Average Data Scientists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Data Scientists earn an average annual salary of $103,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $126,010. The local economic landscape, including industry demand and the concentration of tech-focused companies, plays a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $103,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $170,940.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area boasts a robust job market for Data Scientists, evidenced by a local workforce of 1,540 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 2.98, the concentration of these roles is nearly three times the national average, indicating strong demand and a thriving ecosystem for data science expertise within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Data Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-17.5%below the national average.
$50
$1,998
$8,658
Data Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Data Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased demand for data-driven insights across various industries likely contributes to upward pressure on compensation, reflecting a maturing and expanding market.
Data Scientists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Data Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while senior Data Scientists with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,370 | $23.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,925 | $37.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $93,110 | $44.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $129,875 | $62.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $170,940 | $82.2 |
Detailed Data Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$103,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $103,900 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Data Scientist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
1,540
Total Jobs
4.509
Per 1K Jobs
2.98
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 3.0x the national concentration of Data Scientists 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 2.98 for Data Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region has a significantly larger proportion of Data Scientists compared to the national average, suggesting a competitive yet abundant environment for professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Data Scientists Salary | $112,710↑ 8% | 18 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Data Scientists Salary | $104,210↑ 0% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Data Scientists Salary | $96,080↓ 8% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Data Scientists Salary | $97,340↓ 6% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Data Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Data Scientists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Data Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $103,900. This typically ranges from $49,370 for entry-level positions to $170,940 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 17.5% lower than the national median of $126,010.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Data Scientists?
Yes, with caveats.While the nominal salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making it financially comparable. The high concentration of roles suggests strong demand.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Data Scientists?
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 ($112,710) and Greensboro-High Point, NC.
How does the Durham-Chapel Hill Data Scientist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Data Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill is $103,900, which is lower than the national average of $126,010.
What is the Cost of Living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the Data Scientist job market in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The market is highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 2.98, meaning there are nearly three times as many Data Scientists relative to the national average.
What is the total number of Data Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill?
There are approximately 1,540 Data Scientists working in the Durham-Chapel Hill area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,540 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 4.509 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Data Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC