Durham vs Kannapolis: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Durham, NC and Kannapolis, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Kannapolis, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,075▲ | $136,303 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.91▲ | $65.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,986▲ | $98,947 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,652▲ | $119,469 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,747 | $165,243▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,559 | $186,151▲ |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kannapolis.
The salary gap between Durham and Kannapolis is $772 (0.57%). Durham's median is -2.36% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $63,573,Kannapolis spans $87,204. Kannapolis 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, Kannapolis ($145,623 effective) pays 3.66% 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 Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,075/year)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Kannapolis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,151)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,623)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Durham grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Kannapolis over the same period.
Durham, NC
$105,530 (2019) → $132,670 (2025)
Kannapolis, NC
$111,456 (2024) → $131,923 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Kannapolis, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Durham or Kannapolis?
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Should I relocate from Durham to Kannapolis as a physician assistant?
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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