- 1.Research Triangle software engineers earn an average of $142,000 annually, 8% above the national average
- 2.Data scientists in the RTP area command premium salaries averaging $156,000, driven by pharmaceutical and biotech demand
- 3.Senior-level tech professionals earn 47% more than entry-level counterparts across all major roles
- 4.Raleigh offers the highest tech salaries in NC, with 12% premium over Charlotte and 18% over Greensboro
- 5.Product managers in Research Triangle earn $148,000 on average, reflecting strong demand from growing startups and enterprise companies
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Research Triangle vs National Tech Salaries
How NC's premier tech hub compares to national averages across major roles
Research Triangle Software Engineer
Median Annual Salary
National Average Software Engineer
Median Annual Salary
Research Triangle Data Scientist
Median Annual Salary
National Average Data Scientist
Median Annual Salary
Research Triangle Product Manager
Median Annual Salary
National Average Product Manager
Median Annual Salary
Research Triangle Tech Salaries by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Software Engineer | Data Scientist | Product Manager | DevOps Engineer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $98,000 | $115,000 | $108,000 | $95,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $125,000 | $145,000 | $135,000 | $118,000 |
| Senior Level (6-9 years) | $155,000 | $175,000 | $165,000 | $148,000 |
| Principal/Staff (10+ years) | $185,000 | $205,000 | $195,000 | $175,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, PayScale - Research Triangle Data 2024
Average Software Engineer Salary - Research Triangle
Driven by increased demand from fintech companies and growing startup ecosystem
Source: NC Department of Commerce
Geographic Salary Variations Across North Carolina
| Location | Software Engineer | Data Scientist | Cost of Living Index | Salary Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $148,000 | $162,000 | 95.2 | Base |
| Durham | $145,000 | $158,000 | 92.1 | -2% |
| Chapel Hill | $138,000 | $151,000 | 89.8 | -7% |
| Charlotte | $132,000 | $145,000 | 98.5 | -11% |
| Greensboro | $125,000 | $138,000 | 87.3 | -16% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, MIT Living Wage Calculator
Salary by Company Type in Research Triangle
| Company Type | Average Salary | Bonus/Equity | Total Comp | Job Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Tech (Google, Apple, Meta) | $165,000 | $45,000 | $210,000 | High |
| Established Companies (Red Hat, SAS) | $145,000 | $25,000 | $170,000 | Very High |
| Funded Startups | $135,000 | $35,000 | $170,000 | Medium |
| Government/Universities | $118,000 | $15,000 | $133,000 | Very High |
| Consulting Firms | $142,000 | $22,000 | $164,000 | Medium |
Source: Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, AngelList
Professionals who design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. In Research Triangle, many focus on fintech, healthtech, and enterprise solutions.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Full-Stack Developer
- • Backend Engineer
- • Frontend Engineer
- • Mobile Developer
Experts who analyze complex data to extract business insights and build predictive models. High demand in RTP due to pharmaceutical and biotech presence.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • ML Engineer
- • Data Analyst
- • Research Scientist
- • AI Engineer
Strategic leaders who guide product development from conception to launch, working closely with engineering and design teams.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Senior PM
- • Principal PM
- • Director of Product
- • VP Product
Infrastructure specialists who bridge development and operations, ensuring reliable software deployment and system maintenance.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Site Reliability Engineer
- • Cloud Engineer
- • Platform Engineer
- • Infrastructure Engineer
Source: NC Tech Association
Strategic Steps for Maximizing Your Research Triangle Tech Career
Research Target Companies
Focus on high-paying employers like Apple (RTP), Google, Red Hat, and SAS. Each offers different compensation structures and career paths within the Research Triangle.
Develop In-Demand Skills
Prioritize cloud computing (AWS/Azure), data science/ML, and cybersecurity skills. These command premium salaries in NC's growing tech market.
Network Within RTP Ecosystem
Attend Triangle Tech meetups, NC State alumni events, and Research Triangle Foundation networking sessions to build connections with hiring managers.
Consider Geographic Strategy
Raleigh offers highest salaries but weigh against cost of living. Durham and Chapel Hill provide strong opportunities with lower living costs.
Negotiate Comprehensive Packages
Beyond base salary, negotiate for equity, flexible work arrangements, professional development budgets, and relocation assistance if moving to NC.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Tech Salaries
This comprehensive salary analysis combines data from multiple authoritative sources to provide accurate, current compensation information for North Carolina's tech sector, with special focus on the Research Triangle region.
Related Career Resources
Data Sources and References
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for technology occupations
Employee-reported salary data and company reviews
Verified compensation data from tech professionals
Regional salary comparisons and cost of living adjustments
State employment statistics and economic development data
Cost of living calculations for metropolitan areas
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.