TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Sr. Director of Engineering Salary
in Durham, NC

Senior engineering leader overseeing multiple teams and major technical initiatives. Median salary in Durham: $289K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$289K
per year
Take-home: $190K

Salary range in Durham

Entry level (25th)$224,000
Median (50th)$289,000
Senior (75th)$367,000
Top earner (90th)$468,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Durham, North Carolina.

Key facts for Durham

Median salary
$289K
annual
Take-home pay
$190K
after fed/state tax
COL index
100
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,500
per month
YoY growth
+6.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Durham Sr. Director of Engineering to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $289K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Durham

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Sr. Director of Engineering salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$242K$263K$285K$306K$327K201920212023202520272029
2026
$296K
projected
2027
$304K
projected
2028
$311K
projected
2029
$319K
projected
2030
$327K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$289,000+$0
2028 projected$289,000+$0
2029 projected$289,000+$0
2030 projected$289,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Sr. Director of Engineering Salary in Durham, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Sr. Director of Engineering salary in Durham, NC is $289,000 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 Sr. Director of Engineering in Durham

Entry-level Sr. Director of Engineerings in Durham with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $224,000 and $289,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $289,000 to $367,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $367,000 to $468,000 or more.

Cost of living in Durham for Sr. Director of Engineerings

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 Sr. Director of Engineering

Bachelor's in CS; 13+ years engineering; senior management. This role is 62% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Durham-based professionals.

Sr. Director of Engineering salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Durham (current)$289K100
Charlotte$271K100
Raleigh$284K102
Greensboro$227K88
Winston-Salem$219K85
Fayetteville$212K82