Physicist Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median physicist salary in Durham, NC is $144,809 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Physicist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median physicist salary of $144,809, which is $4,573 above the North Carolina state average of $140,236. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Durham spans from $74,100 at the 10th percentile to $226,100 at the 90th percentile — a $152,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,900, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,000. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level physicist earns around $77,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,600 |
| Median (50th) | $144,809 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $226,100 |
Physicist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Durham
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Durham
Browse open physicist positions in Durham, NC: