Durham vs Raleigh: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $433,960 | $444,332▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $208.63 | $213.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $251,697 | $257,713▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $312,452 | $319,919▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $549,894 | $565,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $659,858▲ | $651,293 |
| Total Employed | 67 | 104▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Durham and Raleigh is $10,372 (2.39%). 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 Durham spans $408,161,Raleigh spans $393,580. Durham 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 ($474,714 effective) pays 2.39% more than Durham ($463,632 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($659,858)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($444,332/year)
- ✓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 Durham grew 16.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Durham, NC
$356,867 (2024) → $415,273 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$365,396 (2024) → $425,198 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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