Registered Nurse Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $69,849 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,849, which is $4,873 below the North Carolina state average of $74,722. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $69,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Winston-Salem spans from $49,364 at the 10th percentile to $103,888 at the 90th percentile — a $54,524 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,880, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,900. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,880

$-8,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,900

$-16,100 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$49,364	$52,808	$57,400
25th Percentile	$57,448	$61,456	$66,800
Median (50th)	$69,849	$74,722	$81,220
75th Percentile	$86,946	$93,012	$101,100
90th Percentile	$103,888	$111,136	$120,800

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$49,364

25th Percentile

$57,448

Median (50th)

$69,849

75th Percentile

$86,946

90th Percentile

$103,888

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Winston-Salem

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $49,364 (10th percentile) to $103,888 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,849, a registered nurse in Winston-Salem earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median registered nurse salary of $69,849 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $74,722. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $69,849 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Registered Nurse Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina