Durham vs Wake Forest: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $139,867▲ | $134,339 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.24▲ | $64.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,071 | $81,307▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,087 | $104,553▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,152▲ | $171,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,150▲ | $208,226 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Durham and Wake Forest is $5,528 (4.11%). Durham's median is +1.84% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $174,079,Wake Forest spans $126,919. 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, Wake Forest ($143,525 effective) pays 0.12% more than Durham ($143,347 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 ($139,867/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,150)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,525)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Durham grew 10.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Durham, NC
$120,070 (2019) → $132,500 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$103,356 (2024) → $127,263 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians 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 veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Durham vs Wake Forest?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov