Average Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina
Registered Nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $91,454 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +2.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$91,454
per year
Hourly Rate
$43.97
per hour
vs National
-2.3%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$57,452
to $136,331
About Registered Nurse Careers in North Carolina
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In North Carolina, registered nurses earn an average of $91,454 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $57,452 for entry-level roles to $136,331 for the most experienced professionals — +2.3% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within North Carolina.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$91,454
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$95,265
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $91,454 has the purchasing power of $95,265 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $92,009 | $44.24/hr | $57,796 | $136,321 | 2,445 |
| Charlotte, NC | $90,898 | $43.70/hr | $57,107 | $136,340 | 2,726 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 5,171 Registered Nurses employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Registered Nurse Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$57,452
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$91,454
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$136,331
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Pharmacist
$132,476
avg in NC
+$41,022 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$127,220
avg in NC
+$35,766 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$90,194
avg in NC
-$1,260 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$60,392
avg in NC
-$31,062 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$38,744
avg in NC
-$52,710 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in North Carolina?
The average Registered Nurse salary in North Carolina is $91,454 per year ($43.97/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 2.3% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in North Carolina, with a median salary of $92,009 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $90,898.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in North Carolina?
Registered Nurse salaries in North Carolina range from $57,452 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $136,331 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $91,454 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.