Durham vs Wilmington: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $71,214▲ | $62,247 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24▲ | $29.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,160 | $40,943▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,465▲ | $49,769 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,176▲ | $79,137 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,712▲ | $101,438 |
| Total Employed | 1,320▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Durham and Wilmington is $8,967 (14.41%). Durham's median is -11.42% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $81,552,Wilmington spans $60,495. 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 ($72,986 effective) pays 13.06% more than Wilmington ($64,557 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 ($71,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,712)
- ✓Larger job market (1,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,986)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Durham grew -43.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -40.1% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Durham, NC
$120,300 (2021) → $68,160 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$99,380 (2021) → $59,578 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov