Charlotte vs Wilson: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wilson, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wilson, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,560▲ | $129,483 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.14▲ | $62.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,917▲ | $100,953 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,278 | $118,224▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,929 | $157,699▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,838 | $175,973▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,680▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilson.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wilson is $8,077 (6.24%). Charlotte's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $71,921,Wilson spans $75,020. Wilson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($141,307 effective) pays 2.15% more than Wilson ($138,337 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,560/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,307)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,973)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Charlotte grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Wilson over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$101,920 (2019) → $133,140 (2025)
Wilson, NC
$105,879 (2024) → $125,322 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wilson, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Charlotte or Wilson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Wilson?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Wilson as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Charlotte vs Wilson?
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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