Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina
Registered Nurse pay in North Carolina, explained
Registered nurses in North Carolina earn a median of $84,350 per year ($40.56 per hour), which is 14% below the national median of $97,550. Entry-level workers earn around $67,660, while the most experienced registered nurses reach about $110,220. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.
Is $84,350 good pay in North Carolina?
Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $84,350 is worth about $89,424 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #42 for real pay (vs #33 on the sticker number).
Registered Nurse pay by experience in North Carolina
Registered Nurse pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (here) | $84,350 | $89,424 | — |
| Virginia | $93,600 | $92,578 | −$9,250 |
| Georgia | $93,550 | $97,151 | −$9,200 |
| South Carolina | $82,360 | $87,852 | +$1,990 |
| Tennessee | $81,500 | $88,712 | +$2,850 |
Registered Nurse in North Carolina: FAQ
How much do registered nurses make in North Carolina?
Registered nurses in North Carolina earn a median of $84,350 per year ($40.56 per hour), compared with $97,550 nationally.
Does North Carolina pay registered nurses well?
At $84,350, North Carolina pays 14% below the national median for registered nurses. An estimated 111,120 work in the state.