Durham vs Raleigh: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,075▲ | $128,427 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.91▲ | $61.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,986▲ | $109,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,652▲ | $117,888 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,747▲ | $142,706 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,559▲ | $161,179 |
| Total Employed | 740 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Durham and Raleigh is $8,648 (6.73%). 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,Raleigh spans $51,939. Durham 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, Durham ($140,486 effective) pays 7.37% more than Raleigh ($130,838 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,559)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,486)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓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 15.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Durham, NC
$105,530 (2019) → $132,670 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$107,920 (2019) → $124,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Durham or Raleigh?
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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