Data Scientist Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median data scientist salary in Durham, NC is $106,940 per year, which is 1% below the national median and 3.1% above the North Carolina state average.
Data Scientist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median data scientist salary of $106,940, which is $3,241 above the North Carolina state average of $103,699. Compared to the national median of $108,020, 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 data scientists in Durham spans from $60,786 at the 10th percentile to $176,418 at the 90th percentile — a $115,632 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,280, while senior data scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,350. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Data Scientist Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level data scientist earns around $71,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,786 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,358 |
| Median (50th) | $106,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,590 |
| 90th Percentile | $176,418 |
Data Scientist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Data Scientist in Durham
Education
Most data scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Scientist Jobs in Durham
Browse open data scientist positions in Durham, NC: