Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In the vibrant Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $86,810. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, but the unique economic landscape and concentration of research institutions in the region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,930.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill is notably robust, evidenced by a substantial total workforce of 13,050 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.06 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand and a thriving ecosystem for scientific professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-5.5%below the national average.
$41.7
$1,669
$7,234
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that the Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations sector in Durham-Chapel Hill has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth likely translates to increased demand for skilled professionals and a corresponding upward trend in average salaries, reflecting the evolving needs of research, healthcare, and technology sectors in the region.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and specialized skills, their earning potential increases substantially, reaching higher percentiles for senior and lead roles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries underscores clear opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,690 | $22 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $65,108 | $31.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $76,810 | $36.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,513 | $52.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $138,930 | $66.8 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $86,810 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a scientist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
13,050
Total Jobs
38.112
Per 1K Jobs
4.06
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 4.1x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 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 4.06, Durham-Chapel Hill presents a highly concentrated market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, far exceeding the national average. This indicates a specialized and abundant job market where these professionals are in high demand, suggesting a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in scientific fields.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $86,810. This typically ranges from $45,690 for entry-level positions to $138,930 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 5.5% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
Yes, it offers strong career opportunities and a balanced cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of science jobs and a cost of living at the national average make it a financially stable and professionally rewarding location.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($89,170) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill is $86,810, which is approximately 5.4% lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Durham-Chapel Hill?
An LQ of 4.06 signifies that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are over four times more concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill than the national average, indicating a very strong local presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $86,810 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of science professionals in the Durham-Chapel Hill area?
There are 13,050 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Durham-Chapel Hill region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,050 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 38.112 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC