Charlotte vs Durham: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,560▲ | $137,075 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.14▲ | $65.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,917 | $110,986▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,278 | $127,652▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,929 | $156,747▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,838▲ | $174,559 |
| Total Employed | 1,680▲ | 740 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Durham is $485 (0.35%). Charlotte's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $71,921,Durham spans $63,573. Charlotte 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, Charlotte ($141,307 effective) pays 0.58% more than Durham ($140,486 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 ($137,560/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,838)
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,307)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Charlotte grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Durham over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$101,920 (2019) → $133,140 (2025)
Durham, NC
$105,530 (2019) → $132,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Charlotte or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Durham?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Durham as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Charlotte vs Durham?
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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