Durham vs Wake Forest: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Durham, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,705 | $87,810▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.20 | $42.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,020▲ | $65,998 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,365▲ | $72,075 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,131▲ | $103,472 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,448 | $117,107▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Wake Forest, NC offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Durham and Wake Forest is $2,105 (2.46%). Wake Forest's median is -15.08% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $48,428,Wake Forest spans $51,109. Wake Forest 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, Wake Forest ($93,814 effective) pays 6.80% more than Durham ($87,838 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,810/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,107)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,814)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Durham grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Durham, NC
$71,200 (2019) → $83,160 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$84,900 (2024) → $85,203 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Durham or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Durham to Wake Forest as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Durham vs Wake Forest?
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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