Durham vs Greensboro: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Durham, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Greensboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,411▲ | $95,918 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.35▲ | $46.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,758▲ | $68,659 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,324▲ | $77,383 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,037▲ | $109,424 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,329▲ | $140,695 |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 620 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Greensboro.
The salary gap between Durham and Greensboro is $493 (0.51%). 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 Durham spans $99,571,Greensboro spans $72,036. Durham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($103,288 effective) pays 4.53% 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 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
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,288)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Durham grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Greensboro over the same period.
Durham, NC
$82,010 (2019) → $93,940 (2025)
Greensboro, NC
$78,160 (2019) → $93,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Greensboro, 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