Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina$80,850 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Durham

Looking for a Manufacturing Engineer job in Durham? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Manufacturing Engineer in Durham, NC.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Durham has a strong job market for Manufacturing Engineers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Manufacturing Engineer Salary in Durham

Entry Level
$54,145
Median
$80,850
Senior Level
$112,700

Manufacturing Engineer salaries in Durham are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Durham is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Process EngineeringLean ManufacturingCADQuality ControlAutomation

Manufacturing Engineer Job Market in Durham

Durham, NC is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Manufacturing Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Durham offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Manufacturing Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Manufacturing Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Manufacturing Engineers in Durham

City of DurhamDurham Public SchoolsDuke Energy

Major employers hiring Manufacturing Engineers in Durham include City of Durham, Durham Public Schools, Duke Energy. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Manufacturing Engineers in Durham

Living in Durham as a Manufacturing Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month (22% below the national average). At median Manufacturing Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 21% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,100/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

98
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Manufacturing Engineer in Durham

Durham Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Manufacturing Engineers in Durham: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Manufacturing Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in North Carolina

North Carolina has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Manufacturing Engineers

The job outlook for Manufacturing Engineers in Durham is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Durham offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Process Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, CAD, Quality Control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Manufacturing Engineer salary in Durham, NC?

The average Manufacturing Engineer salary in Durham, NC is $80,850 per year. Entry-level Manufacturing Engineers typically start around $54,145, while experienced professionals can earn $112,700 or more. The national average for Manufacturing Engineer roles is $82,500.

How many Manufacturing Engineer jobs are available in Durham?

Durham has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Manufacturing Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Manufacturing Engineers include City of Durham, Durham Public Schools, Duke Energy. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Durham a good city for Manufacturing Engineers?

Durham is an excellent choice for Manufacturing Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Manufacturing Engineers in Durham?

Top skills for Manufacturing Engineers in Durham include Process Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, CAD, Quality Control, Automation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Manufacturing Engineers in Durham?

Durham's cost of living is near the national average (98% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month. Purchasing power in Durham is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Manufacturing Engineers in Durham?

Durham Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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