Esthetician Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median esthetician salary in Durham, NC is $36,290 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Esthetician Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median esthetician salary of $36,290, which is $1,146 above the North Carolina state average of $35,144. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 estheticians in Durham spans from $22,800 at the 10th percentile to $61,750 at the 90th percentile — a $38,950 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,700, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,900. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Esthetician Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level esthetician earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,500 |
| Median (50th) | $36,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $61,750 |
Esthetician Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Esthetician in Durham
Education
Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Esthetician Jobs in Durham
Browse open esthetician positions in Durham, NC: