What is the average salary in Durham, NC?
Job seekers in Durham, NC, enjoy a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary in the area is $64,351. Many industries offer good pay, making it a great place to find a job. Salaries vary across different jobs, but the range is broad, from about $25,000 to $215,684 per year.
Here are some key points about salaries in Durham, NC:
- The highest paying jobs typically offer salaries of $181,014 or more per year.
- Jobs in the middle of the salary range often pay around $59,670 to $94,339 annually.
- Lower-paying jobs start at around $25,000 to $42,335 per year.
These figures provide a good overview of the salary potential available in Durham, NC.
What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $142,736
Design, develop, and test software products. Work for companies like IBM and Red Hat. The field offers opportunities for innovation and creativity.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $133,693
Provide advanced nursing care. Work in clinics and hospitals. Serve the community by diagnosing and treating patients.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $128,074
Ensure safe medication use. Work at Walgreens and CVS. Advise patients on drugs and their proper use.
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Project Director
Average Salary: $126,913
Oversee projects from start to finish. Manage teams and budgets. Work for companies like CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield.
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Controller
Average Salary: $115,186
Manage financial reporting and accounting. Work for firms like EY and KPMG. Ensure compliance and financial accuracy.
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Director
Average Salary: $113,638
Lead departments and teams. Set goals and strategies. Work for companies like Duke Energy and Progress Energy.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $112,734
Sell products or services to businesses. Work for companies like IBM and Microsoft. Build and maintain customer relationships.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $109,668
Oversee clinical staff and operations. Work in hospitals and clinics. Ensure quality care and compliance with regulations.
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Marketing Manager
Average Salary: $108,176
Develop marketing strategies. Work for companies like Red Hat and Cisco. Promote products and services effectively.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $104,823
Design and develop electrical systems. Work for firms like Duke Energy and Siemens. Ensure safety and efficiency in projects.
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What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $72,154
Working in sales can be rewarding. It involves visiting various locations to ensure sales strategies are being followed. Companies like Durham Distributors and Triangle-based firms offer these opportunities.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $52,000
This job involves reaching out to local residents for surveys or promotions. It is great for those who enjoy meeting new people. Companies like Survey Sampling International and local campaign offices often need canvassers.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $50,908
Manage day-to-day operations at local eateries. Oversee staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Places like The Durham Bull and City's Eat Street have openings.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $46,583
Install and maintain irrigation systems for residential and commercial properties. Work with local landscaping companies and garden centers to keep properties lush.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $44,053
Maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, and treating for pests. Work for local landscapers or directly for homeowners. Companies like TruGreen and local landscaping firms need skilled technicians.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $40,643
Supervise kitchen staff in preparing meals. Ensure hygiene and efficiency. Restaurants and cafes in Durham often have these roles available.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $39,357
Create and maintain outdoor spaces. Use tools to shape gardens, plant trees, and lay sod. Work with local landscapers or directly for homeowners.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $38,733
Help organize recreational activities at community centers. Engage with children and adults in various programs. The City of Durham and local parks offer these positions.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $37,025
Prepare meat for sale at grocery stores. Use knives to cut and package meat. Work in local butcher shops or grocery stores like Food Lion.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $36,349
Clean and maintain hotel rooms and public areas. Ensure a welcoming environment for guests. Hotels like the Hilton and local bed and breakfasts have openings.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

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Google
Average Salary: $188,413
Google is a leading technology company known for its innovative products and services. Employees enjoy a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $159,783
LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They offer a generous salary and support for professional growth.
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IQVIA
Average Salary: $152,406
IQVIA is a healthcare information technology company. They offer high salaries and opportunities for career advancement.
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The Clorox Company
Average Salary: $138,955
The Clorox Company makes household cleaning products. They pay well and value employee well-being.
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CHG Healthcare
Average Salary: $138,033
CHG Healthcare offers staffing solutions for healthcare providers. They provide a good salary and a supportive workplace.
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Novartis
Average Salary: $128,632
Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company. They offer competitive salaries and a chance to work on important projects.
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UniFirst
Average Salary: $119,387
UniFirst provides uniform and facility services. They offer a good salary and benefits for their employees.
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RTI International
Average Salary: $110,336
RTI International is a research institute. They pay well and focus on employee development.
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LabCorp
Average Salary: $108,208
LabCorp provides laboratory services. They offer a fair salary and opportunities for career growth.
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Average Salary: $106,339
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a life sciences company. They offer a good salary and a stable work environment.
How does the cost of living in Durham, NC compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Durham, North Carolina, reveals several insights for job seekers considering this area. Housing costs in Durham stand at 85, which is 15% lower than the nationwide average. This suggests that living expenses for housing in Durham are more affordable compared to the typical cost across the country. People looking for jobs in Durham can expect to find relatively lower costs when it comes to housing, which can be a significant advantage for many.
In other areas, Durham also shows some favorable comparisons to the national average. Groceries cost 95, which is just 5% above the nationwide average of 100. Similarly, utilities in Durham are priced at 97, which is 3% higher than the national average. Transportation costs stand at 92, which means they are 8% below the national average. These figures suggest that while some aspects of living in Durham might be slightly higher, several key areas remain competitive or even more affordable than the national averages. These insights provide a clearer picture for those evaluating the cost of living in Durham, NC.



