Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| North Carolina | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $84,350 | $98,331 | -14% |
| Median hourly wage | $40.55 | $47.27 | -14% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $89,449.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $90,374 | $68,250 | $110,250 | 101 |
| Charlotte | $87,791 | $66,300 | $107,100 | 100 |
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in North Carolina is $84,350, or about $40.55 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Registered Nurses is $98,331. North Carolina is -14% below the national median.
Entry-level registered nurses in North Carolina typically earn from $68,250 depending on the city and employer.
With 111,120 registered nurse jobs on record and a median salary of $84,350, North Carolina offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.