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Journalist Salary in Durham, NC

How much does a journalist make in Durham? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Durham's cost of living.

Median Salary
$55,154
per year in Durham
Entry Level
$31,990
Starting salary
Senior Level
$82,731
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how journalist salaries break down across different pay periods in Durham.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$31,990$55,154$82,731
Monthly$2,666$4,596$6,894
Biweekly$1,230$2,121$3,182
Weekly$615$1,061$1,591
Hourly$15$27$40

Durham vs National Average

How Durham's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Durham Salary
$55,154
COL Index: 112
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$806
Lower in Durham

Cost of Living in Durham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
278,884
residents
Rent % of Income
31.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Durham have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Journalist

Overview

Research and write news stories for publications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field

Key Skills

WritingResearchInterviewingCritical Thinking

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Journalist Salary

See Journalist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$104,270
+89%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+62%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+10%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+9%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-11%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a journalist salary in Durham.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Durham, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Durham, NC is $55,154 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Durham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Durham can expect to earn around $31,990 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $82,731 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Durham's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Durham are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $55,960, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a journalist's salary in Durham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 35.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Journalists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Durham, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.