Cornelius vs Raleigh: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Cornelius, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cornelius, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,433 | $132,571▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.71 | $63.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,121▲ | $106,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,308▲ | $117,592 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,743 | $152,899▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,911 | $176,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,510▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cornelius.
The salary gap between Cornelius and Raleigh is $2,138 (1.64%). Raleigh's median is -3.14% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cornelius spans $53,790,Raleigh spans $69,643. Raleigh 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, Cornelius ($139,351 effective) pays 3.18% more than Raleigh ($135,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cornelius if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,351)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,571/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,403)
- ✓Larger job market (1,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Cornelius grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Cornelius, NC
$112,685 (2024) → $126,083 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$108,970 (2019) → $128,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cornelius, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Cornelius or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cornelius and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Cornelius to Raleigh as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Cornelius vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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