Durham vs Wake Forest: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Durham, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,740▲ | $107,433 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.29▲ | $51.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,137▲ | $72,157 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,548▲ | $82,504 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,277▲ | $137,515 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,085▲ | $166,123 |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Durham and Wake Forest is $26,307 (24.49%). 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,Wake Forest spans $93,966. 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 19.42% more than Wake Forest ($114,779 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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest over the same period.
Durham, NC
$108,460 (2019) → $129,030 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$99,665 (2024) → $103,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Durham to Wake Forest as a electrical engineer?
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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