Chapel Hill vs Durham: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,220▲ | $137,075 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.46▲ | $65.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,916 | $110,986▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,332 | $127,652▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,750▲ | $156,747 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,562▲ | $174,559 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill, NC offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Durham is $1,145 (0.84%). Chapel Hill's median is -1.55% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $101,646,Durham spans $63,573. Chapel Hill has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($147,671 effective) pays 5.11% more than Durham ($140,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,220/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,562)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,671)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Chapel Hill grew 21.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Durham over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$110,258 (2024) → $133,779 (2025)
Durham, NC
$105,530 (2019) → $132,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov