School Counselor Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median school counselor salary in Durham, NC is $57,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
School Counselor Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median school counselor salary of $57,133, which is $1,804 above the North Carolina state average of $55,329. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 school counselors in Durham spans from $36,290 at the 10th percentile to $90,060 at the 90th percentile — a $53,770 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
School Counselor Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level school counselor earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,650 |
| Median (50th) | $57,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $90,060 |
School Counselor Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a School Counselor in Durham
Education
Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Durham
Browse open school counselor positions in Durham, NC: