Media & Communications Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Copywriter Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median copywriter salary in Durham, NC is $61,750 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$61,750
vs State Avg
+$1,950
vs National
$-3,250
Cost of Living
95%

Copywriter Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median copywriter salary of $61,750, which is $1,950 above the North Carolina state average of $59,800. Compared to the national median of $65,000, 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 copywriters in Durham spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $112,100 at the 90th percentile — a $77,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,100, while senior copywriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,400. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Copywriter Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level copywriter earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,650
$-3,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,400
$-5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $34,200
25th Percentile $45,600
Median (50th) $61,750
75th Percentile $85,500
90th Percentile $112,100

Copywriter Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Copywriter in Durham

Education

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

Key Skills

CopywritingBrand VoiceSEOContent StrategyEditingCreative Thinking

Job Outlook

Nationally, copywriter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Copywriter Jobs in Durham

Browse open copywriter positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Copywriter Salary in Durham

How much does a Copywriter make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median copywriter salary in Durham, North Carolina is $61,750 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $65,000. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $112,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Copywriter make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,750, a copywriter in Durham earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for copywriter pay? ▼
Durham's median copywriter salary of $61,750 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $59,800. 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 copywriter salary of $61,750 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a copywriter in Durham? ▼
Most copywriter positions in Durham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Copywriting, Brand Voice, SEO, Content Strategy. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.