Social Worker Salary in Durham, NC
Social Worker salary data for Durham, NC — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Social Worker Salary in Durham, NC — 2026
The median Social Worker salary in Durham, NC is $59,160 per year ($4,930/month, $28/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 102, which is 2% above the national average.
Social Worker Take-Home Pay in Durham
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $59,160 |
| Federal Tax | -$5,061 |
| State Tax (4.3%) | -$2,514 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$4,526 |
| Annual Take-Home | $47,059 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $3,922 |
Living Cost Comparison
Social Worker Requirements
Key Skills
Durham Job Market Overview
Durham, North Carolina has a population of 283,506 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Technology, Healthcare, Education. The local job growth rate is 3.2%, and the average commute time is 23 minutes.
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Social Worker Salary in Nearby North Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Social Worker salary in Durham, NC?
How much does a Social Worker take home in Durham after taxes?
Is Durham a good city for Social Workers?
What skills are needed for a Social Worker in Durham?
How does Social Worker salary in Durham compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Social Worker salary in Durham, NC?
The median Social Worker salary in Durham, NC is $59,160 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. Entry-level Social Workers earn around $40,800, while senior-level professionals can earn $76,500 or more.
How much does a Social Worker take home in Durham after taxes?
A Social Worker earning the median salary of $59,160 in Durham, NC takes home approximately $47,059 per year ($3,922/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.5%.
Is Durham a good city for Social Workers?
Durham, NC has a cost of living index of 102 (above national average). Social Workers here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Education.
What skills are needed for a Social Worker in Durham?
Key skills for Social Workers include Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Counseling, Advocacy, Documentation. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's or Master's Degree (MSW). Valuable certifications include LCSW, LMSW, State Licensure.
How does Social Worker salary in Durham compare to the national average?
The national median Social Worker salary is $58,000. In Durham, the adjusted salary is $59,160, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.