Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Salary
in Durham, NC
C-suite executive responsible for technology strategy, engineering, and innovation. Median salary in Durham: $361K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Durham
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Durham, North Carolina.
Key facts for Durham
Salary forecast: Durham Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $361K by 2030.
Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide
Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template
Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates — unsubscribe anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Salary in Durham, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Chief Technology Officer (CTO) salary in Durham, NC is $361,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Durham–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Salary range for Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in Durham
Entry-level Chief Technology Officer (CTO)s in Durham with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $274,000 and $361,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $361,000 to $468,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $468,000 to $603,000 or more.
Cost of living in Durham for Chief Technology Officer (CTO)s
Durham has a cost of living index of 100 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Durham are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.
Education requirements for Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Bachelor's in CS; MBA preferred; 20+ years technical leadership. This role is 58% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Durham-based professionals.