Cary vs Durham: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cary, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,612▲ | $96,411 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.82▲ | $46.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,298▲ | $69,758 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,342▲ | $81,324 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,205▲ | $129,037 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,599 | $169,329▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Cary and Durham are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cary and Durham is $7,201 (7.47%). Cary's median is +0.12% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $88,301,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, Cary ($110,697 effective) pays 12.03% 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 Cary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,612/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,697)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓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 Cary grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Durham over the same period.
Cary, NC
$86,559 (2024) → $100,957 (2025)
Durham, NC
$82,010 (2019) → $93,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cary or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Durham?
Should I relocate from Cary to Durham as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cary vs Durham?
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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