Raleigh vs Wilmington: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,719▲ | $63,655 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.31▲ | $30.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,465▲ | $26,872 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,315▲ | $33,899 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,738▲ | $114,585 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $315,923▲ | $141,856 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $43,064 (67.65%). Raleigh's median is +31.73% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $267,458,Wilmington spans $114,984. Raleigh 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 ($108,723 effective) pays 64.69% 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 Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,719/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($315,923)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,723)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Raleigh grew 8.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$96,350 (2019) → $104,330 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$77,030 (2021) → $62,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
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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