Durham vs Raleigh: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,411 | $104,108▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.35 | $50.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,758 | $76,121▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,324 | $81,940▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,037 | $130,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,329▲ | $168,016 |
| Total Employed | 740 | 4,640▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Durham and Raleigh is $7,697 (7.98%). Raleigh's median is +0.60% 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,Raleigh spans $91,895. 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, Raleigh ($106,063 effective) pays 7.34% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,329)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,108/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,063)
- ✓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 17.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Durham, NC
$82,010 (2019) → $93,940 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$86,650 (2019) → $101,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Raleigh, 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