Average Life Scientists, All Other Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Life Scientists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $119,500, significantly surpassing the national average of $112,310. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust life sciences ecosystem, strong demand for specialized scientific talent, and the concentration of research institutions and biotechnology firms that foster a competitive hiring environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $119,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $179,000.
- Outlook: The job market for Life Scientists, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 370 professionals in this category. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 22.51 indicates a substantial concentration of these roles relative to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region's specialized industries.
Salary Overview
The average Life Scientists, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+6.4%above the national average.
$57.5
$2,298
$9,958
Life Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life Scientists, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as advancements in scientific research, increased investment in the biotech sector, and the ongoing demand for skilled professionals likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory in this dynamic field.
Life Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Life Scientists, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the expected salary range widens considerably with experience, reflecting the acquisition of specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and a proven track record in research and development. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $68,210 | $32.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,625 | $43.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $109,540 | $52.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $149,375 | $71.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $179,000 | $86.1 |
Detailed Life Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$119,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$119,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $119,500 for Life Scientists, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is precisely at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable standard of living without financial penalty compared to other regions.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
1.069
Per 1K Jobs
22.51
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 22.5x the national concentration of Life Scientists, All Other 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 22.51, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, exhibits an extraordinarily high concentration of Life Scientists, All Other compared to the national benchmark. This indicates that the region is a major hub for this profession, suggesting a highly competitive market for employers seeking talent, and a wealth of opportunities for skilled individuals already established or looking to relocate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Life Scientists, All Other Salary | $126,070↑ 5% | 18 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Life Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life Scientists, All Other make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Life Scientists, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $119,500. This typically ranges from $68,210 for entry-level positions to $179,000 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 6.4% higher than the national median of $112,310.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Life Scientists, All Others?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is a highly lucrative location for Life Scientists, All Others.The average salary of $119,500 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it an economically advantageous area for these professionals.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Life Scientists, All Others?
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 ($126,070) and others.
How does the number of Life Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill compare nationally?
With 1.069 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of Life Scientists, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill is substantially higher than the national average, indicating a specialized and in-demand job market.
What does a Location Quotient of 22.51 mean for Life Scientists?
A Location Quotient of 22.51 signifies that Durham-Chapel Hill has over 22 times the national average concentration of Life Scientists, All Other, pointing to a very strong regional presence and demand for this profession.
Is the cost of living a factor for Life Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill?
No, the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher-than-average salary translates directly into greater disposable income and purchasing power.
What is the total number of Life Scientists, All Other employed in Durham-Chapel Hill?
There are approximately 370 Life Scientists, All Other employed within the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area, contributing to its significant presence in the life sciences sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.069 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life Scientists, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC