- 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.
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
- Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
- Self-taught developers seeking structured training
- Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
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Programs for Tech careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
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More Bootcamp Resources
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
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.