Boone vs Durham: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Boone, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boone, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,521 | $96,411▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.48 | $46.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,353 | $69,758▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,088 | $81,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,527 | $129,037▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,839 | $169,329▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boone.
The salary gap between Boone and Durham is $3,890 (4.20%). Durham's median is -6.84% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boone spans $71,486,Durham spans $99,571. Durham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boone ($98,847 effective) pays 0.04% more than Durham ($98,810 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boone if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,847)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,411/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,329)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Boone grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Durham over the same period.
Boone, NC
$82,192 (2024) → $90,150 (2025)
Durham, NC
$82,010 (2019) → $93,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov