Durham vs Hickory: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Durham, NC and Hickory, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,740▲ | $111,683 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.29▲ | $53.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,137▲ | $80,018 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,548 | $93,430▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,277▲ | $137,647 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,085▲ | $172,650 |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Durham and Hickory is $22,057 (19.75%). Durham's median is +6.96% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $139,948,Hickory spans $92,632. Durham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($137,068 effective) pays 8.60% more than Hickory ($126,215 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,740/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($221,085)
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,068)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Durham grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Hickory over the same period.
Durham, NC
$108,460 (2019) → $129,030 (2025)
Hickory, NC
$86,960 (2019) → $107,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Hickory, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Durham or Hickory?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov