Raleigh vs Wilmington: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,571▲ | $129,302 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.74▲ | $62.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,760▲ | $103,450 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,592▲ | $107,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,899▲ | $139,771 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,403▲ | $163,513 |
| Total Employed | 1,510▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $3,269 (2.53%). 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 Raleigh spans $69,643,Wilmington spans $60,063. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($135,060 effective) pays 0.72% more than Wilmington ($134,100 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,571/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,403)
- ✓Larger job market (1,510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,060)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Raleigh grew 17.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$108,970 (2019) → $128,150 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$112,860 (2019) → $124,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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