Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Very High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $85,988 | -4.0% | Very High |
| Raleigh | $87,780 | -2.0% | Very High |
| Greensboro | $80,614 | -10.0% | Very High |
| Durham | $86,884 | -3.0% | Very High |
| Winston-Salem | $77,927 | -13.0% | Very High |
North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Registered Nurses. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $89,571 per year, North Carolina's Registered 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 $58,916–$71,303, while experienced Registered Nurses can command $99,174–$108,334.
Looking ahead, the Registered Nurse profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Registered Nurse salary in North Carolina?The average Registered Nurse salary in North Carolina is $89,571 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $98,430.
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What city in North Carolina pays Registered Nurses the most?Major metro areas typically pay Registered Nurses the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is North Carolina a good state for Registered Nurses?North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Registered Nurse employment.
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How does North Carolina Registered Nurse salary compare to the US average?At $89,571/year, North Carolina Registered Nurse salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $98,430/year.