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Fire Protection Engineer Salary in Durham, NC

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

Median Salary
$115,160
per year in Durham
Entry Level
$69,831
Starting salary
Senior Level
$158,038
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$69,831$115,160$158,038
Monthly$5,819$9,597$13,170
Biweekly$2,686$4,429$6,078
Weekly$1,343$2,215$3,039
Hourly$34$55$76

Durham vs National Average

How Durham's fire protection engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Durham Salary
$115,160
COL Index: 112
National Average
$76,780
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$38,380
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 Fire Protection Engineer

Overview

Design fire protection systems and ensure building safety.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection or Civil Engineering

Key Skills

Fire Systems DesignSafety CodesFire ScienceBuilding Systems

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Fire Protection Engineer Salary

See Fire Protection Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$124,330
+8%
Los Angeles, CA
$124,970
+9%
Chicago, IL
$114,850
0%
Houston, TX
$127,920
+11%
Phoenix, AZ
$113,680
-1%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a fire protection engineer salary in Durham.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Fire Protection Engineer Salary in Durham, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a fire protection engineer in Durham, NC is $115,160 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 fire protection engineer professionals in Durham can expect to earn around $69,831 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level fire protection engineers earning approximately $158,038 per year. This represents a 126% 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 $76,780, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a fire protection engineer's salary in Durham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 17.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Fire Protection Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% 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.