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Project Manager Salary in Durham, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Durham's cost of living (index: 104). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Project Manager Salary in Durham β€” Key Numbers

$102,523
Median Salary
$76,502
25th Percentile
$137,498
75th Percentile
$174,720
90th Percentile
National median (Project Manager)$98,580
vs. National median+4.0%
Durham median household income$66,800
vs. City household income+53.5%

Cost of Living in Durham

Cost of Living Index
104(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.8%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$360,000
Home Price / Salary3.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$72,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Durham

3.2%
Unemployment Rate
340,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
33.6
Median Age

Durham has a metro population of 340,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.2% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Project Manager make in Durham, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Project Manager in Durham is $102,523 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $98,580 adjusted by Durham's cost of living index (104). The typical salary range runs from $76,502 (25th percentile) to $137,498 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $174,720.

Is Durham affordable for a Project Manager?

On a $102,523 annual salary, a Project Manager in Durham would spend approximately 15.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Durham relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $360,000 is 3.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Project Manager's salary compare to Durham's overall income?

Durham's median household income is $66,800. A Project Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $102,523 earns 53.5% more than the typical Durham household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.