Durham vs Wilmington: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Durham, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,740▲ | $108,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.29▲ | $52.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,137▲ | $76,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,548▲ | $76,587 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,277 | $180,610▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,085▲ | $217,105 |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Durham and Wilmington is $24,773 (22.73%). 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,Wilmington spans $140,518. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($137,068 effective) pays 21.29% more than Wilmington ($113,011 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 Wilmington 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 4.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Durham, NC
$108,460 (2019) → $129,030 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$100,910 (2019) → $105,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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