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Architect Salary in Durham, NC

Architect salary data for Durham, NC — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Architect Salary in Durham, NC — 2026

The median Architect salary in Durham, NC is $87,720 per year ($7,310/month, $42/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 102, which is 2% above the national average.

Entry Level
$55K
$26/hr
Median
$88K
$42/hr
Senior
$124K
$60/hr
Top Earner
$154K
$74/hr

Architect Take-Home Pay in Durham

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$87,720
Federal Tax-$10,912
State Tax (4.3%)-$3,728
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$6,711
Annual Take-Home$66,369
Monthly Take-Home$5,531

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,400/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio19.2%
Median Home Price$350,000
Cost of Living Index102
City Median Salary$70,000
Architect vs City Median+$17,720

Architect Requirements

Education
Bachelor's of Architecture
Experience
3-5 years (IDP)
Job Growth
3.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

AutoCADRevitBuilding Codes3D ModelingSustainable Design

Durham Job Market Overview

Durham, North Carolina has a population of 283,506 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Technology, Healthcare, Education. The local job growth rate is 3.2%, and the average commute time is 23 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Architect salary in Durham, NC?
The median Architect salary in Durham, NC is $87,720 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. Entry-level Architects earn around $55,080, while senior-level professionals can earn $124,440 or more.
How much does a Architect take home in Durham after taxes?
A Architect earning the median salary of $87,720 in Durham, NC takes home approximately $66,369 per year ($5,531/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.3%.
Is Durham a good city for Architects?
Durham, NC has a cost of living index of 102 (above national average). Architects here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Education.
What skills are needed for a Architect in Durham?
Key skills for Architects include AutoCAD, Revit, Building Codes, 3D Modeling, Sustainable Design. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's of Architecture. Valuable certifications include ARE, LEED AP, NCARB Certification.
How does Architect salary in Durham compare to the national average?
The national median Architect salary is $86,000. In Durham, the adjusted salary is $87,720, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Architect salary in Durham, NC?

The median Architect salary in Durham, NC is $87,720 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. Entry-level Architects earn around $55,080, while senior-level professionals can earn $124,440 or more.

How much does a Architect take home in Durham after taxes?

A Architect earning the median salary of $87,720 in Durham, NC takes home approximately $66,369 per year ($5,531/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.3%.

Is Durham a good city for Architects?

Durham, NC has a cost of living index of 102 (above national average). Architects here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Education.

What skills are needed for a Architect in Durham?

Key skills for Architects include AutoCAD, Revit, Building Codes, 3D Modeling, Sustainable Design. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's of Architecture. Valuable certifications include ARE, LEED AP, NCARB Certification.

How does Architect salary in Durham compare to the national average?

The national median Architect salary is $86,000. In Durham, the adjusted salary is $87,720, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.