, and ensure compliance. Attention to detail is crucial.
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  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $106,308
    Clinical supervisors oversee healthcare staff. They work in hospitals and clinics. They ensure quality care and manage schedules. Good communication and leadership skills are needed.
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  8. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $105,035
    Sales reps work with customers to sell products. They visit clients and build relationships. They often work in tech and healthcare. They need strong communication and negotiation skills.
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  9. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $102,116
    Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work in tech and manufacturing. They design circuits and test equipment. Strong analytical skills are important.
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  10. Programmer
    Average Salary: $102,107
    Programmers write code for software and applications. They work in tech companies. They need strong coding and problem-solving skills. They often work with other tech teams.
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What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC without a degree?

Durham, North Carolina offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. These roles provide good income opportunities for those looking to enter the workforce without further education. Sales Inspectors earn the highest average salary at about $74,833 per year. Other top jobs include Canvasser, Restaurant Manager, and Irrigation Technician, all with annual salaries over $40,000. These positions demand practical skills and experience, making them accessible to many job seekers. For example, a Sales Inspector evaluates products to ensure quality and safety. Canvassers help gather public opinion or promote products. Restaurant Managers oversee daily operations, while Irrigation Technicians design and maintain water systems. These jobs offer solid pay and career growth, making them attractive options for those without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $74,833 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $36,729.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $74,833
    This role involves checking the quality and safety of products. Companies like big retailers and food establishments depend on their inspections. Working for local businesses in Durham offers the chance to know the area better.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $52,409
    Canvassers collect information for surveys or sell products door-to-door. They often work for companies needing customer feedback. Being familiar with the local community helps in connecting better with residents.
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  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $49,993
    A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. They handle staff, inventory, and customer service. Durham’s vibrant dining scene provides many opportunities to work in diverse establishments.
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  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $43,875
    These technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work in landscaping and golf course maintenance companies. Durham’s parks and gardens offer plenty of work for skilled technicians.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $41,853
    This position involves mowing, trimming, and maintaining lawns. Lawn care companies need reliable technicians to serve the residential and commercial areas of Durham. It offers flexible working hours.
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  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $41,733
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff. They ensure food safety and quality. Working in the food industry in Durham allows for learning from experienced chefs and cooks.
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  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $38,005
    Landscapers design and maintain gardens and outdoor areas. They often work for landscaping companies. Durham’s beautiful parks and gardens provide many opportunities for skilled landscapers.
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  8. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,991
    Recreation assistants lead activities in parks and recreational centers. They work for local government or community organizations. This job allows one to enjoy Durham’s outdoor spaces while working.
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  9. Fryer
    Average Salary: $37,444
    Frying involves preparing fast food. Restaurants and fast-food chains depend on skilled fryers. Durham’s diverse food scene provides many job opportunities for those in this field.
    Find Fryer jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $36,729
    Meat cutters prepare cuts of meat. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Being skilled in this job can lead to employment in many local markets and stores in Durham.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

Job seekers in Durham, NC, can look forward to competitive salaries at top companies. Google offers the highest average salary at nearly $180,000. LifeStance Health follows closely with an average salary over $159,000. Other companies like Nutanix, IQVIA, and CHG Healthcare also provide strong compensation packages, with average salaries ranging from $134,000 to $156,000. Companies such as The Clorox Company, Novartis, LabCorp, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and RTI International offer average salaries that still exceed $105,000. These figures highlight Durham's appeal as a region with ample opportunities for well-paid careers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Google with the highest at $178,718 and RTI International with the lowest at $105,490.
  1. Google
    Average Salary: $178,718
    Google is a global technology giant. They create and improve tools and services for billions of people. The company is known for its innovative culture and high pay.


  2. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $159,379
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They offer a range of care options for patients. The company values mental health and offers competitive pay.


  3. Nutanix
    Average Salary: $155,678
    Nutanix focuses on cloud computing. They offer products for efficient data management. The company is growing fast and pays well.


  4. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $144,861
    IQVIA provides data and technology for the healthcare industry. They help companies make better decisions. The company is well-known and pays a good salary.


  5. CHG Healthcare
    Average Salary: $134,684
    CHG Healthcare offers staffing and technology for healthcare. They connect healthcare providers with jobs. The company has a solid reputation and good pay.


  6. The Clorox Company
    Average Salary: $132,459
    The Clorox Company makes household products. They are known for their cleaning solutions. The company has been around for over 100 years and pays well.


  7. Novartis
    Average Salary: $121,975
    Novartis is a global healthcare company. They develop medicines to improve health. The company is large and offers competitive salaries.


  8. LabCorp
    Average Salary: $106,902
    LabCorp offers laboratory services. They provide testing for healthcare providers. The company is a leader in the industry and offers good pay.


  9. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $105,514
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments and services. They support research and development. The company is well-respected and offers good salaries.


  10. RTI International
    Average Salary: $105,490
    RTI International is a research institute. They work on projects for government and businesses. The company values research and offers competitive pay.

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

The cost of living index for Durham, NC, reflects a balanced comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs about 8% below the national average, while groceries cost 5% less. Utilities are slightly higher, about 3% above average, and transportation costs are 10% less expensive. Healthcare costs remain close to the national average, with only a 2% increase, while miscellaneous expenses are exactly on par with the national average. These figures show that living in Durham offers a mix of both lower and slightly higher expenses compared to the rest of the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Durham, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 8% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

The cost of living in Durham, NC, offers a glimpse into the financial landscape of the city when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For housing, residents of Durham experience a cost that is 8% below the national average. This can make finding affordable housing a bit more feasible, appealing to many looking to manage living expenses effectively.


Additionally, the groceries and utilities sectors present costs that are close to the national average. Groceries in Durham stand at 95, just 5% below the national benchmark. Utilities, however, slightly exceed the national average with a cost index of 97, indicating only a marginal increase in this area. These figures suggest that while housing offers a clear advantage, day-to-day expenses in terms of groceries and utilities remain quite comparable to the rest of the country. This balanced approach to cost of living makes Durham an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.

There are 3,071 job openings in Durham, NC, today!

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Durham, NC
3,071 Job Openings