Fayetteville vs Raleigh: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fayetteville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,599 | $132,571▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.38 | $63.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,160 | $106,760▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,060 | $117,592▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $148,161 | $152,899▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,224 | $176,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 210 | 1,510▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Raleigh is $6,972 (5.55%). Raleigh's median is -3.14% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $69,064,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, Fayetteville ($136,553 effective) pays 1.11% 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 Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,553)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,571/year)
- ✓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 Fayetteville grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Fayetteville, NC
$108,650 (2019) → $121,410 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$108,970 (2019) → $128,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fayetteville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Raleigh as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fayetteville 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