Media & Communications Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median broadcast journalist salary in Durham, NC is $49,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$49,400
vs State Avg
+$1,560
vs National
$-2,600
Cost of Living
95%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $49,400, which is $1,560 above the North Carolina state average of $47,840. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Durham spans from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $95,000 at the 90th percentile — a $66,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,350, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $31,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,350
$-1,650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $28,500
25th Percentile $36,100
Median (50th) $49,400
75th Percentile $70,300
90th Percentile $95,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$50,960
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$50,960
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$45,760
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$44,720
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Durham

Education

Most broadcast journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Durham

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Durham

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $49,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $95,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,400, a broadcast journalist in Durham earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Durham's median broadcast journalist salary of $49,400 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $47,840. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $49,400 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Durham? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Durham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include On-Air Presentation, Interviewing, Script Writing, Video Editing. The job market is projected to grow -4% nationally over the next decade.