Asheville vs Winston: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Asheville, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,178 | $135,354▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.55 | $65.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,519 | $108,747▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,943 | $121,047▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $140,630 | $165,727▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,586 | $167,092▲ |
| Total Employed | 520 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Asheville.
The salary gap between Asheville and Winston is $3,176 (2.40%). Winston's median is -1.10% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Asheville spans $61,067,Winston spans $58,345. Asheville 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, Winston ($147,055 effective) pays 7.37% more than Asheville ($136,964 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,354/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,092)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,055)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Asheville grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Winston over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$101,640 (2019) → $127,770 (2025)
Winston, NC
$104,500 (2019) → $130,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Asheville or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Winston?
Should I relocate from Asheville to Winston as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Asheville vs Winston?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov