Software Engineer Salary in Durham, NC
How much does a software engineer make in Durham? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Durham's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how software engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Durham.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $82,886 | $131,980 | $178,523 |
| Monthly | $6,907 | $10,998 | $14,877 |
| Biweekly | $3,188 | $5,076 | $6,866 |
| Weekly | $1,594 | $2,538 | $3,433 |
| Hourly | $40 | $63 | $86 |
Durham vs National Average
How Durham's software engineer salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Durham
About Software Engineer
Overview
Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +25% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Software Engineer Salary
See Software Engineer salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a software engineer salary in Durham.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Durham.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Durham.
Software Engineer Salary in Durham, NC — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a software engineer in Durham, NC is $131,980 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 software engineer professionals in Durham can expect to earn around $82,886 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level software engineers earning approximately $178,523 per year. This represents a 115% 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 $112,110, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a software engineer's salary in Durham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 15.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Software Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 25% over the next decade. In Durham, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.