Salaries in Durham, NC

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Durham, NC?

The average salary in Durham, NC is $56,650 per year.

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

View jobs in Durham, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

Durham, NC offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs in the area are roles such as General Dentist, Nurse Practitioner, and Pharmacist. These positions not only provide competitive salaries but also offer rewarding work in healthcare and technology sectors. Additionally, careers in software engineering, project management, and electrical engineering are well-compensated. These roles attract professionals who can leverage their technical expertise to meet the growing demands of Durham's dynamic job market. Job seekers in Durham can find excellent opportunities with attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $238,408 and Director of Nursing with the lowest at $98,563.
  1. 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.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Durham, NC


  2. 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.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $125,469
    Pharmacists work in pharmacies and hospitals. They fill prescriptions and advise patients. They ensure medications are safe and effective.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Durham, NC


  4. 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.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Durham, NC


  5. 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.
    Find Project Director jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Director
    Average Salary: $111,673
    Directors lead departments in organizations. They set goals and strategies. They work with managers and staff to achieve objectives.
    Find Director jobs in Durham, NC


  7. 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.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Controller
    Average Salary: $105,180
    Controllers manage financial operations for companies. They oversee accounting and budgeting. They ensure financial records are accurate.
    Find Controller jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Programmer
    Average Salary: $99,342
    Programmers write code for software applications. They work in tech companies and startups. They often collaborate with other developers.
    Find Programmer jobs in Durham, NC


  10. 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.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Durham, NC

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

Durham, NC, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. These roles provide good opportunities for those looking to enter the workforce quickly. For example, a Canvasser can earn around $50,842 a year, while a Restaurant Manager can make about $49,823 annually. Other well-paying jobs include Kitchen Manager, Arborist Climber, and Irrigation Technician. These positions offer competitive salaries and valuable experience. A Kitchen Manager can earn around $47,113, an Arborist Climber about $45,303, and an Irrigation Technician approximately $43,261 per year. These jobs allow individuals to start earning a solid income without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $50,842 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $35,300.
  1. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Durham, NC


  2. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  3. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  4. 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.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Durham, NC


  5. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,140
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. This includes planting, pruning, and landscaping. Landscaping companies and homeowners often hire landscapers.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Durham, NC


  7. 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.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Durham, NC


  8. 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.
    Find Fryer jobs in Durham, NC


  9. 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.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  10. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Durham, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

Job seekers in Durham, NC, have several top-paying companies to consider. GSK leads the way with a high average salary of $177,519. LifeStance Health and CHG Healthcare also offer competitive salaries, averaging $161,003 and $128,060, respectively. These companies provide attractive compensation packages for those seeking rewarding career opportunities. Other companies like The Clorox Company, Inclusively, and CyberCoders offer salaries above $100,000. The Environmental Protection Agency, IQVIA, Novartis, and LabCorp also provide solid compensation, with average salaries ranging from $106,280 to $116,796. These companies present excellent options for professionals looking for stable and well-paying jobs.
Graph displaying company salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting GSK with the highest at $177,519 and LabCorp with the lowest at $106,280.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. CHG Healthcare
    Average Salary: $128,060
    CHG Healthcare provides healthcare staffing solutions. They connect healthcare professionals with facilities to meet staffing needs.


  4. The Clorox Company
    Average Salary: $127,179
    The Clorox Company manufactures consumer and professional products. They are known for their household cleaning products.


  5. Inclusively
    Average Salary: $116,796
    Inclusively helps companies hire people with disabilities. They focus on creating a more inclusive workplace.


  6. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $115,820
    CyberCoders is a staffing and recruitment firm. They specialize in placing tech talent in various roles.


  7. Environmental Protection Agency
    Average Salary: $112,131
    The Environmental Protection Agency works to protect human health and the environment. They create and enforce regulations.


  8. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $106,952
    IQVIA provides human data science and technology to the life sciences industry. They help companies make better decisions.


  9. Novartis
    Average Salary: $106,501
    Novartis is a global healthcare company. They develop medicines to improve and extend people's lives.


  10. 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 index in Durham, North Carolina, shows that housing costs are 8% below the nationwide average, while groceries and utilities are slightly below average at 3% and 2% respectively. Transportation costs are also 5% below the national average. However, healthcare costs are 2% higher than the national average, making it a notable consideration for potential residents. Overall, the cost of living in Durham is competitive, offering a balanced mix of affordability and essential services.
Cost of living comparison graph for Durham, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 8% lower, groceries 3% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 0% lower.

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.

There are 4,333 job openings in Durham, NC, today!

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
4,333 Job Openings