Chapel Hill vs Raleigh: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,358▲ | $67,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.31▲ | $32.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,475 | $54,731▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,610 | $64,065▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,700▲ | $76,897 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,555▲ | $80,089 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,740▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill, NC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Raleigh is $3,625 (5.35%). Chapel Hill's median is +4.83% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $42,080,Raleigh spans $25,358. 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 ($76,237 effective) pays 10.48% more than Raleigh ($69,005 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 ($71,358/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,555)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,237)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Chapel Hill grew 31.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$51,391 (2024) → $67,510 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$46,710 (2019) → $64,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov