Charlotte vs Wake Forest: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,806▲ | $130,317 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.81▲ | $62.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,054▲ | $104,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,302▲ | $116,015 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,447 | $156,372▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,372▲ | $174,214 |
| Total Employed | 1,970▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wake Forest is $4,489 (3.44%). Charlotte's median is -1.50% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $65,318,Wake Forest spans $69,564. Wake Forest has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wake Forest ($139,228 effective) pays 0.54% more than Charlotte ($138,478 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 ($134,806/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,372)
- ✓Larger job market (1,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,228)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Charlotte grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$100,420 (2019) → $130,310 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$112,584 (2024) → $125,971 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Charlotte or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Wake Forest as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Charlotte vs Wake Forest?
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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