Chapel Hill vs Raleigh: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist 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 | $420,409 | $444,332▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $202.12 | $213.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $243,837 | $257,713▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $302,695 | $319,919▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $523,556 | $565,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $616,547 | $651,293▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 104▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chapel Hill.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Raleigh is $23,923 (5.69%). Raleigh's median is +8.61% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $372,710,Raleigh spans $393,580. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($474,714 effective) pays 5.69% more than Chapel Hill ($449,155 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($444,332/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($651,293)
- ✓Larger job market (104 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $474,714)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Chapel Hill grew 16.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$345,723 (2024) → $402,305 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$365,396 (2024) → $425,198 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Chapel Hill or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chapel Hill and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Raleigh as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Chapel Hill vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov