Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Computer and Information Research Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC make a median of $133,290 a year, or about $64.08 an hour. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $224K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 97.57), that's roughly $136,610 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,711/month, or 20.7% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $133K get you in Durham-Chapel Hill?
About computer and information research scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Entry-level computer and information research scientists (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $133K.Top earners bring in $224K or more - a $159K spread from bottom to top.
Computer and Information Research Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $222K | +58% | 2,590 |
| New York | $197K | +40% | 1,320 |
| Oregon | $180K | +28% | 660 |
| New Mexico | $178K | +26% | N/A |
| West Virginia | $171K | +21% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $167K | +18% | 1,800 |
| Wisconsin | $167K | +18% | 30 |
| Idaho | $161K | +14% | N/A |
| California | $156K | +11% | 8,570 |
| District of Columbia | $154K | +9% | 330 |
| Virginia | $153K | +9% | 3,150 |
| New Jersey | $146K | +4% | 1,110 |
| Maryland | $142K | +0% | 2,750 |
| Hawaii | $140K | -1% | 90 |
| Ohio | $136K | -4% | 270 |
Track computer and information research scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Durham-Chapel Hill numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median is $133,290 a year - that works out to about $64.08 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,080, and experienced computer and information research scientists can clear $224,330. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $133K enough to live in Durham-Chapel Hill?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,988/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,711/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 21.4% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a computer and information research scientists salary go in Durham-Chapel Hill?
Durham-Chapel Hill has a Regional Price Parity of 97.57 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median computer and information research scientists salary is worth about $136,610 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do computer and information research scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.