Durham vs Raleigh: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,864▲ | $132,571 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.80▲ | $63.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,933▲ | $106,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,247▲ | $117,592 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,237 | $152,899▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,824 | $176,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,450 | 1,510▲ |
Verdict
Durham and Raleigh are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Durham and Raleigh is $4,293 (3.24%). Durham's median is +0.00% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $60,891,Raleigh spans $69,643. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($140,270 effective) pays 3.86% more than Raleigh ($135,060 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 ($136,864/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,270)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,403)
- ✓Larger job market (1,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Durham grew 25.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Durham, NC
$105,830 (2019) → $132,300 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$108,970 (2019) → $128,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Durham or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Durham to Raleigh as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Durham vs Raleigh?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov