Overview Salaries

Salaries in Durham, NC

Updated on Sep 14, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Durham, NC?

The average salary in Durham, NC is $65,587 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $65,587 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $5,466 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $1,261 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Durham, NC, showing an average salary of $32 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Durham, NC, the job market offers a variety of salary options for different careers. The average yearly salary sits at 65,587 USD. This reflects a diverse range of opportunities. Many professionals can expect to earn competitive wages.


Some of the top-paying jobs include:

  • Software Developers earn around 129,945 USD per year
  • Physicians make about 147,436 USD annually
  • Engineers can expect to earn approximately 112,455 USD per year

Other sectors also offer solid salaries. For example, those in finance, marketing, and education find good earning potential in Durham. This diversity makes it a good place for job seekers to explore various industries.

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What are the best paying jobs in Durham, NC?

Durham, NC, offers numerous high-paying job opportunities across different sectors. Roles such as Solution Architect, Product Manager, and Clinical Research Manager stand out with average salaries above $150,000. These positions require specialized skills but offer excellent compensation and career growth potential. Additionally, Software Engineers, Directors, and Clinical Managers also earn competitive salaries, ranging from $130,000 to $150,000. These jobs attract top talent and provide a stable and rewarding career path. Job seekers in Durham can find promising opportunities in healthcare, technology, and management roles.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Solution Architect with the highest at $162,099 and Engineer with the lowest at $112,819.

  1. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $162,099
    This role involves designing and overseeing the implementation of IT systems. Key firms like IBM and SAS offer positions. It requires strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $161,995
    Product managers guide the creation of new products. They work with teams to understand market needs. Companies like Google and Microsoft often look for this expertise.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Clinical Research Manager
    Average Salary: $158,446
    This position oversees clinical trials for new medical treatments. Working for pharmaceutical companies, the manager ensures studies run smoothly and ethically. They collaborate closely with researchers and doctors.
    Find Clinical Research Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $151,337
    Software engineers develop, test, and maintain software applications. They work for tech firms, solving problems and improving software efficiency. Attention to detail is key.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Director
    Average Salary: $149,389
    Directors lead teams and organizations. They set goals and oversee operations. Experience in leadership roles helps. They make crucial decisions to drive company success.
    Find Director jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Clinical Manager
    Average Salary: $139,002
    This role manages clinical services. They ensure high-quality patient care. Working with healthcare providers, they optimize processes and improve patient outcomes.
    Find Clinical Manager jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $131,362
    Pharmacists dispense medications and provide health advice. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Strong knowledge of drugs and patient care is essential.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $124,941
    Clinical supervisors lead healthcare teams. They oversee staff and ensure quality care. Experience in healthcare management is valuable.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $124,418
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments. Strong clinical skills and patient care experience are needed.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Engineer
    Average Salary: $112,819
    Engineers design, build, and test equipment and systems. They work in various industries, solving complex problems. Creativity and technical skills are vital.
    Find Engineer jobs in Durham, NC

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

Durham, North Carolina, offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Candidates can explore roles like Sales Inspectors, where they can earn an average of $73,364 annually. They can also consider positions such as Canvassers, which come with an average salary of $55,164 per year. Another great option is becoming an Irrigation Technician, with an average salary of $47,545. Lawn Care Technicians, Landscapers, and Recreation Assistants also provide solid earning potential, ranging from $46,704 to $38,893. These jobs offer stable incomes and opportunities for career growth, making them attractive choices for job seekers in Durham.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Durham, NC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $73,364 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $34,216.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $73,364
    Survey homes and businesses to gather data. Visit properties and observe conditions. Report findings to management. Companies like Research Now and Survey Sampling International offer positions.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Durham, NC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $55,164
    Speak to people in public places to gather information. Explain surveys and answer questions. Collect data from individuals for research. Companies such as GfK and IPSOS provide opportunities.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $47,545
    Maintain and repair irrigation systems. Install new systems as needed. Ensure proper water flow to plants. Companies like XYZ Landscaping offer roles for skilled workers.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  4. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $46,704
    Cut, mow, and trim lawns. Apply fertilizers and pesticides. Ensure lawns are well-maintained. Companies such as TruGreen provide opportunities for lawn care.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $40,517
    Create and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers. Install walkways and patios. Companies like Green Thumb Landscape offer positions.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Durham, NC


  6. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,893
    Help plan and lead recreational activities. Supervise children and adults. Ensure safety during activities. Parks and recreation departments provide these roles.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Durham, NC


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,793
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, offices, or homes. Dust, vacuum, and sanitize. Provide a tidy environment for guests or residents. Hotels like Hilton offer housekeeping jobs.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Durham, NC


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,856
    Prepare meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and cook orders. Ensure food is ready on time. Restaurants like Top of the Hill offer line cook positions.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $34,564
    Perform yard maintenance tasks. Mow lawns, trim shrubs, and clean leaves. Ensure yards look neat and tidy. Companies such as Green Leaf Lawn offer these roles.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Durham, NC


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,216
    Maintain outdoor areas of properties. Cut grass, plant flowers, and clean up debris. Ensure grounds are well-kept. Schools and parks offer groundskeeper jobs.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Durham, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Durham, NC?

Durham, North Carolina, offers competitive salaries across various industries. Companies like Google and LifeStance Health lead with the highest average salaries. Google tops the list with an average salary of $189,431, followed closely by LifeStance Health at $160,561. Additional top-paying employers in Durham include IQVIA, The Clorox Company, and Fortrea, all offering average salaries above $100,000. IQVIA pays an average of $154,710, The Clorox Company pays $142,179, and Fortrea pays $125,682. GRAIL, Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, RTI International, Labcorp, and Thermo Fisher Scientific also provide attractive compensation packages, ranging from $116,345 to $106,638. These figures highlight Durham's potential for rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Durham, NC, highlighting Google with the highest at $189,431 and Thermo Fisher Scientific with the lowest at $106,638.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $189,431
    Google is a technology giant known for its innovation in internet services. It offers a wide range of career opportunities and is known for its competitive salaries.


  2. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $160,561
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services. It supports professionals in behavioral health with attractive pay packages.


  3. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $154,710
    IQVIA offers jobs in the healthcare industry, focusing on data and technology. It is recognized for providing high salaries to its employees.


  4. The Clorox Company
    Average Salary: $142,179
    The Clorox Company manufactures consumer goods like cleaning supplies. It pays well and offers a variety of career paths.


  5. Fortrea
    Average Salary: $125,682
    Fortrea specializes in clinical research and development. It provides good salaries and a dynamic work environment.


  6. GRAIL
    Average Salary: $116,345
    GRAIL focuses on early cancer detection. It pays competitive salaries and offers innovative career opportunities in healthcare.


  7. Lane & Associates Family Dentistry
    Average Salary: $115,695
    Lane & Associates Family Dentistry provides dental care services. It offers good salaries and a supportive work culture.


  8. RTI International
    Average Salary: $112,852
    RTI International offers research and consulting services. It provides stable jobs with good compensation.


  9. Labcorp
    Average Salary: $109,878
    Labcorp specializes in lab testing and drug development. It offers competitive salaries and career growth opportunities.


  10. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $106,638
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments and services. It pays well and offers various job opportunities.

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

Durham, NC, showcases a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index stands at 95, which reflects a modest 5% reduction compared to the national average of 100. This makes housing, groceries, and miscellaneous expenses more affordable in Durham, while utilities and healthcare costs remain closely aligned with the national figures. Job seekers might find this data advantageous when considering relocation or budget planning.
Cost of living comparison graph for Durham, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 10% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 0% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

The cost of living index in Durham, North Carolina, shows a slightly lower expense level than the nationwide average. Housing costs in Durham stand at 90, meaning they are 10% below the national average. This can be a significant saving for those seeking affordable living spaces.


In addition to housing, the overall cost of living in Durham remains comparable to the national average. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare in Durham are at 95%, 98%, and 97%, respectively. These areas show minor variations from the nationwide average of 100, but they are generally close. Transportation costs in Durham match the national average precisely at 100, indicating no extra expense in this category. These factors make Durham a competitive place for job seekers looking for an affordable yet comfortable living environment.

There are 2,556 job openings in Durham, NC, today!

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Durham, NC
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