Salaries in Durham, NC
What is the average salary in Durham, NC?
Job seekers in Durham, NC, can find a range of salary opportunities. Salaries vary based on the industry and experience. The average salary in Durham is around $56,650. This makes it a competitive place for many job seekers.
Here are some average salaries for different industries in Durham:
- Education: $24,000
- Healthcare: $38,227
- Information Technology: $52,455
- Finance: $66,682
- Engineering: $80,909
- Management: $95,136
- Sales: $109,364
- Marketing: $123,591
- Legal: $137,818
- Science: $152,045
- Other: $166,273
- Top earners: $180,500
What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

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General Dentist
Average Salary: $238,408
General Dentists work in private practices and clinics. They provide routine care and treatments. Patients come from all over the city for their services.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $135,961
Nurse Practitioners work in hospitals and clinics. They diagnose and treat patients. They often work with doctors and other healthcare providers.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $125,469
Pharmacists work in pharmacies and hospitals. They fill prescriptions and advise patients. They ensure medications are safe and effective.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $125,260
Software Engineers work for tech companies. They design and develop software. They often work in teams to create new applications.
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Project Director
Average Salary: $111,736
Project Directors manage projects for various companies. They oversee teams and ensure projects are completed on time. They work closely with clients to meet their needs.
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Director
Average Salary: $111,673
Directors lead departments in organizations. They set goals and strategies. They work with managers and staff to achieve objectives.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $106,353
Electrical Engineers work in various industries. They design and develop electrical systems. They ensure systems are safe and efficient.
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Controller
Average Salary: $105,180
Controllers manage financial operations for companies. They oversee accounting and budgeting. They ensure financial records are accurate.
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Programmer
Average Salary: $99,342
Programmers write code for software applications. They work in tech companies and startups. They often collaborate with other developers.
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Director of Nursing
Average Salary: $98,563
Directors of Nursing manage nursing staff in hospitals and clinics. They oversee patient care and operations. They ensure high standards of care are met.
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What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC without a degree?

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Canvasser
Average Salary: $50,842
This role involves gathering information and promoting products or services. It requires good communication skills. Companies like local businesses and political campaigns often hire canvassers.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $49,823
Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth operations. This role is crucial for the success of dining establishments.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $47,113
Oversee the kitchen staff and ensure food quality. Manage inventory, schedules, and kitchen operations. This role is vital for the smooth running of food service businesses.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $45,303
Climb trees to prune, remove, or maintain them. This job requires physical fitness and safety training. Arborists work for landscaping companies and tree care services.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $43,261
Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems. This role is important for maintaining green spaces. Technicians work for landscaping firms and golf courses.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $37,140
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. This includes planting, pruning, and landscaping. Landscaping companies and homeowners often hire landscapers.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $37,024
Assist in organizing recreational activities for the community. This role involves planning events and ensuring safety. Recreation assistants work for parks and community centers.
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Fryer
Average Salary: $36,724
Prepare food by frying it in a fryer. This role requires attention to detail and food safety practices. Fryers work in fast-food restaurants and cafeterias.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $35,401
Maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, and applying treatments. This job is essential for keeping outdoor spaces neat. Technicians work for landscaping companies and homeowners.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $35,300
Cut, trim, and package meat for sale. This role requires precision and knowledge of meat cuts. Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

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GSK
Average Salary: $177,519
GSK is a global biopharma company focused on science-led technology and innovation. They work to improve the quality of human life.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $161,003
LifeStance Health offers mental health care services. They aim to provide comprehensive care for a variety of mental health conditions.
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CHG Healthcare
Average Salary: $128,060
CHG Healthcare provides healthcare staffing solutions. They connect healthcare professionals with facilities to meet staffing needs.
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The Clorox Company
Average Salary: $127,179
The Clorox Company manufactures consumer and professional products. They are known for their household cleaning products.
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Inclusively
Average Salary: $116,796
Inclusively helps companies hire people with disabilities. They focus on creating a more inclusive workplace.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $115,820
CyberCoders is a staffing and recruitment firm. They specialize in placing tech talent in various roles.
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Environmental Protection Agency
Average Salary: $112,131
The Environmental Protection Agency works to protect human health and the environment. They create and enforce regulations.
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IQVIA
Average Salary: $106,952
IQVIA provides human data science and technology to the life sciences industry. They help companies make better decisions.
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Novartis
Average Salary: $106,501
Novartis is a global healthcare company. They develop medicines to improve and extend people's lives.
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LabCorp
Average Salary: $106,280
LabCorp is a global life sciences company. They provide clinical laboratory and drug development services.
How does the cost of living in Durham, NC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Durham, North Carolina, is slightly lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Durham stand at 92, indicating that residents can expect to pay about 8% less than the national average. This reduction in housing expenses can make it more affordable for individuals and families to find suitable living arrangements.
In addition to housing, other cost categories in Durham also reflect a lower cost of living. For instance, groceries are priced at 97, which is 3% less than the national average. Utilities, at 98, are nearly on par with the national average, showing only a slight difference. Transportation costs are at 95, which is 5% lower than the average. Healthcare, however, is slightly higher at 102, meaning it costs 2% more than the national average. Miscellaneous expenses are exactly at the national average of 100. Overall, these figures suggest that Durham offers a cost of living that is generally favorable for those considering relocation.