Nurse Practitioner Salary in Chapel Hill, NC: $138,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Chapel Hill, NC earns a median $138,009/year (≈ $66.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Chapel Hill's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $147,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse practitioner salary in Chapel Hill is projected to reach a median annual income of $138,009, slightly above the national median of $136,864. The salary range for nurse practitioners in this area spans from $102,542 at the 10th percentile to $187,941 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape influenced by various factors like specialty and practice settings. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, and reflect the unique healthcare environment of North Carolina. Interestingly, the state's full-practice authority for nurse practitioners allows them to practice independently, positively impacting their earning potential compared to states that require collaboration agreements.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,542 | $49.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,670 | $57.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,009 | $66.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,408 | $78.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,941 | $90.35 |
Median Salary Position
0.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chapel Hill
In Chapel Hill, NC, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,399 (2026 est.). At $138,009, the local median is 0.84% above the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chapel Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chapel Hill Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Chapel Hill median: $138,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chapel Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $132,192 | +4.40% more |
| National Average | $136,864 | +0.84% more |
Nurse Practitioners in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $138,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.84% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 4.40% above the North Carolina state average of $132,192.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chapel Hill has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chapel Hill, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A nurse practitioner earning $138,009 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,446 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,738
2025 BLS Actual
$133,406
2026 Current Est.
$138,009
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,738 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,689 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,316 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,406 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $110,738 (2019) to $133,406 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,032 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $102,542 – $119,670 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,670 – $138,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,009 – $162,408 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,408 – $187,941 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Chapel Hill
While there are currently only nine nurse practitioners employed in Chapel Hill, local job prospects remain promising, heightened by the increasing demand for healthcare services. The cost of living index in the area is 93.6, suggesting that while salaries may be competitive, the purchasing power is modestly favorable. Among employment opportunities, hospital outpatient clinics and specialty clinics typically offer the highest wages, with factors like population focus—such as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners receiving premium pay—also influencing earnings. The disparity between the lower and higher ends of the pay scale can be attributed to various elements, including productivity bonuses, additional income through telehealth work, and the lack of collaboration costs in full-practice states. For those looking to maximize their nurse practitioner pay in Chapel Hill, pursuing additional certifications in high-demand specialty areas and being open to both W-2 and 1099 positions could provide competitive advantages in this evolving market.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $133,406 for nurse practitionersin the Chapel Hill metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chapel Hill is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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