Average Nursing Assistants Salary in North Carolina
Nursing Assistants in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $37,980, which is slightly below the national average of $41,050. This difference is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector, and the overall cost of living, which can impact wage structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,960.
- Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 61,280 Nursing Assistants, indicating a significant presence in the healthcare industry. With a Location Quotient of 1.39, the state shows a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established job market for Nursing Assistants within North Carolina.
Salary Overview
The average Nursing Assistants in North Carolina earns-7.5%below the national average.
$18.3
$730
$3,165
Nursing Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for essential roles like Nursing Assistants tend to experience steady growth. This upward trend is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and efforts to retain skilled professionals within the workforce, suggesting that North Carolina Nursing Assistants have likely seen their compensation increase over recent years.
Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in North Carolina
The salary trajectory for Nursing Assistants in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. This progression reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, efficiency, and the ability to handle more complex patient care responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,370 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,485 | $13.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $37,670 | $18.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $47,475 | $22.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,960 | $22.1 |
Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,021
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $37,980 in North Carolina aligns favorably with its Cost of Living Index of 94.9. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively good purchasing power for residents, meaning their earnings can cover essential expenses and potentially allow for more disposable income compared to living in higher-cost states.
Job Market Context
61,280
Total Jobs
12.511
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Nursing Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.39 signifies that North Carolina has a significantly higher concentration of Nursing Assistant jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This indicates a strong and potentially competitive market where demand for these professionals is notably elevated, presenting ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Nursing Assistants Salary | $38,000↑ 0% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Nursing Assistants Salary | $35,250↓ 7% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Nursing Assistants Salary | $40,520↑ 7% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Nursing Assistants Salary | $37,710↓ 1% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Nursing Assistants Salary | $40,970↑ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistants make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in North Carolina is $37,980. This typically ranges from $29,370 for entry-level positions to $45,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 7.5% lower than the national median of $41,050.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living enhances purchasing power. The high concentration of jobs also indicates strong demand and opportunity.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($38,000) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does experience affect a Nursing Assistant's salary in North Carolina?
Experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions offer lower salaries, while senior Nursing Assistants with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn considerably more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Is the job market for Nursing Assistants strong in North Carolina?
Yes, the job market is robust. The state employs a large number of Nursing Assistants (61,280) and has a higher concentration of these roles (LQ 1.39) than the national average, indicating strong demand.
How does North Carolina's cost of living compare to the national average?
North Carolina's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with an index of 94.9 compared to the national benchmark of 100. This suggests that the average salary of $37,980 may offer better purchasing power locally.
What is the average salary for a Nursing Assistant in North Carolina?
The average annual salary for a Nursing Assistant in North Carolina is $37,980, which is approximately $3,070 less than the national average salary of $41,050.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 61,280 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 12.511 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Carolina