Cary vs Durham: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Cary, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,785▲ | $58,465 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.19▲ | $28.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,233▲ | $37,933 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,773▲ | $47,094 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,252▲ | $65,216 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,317▲ | $74,277 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Cary, NC offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Cary and Durham is $4,320 (7.39%). Cary's median is -2.41% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $52,084,Durham spans $36,344. Cary has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cary ($67,078 effective) pays 11.95% more than Durham ($59,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,785/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,317)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,078)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Cary grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Durham over the same period.
Cary, NC
$54,570 (2024) → $61,524 (2025)
Durham, NC
$48,610 (2019) → $57,291 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Cary or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Durham?
Should I relocate from Cary to Durham as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Cary vs Durham?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov