Healthcare Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Registered Nurse Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median registered nurse salary in Raleigh, NC is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$79,596
vs State Avg
+$4,874
vs National
$-1,624
Cost of Living
98%

Registered Nurse Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)

Raleigh offers a median registered nurse salary of $79,596, which is $4,874 above the North Carolina state average of $74,722. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Raleigh spans from $56,252 at the 10th percentile to $118,384 at the 90th percentile — a $62,132 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,840, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,700. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $56,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,700
$-2,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $56,252
25th Percentile $65,464
Median (50th) $79,596
75th Percentile $99,078
90th Percentile $118,384

Registered Nurse Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$79,596
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$77,159
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$71,474
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$69,849
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Raleigh

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open registered nurse positions in Raleigh, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $56,252 (10th percentile) to $118,384 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,596, a registered nurse in Raleigh earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Raleigh's median registered nurse salary of $79,596 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $74,722. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $79,596 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Raleigh? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Raleigh require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.