North Carolina is known as the Tar Heel State and is home to many cities ranging from the coast to rolling hills and rivers. Asheville, Charlotte and Raleigh are just a few of these cities that attract tourists and business professionals alike. Landing a job in the medical field is easier than you may think. Many people looking for jobs in North Carolina with a degree need to consider the cost of living first, before making a decision to relocate. Here are some things to think about when looking for a nursing job in North Carolina on a budget:
Entry Level Rn Salary In Nc
Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina + Job Outlook – 2022
Working as a registered nurse in NC is a rewarding choice that pays well and offers outstanding job security. The average annual registered nurse salary in North Carolina is $71,200, which is significantly lower than the national average, but you can enjoy an excellent occupational outlook with growth anticipated to top 9% over the course of the next five years. Below, you can learn more about this specific career choice and the factors that may influence your salary and job outlook.
How Many Registered Nurses are Currently Employed in NC?
| 104,810 |
What is the Salary of an RN in North Carolina?
Starting Salary
The average starting RN pay in North Carolina is $51,420 a year, or roughly $24.72 an hour, and while this is much lower than the state’s average, it represents entry-level income for RNs who have only recently obtained their licensure.
| Type | Average Salary |
| Hourly | $24.72 |
| Monthly | $4,290 |
| Annual | $51,420 |
Average Salary
The average registered nurse income in NC overall is $71,200, or about $34.23 an hour for RNs working full time. This is the average salary among all RNs in the state regardless of their experience.
| Type | Average Salary |
| Hourly | $34.23 |
| Monthly | $5,930 |
| Annual | $71,200 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Estimated Total Annual Compensation (Salary + Benefits)
The RN salary in North Carolina is not the only compensation you can expect to receive; you will also receive benefits such as paid leave, insurance, and retirement and savings plans, among others. These are valued at an average of $29,987, bringing total annual compensation for NC’s registered nurses to roughly $100,966.
| Component | Amount |
| Paid Leave | $7,472 |
| Supplemental Pay | $3,534 |
| Insurance | $7,875 |
| Retirement and Savings | $3,433 |
| Legally Required | $7,673 |
| Total Benefits | $29,987 |
| Average Annual Salary | $70,979 |
| Total Compensation | $100,966 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Percentile Wage Estimates of all RN Workers in NC & Factors That Play a Role
Half the RNs in NC earn anywhere from $60,550 to $78,670, which is a huge salary range. For the most part, these salaries are affected by factors like your experience, the city in which you work, your employer, and even the role you play in your workplace. About 10% of all RNs in the state earn less than $51,420, and this figure represents those who have very little experience and who work in poorer, more rural parts of the state. Another 10% of the RNs in NC earn more than $95,360 a year, which is a testament to their experience and roles – likely managers and shift leaders.
| Percent of RN’s | Number of RN’s | Annual Salary |
| 10% | 10,481 | Under $51,420 |
| 15% | 15,722 | $51,420 – $60,550 |
| 25% | 26,203 | $60,550 – $72,220 |
| 25% | 26,203 | $72,220 – $78,670 |
| 15% | 15,722 | $78,670 – $95,360 |
| 10% | 10,481 | Above $95,360 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Salary Trend (2017-2021)
Between the years of 2017 and 2021, the RN average salary in NC grew by 16.09% overall from $61,330 a year to 71,200 a year. This salary growth can be attributed to North Carolina’s push to hire better qualified and more highly educated RNs and their efforts to offer more competitive salaries to attract them.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | 62,560 | 1,230 | 2.01% |
| 2018 | 64,850 | 2,290 | 3.66% |
| 2019 | 66,440 | 1,590 | 2.45% |
| 2020 | 68,950 | 2,510 | 3.78% |
| 2021 | 71,200 | 2,250 | 3.26% |
| Overall Growth in Last Five Years | 9,870 | 16.09% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Salary Projection (2022-2026)
The same factors that drove salary growth in the previous five years will continue to push salaries forward between 2022 and 2026. Within the next five years, you can expect an average 17.72% salary growth, starting with $64,850 a year in 2021 and topping out at $83,820 by 2026. RNs are also seeking baccalaureate education at a higher rate, due in part to the Institute of Medicine’s push to have 80% of all RNs educated at the BSN level by 2020, and higher degrees command higher salaries.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2022 | $73,210 | $2,010 | 2.82% |
| 2023 | $75,390 | $2,180 | 2.98% |
| 2024 | $77,980 | $2,590 | 3.44% |
| 2025 | $80,750 | $2,770 | 3.55% |
| 2026 | $83,820 | $3,070 | 3.80% |
| Overall Growth in Next Five Years | $12,620 | 17.72% | |
| (Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
North Carolina BSN Degree Holders vs ADN Degree Holders – Who Earns More?
A BSN provides more knowledge and skills, which means you can take on more responsibility and receive fair compensation. On average, you can earn $6,080 more with a BSN than with an ADN
| ADN | BSN | How Much More Does an RN with BSN Earn |
| $68,870 | $74,950 | $6,080 |
| (Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
North Carolina RN vs National RN
The national average salary for RNs is $82,750, which is much higher than North Carolina’s annual average of $71,200. When compared to many other states, North Carolina is not as affluent, and this means patients pay less for the services they receive. This translates directly into lower salaries for healthcare professionals across the board.
| Type | North Carolina | United States | Difference | |
| Number | % | |||
| Average Hourly Wage | $34.23 | $39.78 | -$5.55 | -13.95% |
| Average Annual Salary | $71,200 | $82,750 | -$11,550 | -13.96% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
RN Salary vs All Occupations in NC
| Type | North Carolina | North Carolina All Occupations | Difference | |
| Number | % | |||
| Average Hourly Wage | $34.23 | 32.94 | +$1.29 | +3.92% |
| Average Annual Salary | $71,200 | $68,510 | + $2,690 | + 3.93% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
RN Salary vs All Nursing Occupations in NC
$0$40,000$80,000$120,000$160,000$200,000(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018)Nursing AsstantLicensed Practical NurseRegistered NurseNursing InstructorNurse PractitionerNurse MidwiveNurse Anesthetist$25,570$44,610$64,850$68,710$104,100$106,570$178,250
RN Salary vs Similar Healthcare Occupations in NC
$0$20,000$40,000$60,000$80,000$100,000$120,000(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018)Medical AssistantEmergency Medical Technicia & ParamedicSocial WorkerRegistered NurseCardiovascular Technologist and TechnicianDiagnostic Medical SonographerDental HygienistOccupational TherapistPhysician Assistant$32,710$36,200$57,310$64,850$66,320$66,850$69,500$84,390$104,680
RN Employment & Pay in Different Healthcare Facilities of NC
If you choose to work as a registered nurse in North Carolina, you will have the best opportunities to find employment in one of the states 120 or more hospitals. There are currently 60,260 RNs working in hospitals across the state earning $73,150 a year. You can earn a comparative salary if you choose to work in an Outpatient Care Centers like 5,080 other RNs in NC, but your employment opportunities will be far more limited.
| Industry | Employment | Hourly Salary | Annual Salary |
| Hospitals | 60,260 | $35.18 | $73,150 |
| Physician’s Offices | 6,850 | $30.56 | $63,550 |
| Home Health Care | 5,980 | $32.35 | $67,280 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 5,080 | $38.50 | $80,080 |
| Nursing Care Facilities | 4,520 | $29.89 | $62,170 |
| (Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Registered Nurse Salary in 10 Major Cities of North Carolina
1) Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the state’s most highly populated cities. It is home to just over $73,260 people who are being served by many of the area’s best hospitals. RNs in Charlotte earn $64,170 on average, and the vast majority are employed by hospitals. Some of the biggest employers in the city include Carolinas Medical Center – Mercy, WakeMed Children’s Hospital, and Carolinas ContinueCARE Hospital. Many RNs work for large clinics and outpatient facilities such as the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, and still others work in nursing homes across the city.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $62,390 | $730 | 1.18% |
| 2018 | $64,170 | $1,780 | 2.85% |
| 2019 | $65,960 | $1,790 | 2.79% |
| 2020 | $70,420 | $4,460 | 6.76% |
| 2021 | $73,260 | $2,840 | 4.03% |
2) Raleigh
There are 1.21 million people living in the Raleigh metro area, and because of the dense population here, numerous hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes exist to provide them with healthcare. RNs in Raleigh earn $72,280 a year, and most of them work in large hospitals like Duke Raleigh Hospital, UNC REX Hospital, and the WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Some RNs work at the Raleigh Hill Clinic.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $64,030 | $1,990 | 3.21% |
| 2018 | $64,860 | $830 | 1.30% |
| 2019 | $67,770 | $2,910 | 4.49% |
| 2020 | $70,110 | $2,340 | 3.45% |
| 2021 | $72,280 | $2,170 | 3.10% |
3) Greensboro
RNs in the city of Greensboro, NC serve a population of 290,222 people. They earn an average of $72,370, and the majority work in the city’s hospitals. These include Kindred Hospital, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, and Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital, among others. Some RNs work in nursing homes like Morningview at Irving Park, Starmount Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Greenhaven Health and Rehab, as well.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $64,990 | $1,060 | 1.66% |
| 2018 | $66,710 | $1,720 | 2.65% |
| 2019 | $68,300 | $1,590 | 2.38% |
| 2020 | $70,200 | $1,900 | 2.78% |
| 2021 | $72,370 | $2,170 | 3.09% |
4) Durham
Durham is the third highest-paying city for RNs across the state of North Carolina with an average annual salary of $73,000 a year. This is due in part to Duke University and its corresponding medical center, which is at the very heart of the area and involved in cutting-edge research and technology. RNs work in places like Duke University Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital, and Duke Regional Hospital, among others. Some work in the local VA Health Care System and at Lenox Baker Children’s Hospital, as well.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $67,360 | $810 | 1.22% |
| 2018 | $67,030 | -$330 | -0.49% |
| 2019 | $68,540 | $1,510 | 2.25% |
| 2020 | $70,790 | $2,250 | 3.28% |
| 2021 | $73,000 | $2,210 | 3.12% |
5) Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem boasts a population of just under 245,000 people and offers several high-rated hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term nursing care facilities to its residents. RNs here earn about $73,030 a year, and they work in places like Novant Health Medical Park Hospital, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and Select Specialty Hospitals. Some RNs work at clinics like Cedar Creek Family Medicine, and still others work in nursing and rehabilitation centers such as Oak Forest or the Brookridge Retirement Community.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $62,390 | $1,660 | 2.73% |
| 2018 | $69,070 | $6,680 | 10.71% |
| 2019 | $68,640 | -$430 | -0.62% |
| 2020 | $70,640 | $2,000 | 2.91% |
| 2021 | $73,030 | $2,390 | 3.38% |
6) Fayetteville
Fayetteville, North Carolina has a population of just under 210,000 people and employs a large-number-of RNs in hospitals such as Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital, and Health Pavilion North Express. Some RNs in Fayetteville work in large clinics like the Fayetteville VA Medical Center and in urgent care centers like Cape Fear Valley Express Care. If you choose to work in Fayetteville, you will earn an average salary of $74,650 – the highest in the state.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $65,820 | $1,630 | 2.54% |
| 2018 | $69,990 | $4,170 | 6.34% |
| 2019 | $71,790 | $1,800 | 2.57% |
| 2020 | $75,530 | $3,740 | 5.21% |
| 2021 | $74,650 | -$880 | -1.17% |
7) Wilmington
RNs who work in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $68,440. Most work in one of the city’s hospitals, which include New Hanover Regional Medical Center and NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, among others. The city’s population of a little over 119,000 calls for several outpatient clinics, too, and places like the Nunnelee Pediatric Specialty Clinic the Downtown Med Center offer RNs plenty of employment, as well.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $60,010 | $1,150 | 1.95% |
| 2018 | $61,600 | $1,590 | 2.65% |
| 2019 | $61,260 | -$340 | -0.55% |
| 2020 | $62,490 | $1,230 | 2.01% |
| 2021 | $68,440 | $5,950 | 9.52% |
8) High Point
High Point, North Carolina has a population of a little over 111,000 and offers its residents several local hospitals and medical centers for their care. These facilities employ most of the city’s registered nurses, and they include High Point Regional Hospital and Cornerstone Health Care, among others. As an RN working in High Point, you can earn an average annual salary of $72,370.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $64,990 | $1,060 | 1.66% |
| 2018 | $66,710 | $1,720 | 2.65% |
| 2019 | $68,300 | $1,590 | 2.38% |
| 2020 | $70,200 | $1,900 | 2.78% |
| 2021 | $72,370 | $2,170 | 3.09% |
9) Greenville
Greenville is a small but popular North Carolina city thanks to its short distance to Virginia Beach, and despite a population of just 92,000, some of the state’s best hospitals can be found here. RNs earn $70,630 a year and the majority work in hospitals like Vidant Medical Center and Greenville Hospital, but many also work for local clinics, which include the ECU Physicians Family Medical Center.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $61,060 | $1,300 | 2.18% |
| 2018 | $64,380 | $3,320 | 5.44% |
| 2019 | $66,680 | $2,300 | 3.57% |
| 2020 | $68,390 | $1,710 | 2.56% |
| 2021 | $70,630 | $2,240 | 3.28% |
10) Concord
Concord, North Carolina is about the same size as Greenville with a population of roughly 92,000 people, and it also provides care through two main local hospitals – NorthEast Hospital and Children’s Hospital – which employ most of the city’s RNs. There are several highly rated nursing and rehabilitation centers in Concord, which also employ many RNs locally. These include Carepoint, Five Oaks Manor, and Brookdale Concord Parkway, among others. If you work in Concord, you will earn an average annual salary of $73,260.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | $62,390 | $730 | 1.18% |
| 2018 | $64,170 | $1,780 | 2.85% |
| 2019 | $65,960 | $1,790 | 2.79% |
| 2020 | $70,420 | $4,460 | 6.76% |
| 2021 | $73,260 | $2,840 | 4.03% |
Which North Carolina Cities are Paying Registered Nurses the Most?
Durham, North Carolina is home to some of the state’s best and most prestigious hospitals thanks to Duke University Medical Center, and for this reason, it is a very lucrative city for RNs. In order for employers in this area to ensure they attract the best and most talented nurses, they pay an average salary in the state at $70,790 a year. Cities Fayetteville also pay salaries higher than the state average; this is due in part to their affluent neighborhoods and top-notch hospitals and care facilities.
It is important to note, however, that smaller and more rural towns will pay you far less as an RN. Places like Morgantown, Lenoir, and Hickory – much smaller and less affluent than Durham and Chapel Hill – will pay an average annual salary of only $62,490.
| Rank | City | Hourly | Annual | ||
| Range | Average | Range | Average | ||
| 1 | Fayetteville | $24.78 – $47.98 | $36.31 | $51,550 – $99,790 | $75,530 |
| 2 | Durham-Chapel Hill | $25.13 – $47.74 | $34.04 | $52,270 – $99,300 | $70,790 |
| 3 | Winston-Salem | $25.88 – $45.73 | $33.96 | $53,840 – $95,110 | $70,640 |
| 4 | Charlotte | $25.58 – $45.55 | $33.86 | $53,210 – $94,750 | $70,420 |
| 5 | Greensboro | $25.36 – $46.00 | $33.75 | $52,740 – $95,670 | $70,200 |
| 6 | Raleigh | $25.52 – $44.39 | $33.71 | $53,080 – $92,330 | $70,110 |
| 7 | Burlington | $25.23 – $46.41 | $33.41 | $52,470 – $96,530 | $69,500 |
| 8 | Greenville | $24.13 – $42.03 | $32.88 | $50,180 – $87,420 | $68,390 |
| 9 | Goldsboro | $23.47 – $40.55 | $31.94 | $48,810 – $84,350 | $66,440 |
| 10 | Jacksonville | $22.95 – $39.60 | $31.56 | $47,730 – $82,360 | $65,640 |
| 11 | Rocky Mount | $25.20 – $39.32 | $31.33 | $52,420 – $81,790 | $65,160 |
| 12 | New Bern | $22.03 – $40.52 | $31.14 | $45,820 – $84,280 | $64,770 |
| 13 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $21.96 – $39.03 | $30.13 | $45,670 – $81,180 | $62,670 |
| 14 | Wilmington | $21.00 – $41.17 | $30.04 | $43,670 – $85,630 | $62,490 |
| (Source: In House Research Team & U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021) |
Employment Trend (2017-2021)
| Year | Employment | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | 99,210 | 160 | 0.16% |
| 2018 | 102,500 | 3,290 | 3.32% |
| 2019 | 99,960 | -2,540 | -2.48% |
| 2020 | 99,110 | -850 | -0.85% |
| 2021 | 104,810 | 5,700 | 5.75% |
| Overall Growth in Last Five Years | 5,760 | 5.82% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
RN Job Outlook in North Carolina (2022-2026)
The employment of registered nurses in North Carolina is expected to grow significantly between 2022 and 2026. Growth of anywhere from 1.08% to 2.30% a year will result in total growth during this timeframe of 8.84%. This is significantly higher than the expected job growth across all industries at the national level, which is between 6% and 7%.
Several factors will drive the growth of the RN occupation across NC, but of these, expanded access to affordable healthcare is the most important. As more people seek treatment for their illnesses and injuries, RNs will play a crucial role in providing and managing that care in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and various other healthcare settings, as well.
| Year | Employment | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2022 | 105,937 | 1,127 | 1.08% |
| 2023 | 107,290 | 1,353 | 1.28% |
| 2024 | 109,220 | 1,930 | 1.80% |
| 2025 | 111,510 | 2,290 | 2.10% |
| 2026 | 114,070 | 2,560 | 2.30% |
| Overall Growth in Next Five Years | 9,260 | 8.84% | |
| (Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
