Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Computer Hardware Engineers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $172,230. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $158,430, indicating a strong local demand and specialized market for these professionals. The concentration of tech and research institutions in the region likely drives this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $172,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $258,345.
- Outlook: The local job market for Computer Hardware Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill appears robust, with a total workforce of 360 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.13 suggests a concentration of these roles more than double the national average, pointing to a healthy and potentially growing demand for specialized talent within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+8.7%above the national average.
$82.8
$3,312
$14,353
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Computer Hardware Engineer salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the technology sector. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for advanced hardware, and the overall economic climate likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and take on more complex projects, their earning potential increases substantially. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies robust career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $100,040 | $48.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $129,173 | $62.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $164,640 | $79.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $215,288 | $103.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $258,345 | $124.2 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$172,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$172,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $172,230 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer Hardware Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
1.046
Per 1K Jobs
2.13
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 2.1x the national concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.13, Durham-Chapel Hill exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation packages to secure top talent, while also suggesting a strong ecosystem of related industries and research.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $134,910↓ 22% | 18 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $116,320↓ 32% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $172,230. This typically ranges from $100,040 for entry-level positions to $258,345 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 8.7% higher than the national median of $158,430.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is a highly lucrative location for Computer Hardware Engineers.The average salary of $172,230 is considerably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($134,910) and Greensboro-High Point, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill is $172,230, which is $13,800 higher than the national average of $158,430.
What is the concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The Location Quotient for Computer Hardware Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill is 2.13, meaning the area has more than double the national average concentration of these professionals.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary translates directly to strong purchasing power for residents.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 360 Computer Hardware Engineers employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.046 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Hardware Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC