Raleigh vs Durham: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Raleigh, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,715▲ | $71,214 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.80▲ | $34.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,272▲ | $40,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,984▲ | $50,465 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,292 | $105,176▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,929 | $121,712▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,990▲ | 1,320 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Durham is $9,501 (13.34%). Raleigh's median is +0.40% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $72,657,Durham spans $81,552. Durham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($82,231 effective) pays 12.67% more than Durham ($72,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,715/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,231)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,712)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Raleigh grew -37.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -43.3% growth in Durham over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$122,710 (2021) → $77,254 (2025)
Durham, NC
$120,300 (2021) → $68,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Raleigh or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Durham?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Durham as a data analyst?
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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