Durham vs Sanford: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Durham, NC and Sanford, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Sanford, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,864▲ | $130,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.80▲ | $62.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,933▲ | $101,011 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,247▲ | $116,020 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,237 | $152,287▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,824▲ | $166,160 |
| Total Employed | 1,450▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Durham and Sanford is $6,544 (5.02%). 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,Sanford spans $65,149. Sanford 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 0.75% more than Sanford ($139,231 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 top-earner potential ($172,824)
- ✓Larger job market (1,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,270)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓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 11.9% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Durham, NC
$105,830 (2019) → $132,300 (2025)
Sanford, NC
$112,587 (2024) → $125,974 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Sanford, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Durham or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Sanford?
Should I relocate from Durham to Sanford as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Durham vs Sanford?
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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