Software Developer Salary in Durham, NC (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$125,090
in Durham · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$136,074
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#96
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Durham
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Durham, NC is $125,090 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $10,424/month or $60/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Durham pays 7% less than the typical city.
Durham has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $125,090 in Durham is equivalent to $136,074 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Durham metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Durham
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $90,700 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,830 |
| Electrician | $60,360 |
| Accountant | $74,950 |
Full cost of living profile for Durham
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Durham?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Durham, NC is $125,090 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Durham Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Durham Software Developer pay ($125,090) is 7% below the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Durham?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $125,090 salary in Durham has the purchasing power of approximately $136,074 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology