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Physician Salary in Raleigh, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living (index: 105). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physician Salary in Raleigh β€” Key Numbers

$240,765
Median Salary
$135,282
25th Percentile
$343,287
75th Percentile
$420,000
90th Percentile
National median (Physician)$229,300
vs. National median+5.0%
Raleigh median household income$75,200
vs. City household income+220.2%

Cost of Living in Raleigh

Cost of Living Index
105(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,131/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio5.6%
Annual rent cost$13,572
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary1.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Raleigh

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
1,540,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
35.1
Median Age

Raleigh has a metro population of 1,540,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physician make in Raleigh, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Physician in Raleigh is $240,765 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $229,300 adjusted by Raleigh's cost of living index (105). The typical salary range runs from $135,282 (25th percentile) to $343,287 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $420,000.

Is Raleigh affordable for a Physician?

On a $240,765 annual salary, a Physician in Raleigh would spend approximately 5.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,131/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Raleigh relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 1.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Physician's salary compare to Raleigh's overall income?

Raleigh's median household income is $75,200. A Physician earning the city-adjusted median of $240,765 earns 220.2% more than the typical Raleigh household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.