Durham vs Wilmington: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Durham, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,488▲ | $63,655 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.39▲ | $30.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,963▲ | $26,872 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,846▲ | $33,899 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,505▲ | $114,585 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,556▲ | $141,856 |
| Total Employed | 67 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Durham and Wilmington is $32,833 (51.58%). Durham's median is +19.10% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $93,593,Wilmington spans $114,984. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($103,085 effective) pays 56.15% more than Wilmington ($66,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,488/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,556)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,085)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Durham grew 57.2% from 2023 to 2025, compared to -19.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Durham, NC
$59,990 (2023) → $94,328 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$77,030 (2021) → $62,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Durham or Wilmington?
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Should I relocate from Durham to Wilmington as a chiropractor?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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 Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov