Chapel Hill vs Raleigh: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist 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 | $86,421 | $86,653▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.54 | $41.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,766 | $63,660▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,935 | $77,202▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,836 | $109,913▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,411 | $124,919▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chapel Hill.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Raleigh is $232 (0.27%). Raleigh's median is -16.20% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $57,645,Raleigh spans $61,259. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($92,330 effective) pays 4.59% more than Raleigh ($88,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,330)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,653/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,919)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Chapel Hill grew -2.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$85,964 (2024) → $83,855 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$77,650 (2019) → $84,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists 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 occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Chapel Hill vs Raleigh?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov