Average Computer Programmers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Computer Programmers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area command an impressive average annual salary of $107,230. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $105,010, indicating a strong local demand for these specialized tech roles. The robust compensation reflects the region's growing technology sector and the high skill requirements inherent in programming.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $107,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $148,890.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 550 Computer Programmers, the Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a significant concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 2.27 signifies that this region employs more than double the national average of programmers per worker, suggesting a robust and potentially expanding job market with substantial demand for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Programmers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+2.1%above the national average.
$51.6
$2,062
$8,936
Computer Programmers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer Programmers in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The increasing reliance on technology across all industries, coupled with advancements in programming languages and software development, typically drives upward pressure on compensation for skilled programmers.
Computer Programmers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Computer Programmers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior and lead programmers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their expertise, project leadership, and problem-solving capabilities. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $72,840 | $35 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $80,423 | $38.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $113,720 | $54.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $134,038 | $64.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $148,890 | $71.6 |
Detailed Computer Programmers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$107,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$107,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $107,230 in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a programmer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment where earnings effectively cover standard living expenses without significant strain.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
1.619
Per 1K Jobs
2.27
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 2.3x the national concentration of Computer Programmers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.27 for Computer Programmers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, strongly suggests a highly concentrated and competitive job market. This elevated quotient indicates that the region is a significant hub for programming talent, attracting and retaining professionals at a rate substantially higher than the national average, implying a dynamic and active employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Computer Programmers Salary | $86,810↓ 19% | 18 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Computer Programmers Salary | $91,330↓ 15% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $95,230↓ 11% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $86,100↓ 20% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Computer Programmerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Programmers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Computer Programmers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $107,230. This typically ranges from $72,840 for entry-level positions to $148,890 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 2.1% higher than the national median of $105,010.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Computer Programmers?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is a lucrative place for Computer Programmers.Computer Programmers in this area earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Computer Programmers?
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 ($86,810) and Greensboro-High Point, NC.
How does the local programmer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer Programmers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $107,230, which is higher than the national average of $105,010.
What is the concentration of Computer Programmers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.27, meaning there are more than double the national average of programmers per worker in the area.
How does the cost of living affect programmer salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is exactly at the national average (100), so the higher-than-average salary provides excellent purchasing power for residents.
How many Computer Programmers are employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area?
There are approximately 550 Computer Programmers employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.619 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 Programmers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC