Chapel Hill vs Durham: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,565▲ | $102,706 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.80▲ | $49.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,364 | $82,706▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,274▲ | $82,777 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,318▲ | $108,177 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,697▲ | $128,977 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Durham is $859 (0.84%). Chapel Hill's median is -1.64% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $65,333,Durham spans $46,271. Chapel Hill 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, Chapel Hill ($110,646 effective) pays 5.12% more than Durham ($105,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,565/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,697)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,646)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Chapel Hill grew 16.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Durham over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$86,898 (2024) → $101,078 (2025)
Durham, NC
$77,200 (2019) → $100,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Chapel Hill or Durham?
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Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Durham as a physical therapist?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov