Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median machine learning engineer salary in Durham, NC is $131,670 per year, which is 1% below the national median and 3.1% above the North Carolina state average.
Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $131,670, which is $3,990 above the North Carolina state average of $127,680. Compared to the national median of $133,000, 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 machine learning engineers in Durham spans from $81,180 at the 10th percentile to $202,950 at the 90th percentile — a $121,770 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,120, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,080. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $87,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $81,180 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,920 |
| Median (50th) | $131,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $202,950 |
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Durham
Education
Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Durham
Browse open machine learning engineer positions in Durham, NC: