Durham vs Matthews: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Durham, NC and Matthews, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Matthews, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,740▲ | $107,715 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.29▲ | $51.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,137▲ | $69,367 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,548▲ | $82,867 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,277▲ | $132,744 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,085▲ | $155,962 |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Matthews.
The salary gap between Durham and Matthews is $26,025 (24.16%). 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,Matthews spans $86,595. 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 19.11% more than Matthews ($115,080 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 Matthews 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 4.0% growth in Matthews over the same period.
Durham, NC
$108,460 (2019) → $129,030 (2025)
Matthews, NC
$99,926 (2024) → $103,922 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Matthews, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Durham or Matthews?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Matthews?
Should I relocate from Durham to Matthews as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Durham vs Matthews?
Related Comparisons
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