How does a Writer's salary in Durham compare to the rest of North Carolina?

Durham's cost of living index is 104 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $76,638 earns $9,838 more than the median household income in Durham ($66,800).

Writer Salary in Durham, NC — 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.

Writer Salary in Durham — Key Numbers

$76,638

Median Salary

$48,755

25th Percentile

$119,059

75th Percentile

$174,522

90th Percentile

National median (Writer)$73,690

vs. National median+4.0%

Durham median household income$66,800

vs. City household income+14.7%

Cost of Living in Durham

Cost of Living Index

104(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio21.1%

Annual rent cost$16,200

Median Home Price$360,000

Home Price / Salary4.7×

20% Down Payment$72,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× 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.

Financial Calculators for Durham

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Cost of Living — Durham

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Writer Salary in North Carolina

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Durham

Physician$238,472 Chief Executive Officer$218,400 Dentist$182,530 IT Manager$176,290 Marketing Manager$163,925 Lawyer$151,590

Writer Salary — Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC$76,638 Raleigh, NC$77,375 Greensboro, NC$64,847 Winston-Salem, NC$64,847 Fayetteville, NC$61,900

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Writer make in Durham, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Writer in Durham is $76,638 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $73,690 adjusted by Durham's cost of living index (104). The typical salary range runs from $48,755 (25th percentile) to $119,059 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $174,522.

Is Durham affordable for a Writer?

On a $76,638 annual salary, a Writer in Durham would spend approximately 21.1% 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 4.7× the annual salary.

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

Durham's median household income is $66,800. A Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $76,638 earns 14.7% more than the typical Durham household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Writer — National Writer in North Carolina All Salary Guides

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.