Durham vs Holly Springs: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Durham, NC and Holly Springs, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Holly Springs, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,465▲ | $54,262 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.10▲ | $26.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,933 | $41,122▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,094▲ | $43,749 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,216 | $69,455▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,277 | $84,107▲ |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Holly Springs.
The salary gap between Durham and Holly Springs is $4,203 (7.75%). Durham's median is -9.12% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $36,344,Holly Springs spans $42,985. Holly Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($59,920 effective) pays 3.36% more than Holly Springs ($57,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,465/year)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,920)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Holly Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,107)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Durham grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Holly Springs over the same period.
Durham, NC
$48,610 (2019) → $57,291 (2025)
Holly Springs, NC
$52,383 (2024) → $53,172 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Holly Springs, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Durham or Holly Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Holly Springs?
Should I relocate from Durham to Holly Springs as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Durham vs Holly Springs?
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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