Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Electrical Engineers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area command an impressive average annual salary of $121,930. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $121,030, indicating a strong local demand for specialized engineering talent. The robust presence of research institutions and technology firms in the Research Triangle Park region likely contributes to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $183,720.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a robust job market for Electrical Engineers, with a local workforce of 840 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.01 signifies that this region has more than double the concentration of Electrical Engineers compared to the national average, suggesting a high demand and a dynamic employment landscape for these skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+0.7%above the national average.
$58.6
$2,345
$10,161
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing technological advancements, infrastructure development, and a growing demand for renewable energy solutions likely drive this upward salary trajectory.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and leadership capabilities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $77,460 | $37.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $91,448 | $44 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $112,090 | $53.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $152,413 | $73.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $183,720 | $88.3 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$121,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $121,930 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Electrical Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
840
Total Jobs
2.466
Per 1K Jobs
2.01
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 2.0x the national concentration of Electrical Engineers 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 2.01 for Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates a highly concentrated market, suggesting that job opportunities are abundant relative to the national average. This concentration points to a strong ecosystem of related industries and a competitive environment where employers actively seek out and retain skilled electrical engineering talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Electrical Engineers Salary | $136,620↑ 12% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Electrical Engineers Salary | $100,020↓ 18% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Electrical Engineers Salary | $110,510↓ 9% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $103,400↓ 15% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $101,810↓ 17% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Electrical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $121,930. This typically ranges from $77,460 for entry-level positions to $183,720 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 0.7% higher than the national median of $121,030.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is a lucrative location for Electrical Engineers.With an average salary of $121,930, which is above the national average, and a cost of living at the national average, professionals enjoy strong purchasing power. The high concentration of Electrical Engineers (LQ of 2.01) further indicates robust local demand.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Electrical 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 ($136,620) and Burlington, NC.
How does the Electrical Engineer salary in Durham-Chapel Hill compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill is $121,930, which is slightly higher than the national average of $121,030.
What is the concentration of Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The concentration of Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill is significantly higher than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 2.01, indicating more than double the expected presence.
How does the cost of living affect the Electrical Engineer salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the nominal salary of $121,930 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What does the high Location Quotient imply for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.01 suggests a strong and specialized job market for Electrical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, implying good opportunities and potentially high demand for skilled professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 840 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 2.466 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC