📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$50,833
per year
Median
$49,340
per year
Hourly
$24.44
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$36,352
25th Percentile — Junior$43,077
50th Percentile — Median$49,340
75th Percentile — Senior$58,208
90th Percentile — Top Earners$62,832
💡 Top-earning Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina make up to $62,832 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$42.8k
2021
$44.3k
2022
$45.8k
2023
$47.5k
2024
$49.1k
2025
$50.8k
2026
📈 Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $48,800 -4.0% High
Raleigh $49,816 -2.0% High
Greensboro $45,750 -10.0% High
Durham $49,308 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $44,225 -13.0% High
🔍
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Licensed Practical Nurses. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $50,833 per year, North Carolina's Licensed Practical Nurse salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $36,352–$43,077, while experienced Licensed Practical Nurses can command $58,208–$62,832.

Looking ahead, the Licensed Practical Nurse profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in North Carolina is $50,833 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $55,860.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Licensed Practical Nurses the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Licensed Practical Nurse employment.
  • At $50,833/year, North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $55,860/year.