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Environmental Engineer Salary in Durham, NC

How much does a environmental engineer make in Durham? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Durham's cost of living.

Median Salary
$118,550
per year in Durham
Entry Level
$72,108
Starting salary
Senior Level
$162,548
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how environmental engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Durham.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$72,108$118,550$162,548
Monthly$6,009$9,879$13,546
Biweekly$2,773$4,560$6,252
Weekly$1,387$2,280$3,126
Hourly$35$57$78

Durham vs National Average

How Durham's environmental engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Durham Salary
$118,550
COL Index: 112
National Average
$98,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$20,460
Higher in Durham

Cost of Living in Durham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
278,884
residents
Rent % of Income
31.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Durham have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Environmental Engineer

Overview

Develop solutions for environmental pollution and sustainability.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Environmental ScienceRegulatory ComplianceSustainabilityProject Management

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +20% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Environmental Engineer Salary

See Environmental Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,040
-11%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,780
+1%
Chicago, IL
$107,550
-9%
Houston, TX
$110,500
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$93,390
-21%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Environmental Engineer Salary in Durham, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental engineer in Durham, NC is $118,550 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Durham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental engineer professionals in Durham can expect to earn around $72,108 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental engineers earning approximately $162,548 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Durham's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Durham are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $98,090, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a environmental engineer's salary in Durham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 16.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Environmental Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 20% over the next decade. In Durham, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.