Healthcare North Carolina (NC) Rank #30 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina

The median registered nurse salary in North Carolina is $74,722 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$74,722
vs National
$-6,498
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,800 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $52,808
25th Percentile $61,456
Median (50th) $74,722
75th Percentile $93,012
90th Percentile $111,136

Major Cities for Registered Nurses in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Charlotte, NC
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Raleigh, NC
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Durham, NC
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Greensboro, NC
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Winston-Salem, NC
Metro area for registered nurse employment

How to Become a Registered Nurse in North Carolina

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.