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School Administrator Salary in Durham, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Durham's cost of living (index: 104). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

School Administrator Salary in Durham β€” Key Numbers

$107,598
Median Salary
$86,767
25th Percentile
$131,924
75th Percentile
$159,411
90th Percentile
National median (School Administrator)$103,460
vs. National median+4.0%
Durham median household income$66,800
vs. City household income+61.1%

Cost of Living in Durham

Cost of Living Index
104(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.1%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$360,000
Home Price / Salary3.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$72,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.3 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Durham

3.2%
Unemployment Rate
340,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
33.6
Median Age

Durham has a metro population of 340,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.2% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a School Administrator make in Durham, NC?

The estimated median salary for a School Administrator in Durham is $107,598 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $103,460 adjusted by Durham's cost of living index (104). The typical salary range runs from $86,767 (25th percentile) to $131,924 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $159,411.

Is Durham affordable for a School Administrator?

On a $107,598 annual salary, a School Administrator in Durham would spend approximately 15.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Durham relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $360,000 is 3.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a School Administrator's salary compare to Durham's overall income?

Durham's median household income is $66,800. A School Administrator earning the city-adjusted median of $107,598 earns 61.1% more than the typical Durham household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.