Creative & Education Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

College Professor Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median college professor salary in Durham, NC is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$79,686
vs State Avg
+$2,516
vs National
$-4,194
Cost of Living
95%

College Professor Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median college professor salary of $79,686, which is $2,516 above the North Carolina state average of $77,170. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for college professors in Durham spans from $42,750 at the 10th percentile to $159,600 at the 90th percentile — a $116,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level college professor earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $42,750
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $79,686
75th Percentile $114,000
90th Percentile $159,600

College Professor Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$82,202
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$82,202
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$73,814
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$72,137
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a College Professor in Durham

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Durham

Browse open college professor positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Durham

How much does a College Professor make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median college professor salary in Durham, North Carolina is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $42,750 (10th percentile) to $159,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,686, a college professor in Durham earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for college professor pay? ▼
Durham's median college professor salary of $79,686 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $77,170. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $79,686 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Durham? ▼
Most college professor positions in Durham require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.