Average Registered Nurses Salary in North Carolina
Registered Nurses in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $86,270, which is below the national average of $97,850. This difference in compensation is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific healthcare demands within the state, and the overall cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,110.
- Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 108,510 Registered Nurses, with a location quotient of 1.04, indicating a concentration slightly above the national average. This suggests a robust and stable job market for nursing professionals, with demand closely mirroring or exceeding national trends, ensuring ample opportunities for employment and career growth within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Registered Nurses in North Carolina earns-11.8%below the national average.
$41.5
$1,659
$7,189
Registered Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Registered Nurse salaries in North Carolina have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and evolving scope of practice likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, making the profession increasingly financially rewarding.
Registered Nurses Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Registered Nurses in North Carolina is significantly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or in specialized fields can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to healthcare institutions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $64,180 | $30.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $64,703 | $31.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $81,860 | $39.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $107,838 | $51.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $107,110 | $51.5 |
Detailed Registered Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$90,906
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $86,270 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial standing when considering the local cost of living index of 94.9. This index, being slightly below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a good purchasing power, allowing nurses to maintain a comfortable lifestyle relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
108,510
Total Jobs
22.153
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Registered Nurses roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.04, North Carolina's job market for Registered Nurses is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand and a stable presence of nursing roles within the state's healthcare infrastructure, suggesting a competitive yet accessible environment for both new and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Registered Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Registered Nurses Salary | $87,200↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Registered Nurses Salary | $79,080↓ 8% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Registered Nurses Salary | $85,540↓ 1% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Registered Nurses Salary | $87,590↑ 2% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Registered Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurses make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurses in North Carolina is $86,270. This typically ranges from $64,180 for entry-level positions to $107,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 11.8% lower than the national median of $97,850.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Registered Nurses?
Yes, with a favorable cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, North Carolina's cost of living is also below the national average, making the $86,270 salary quite competitive in terms of purchasing power.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Registered Nurses?
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 ($87,200) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the number of Registered Nurses in North Carolina compare nationally?
North Carolina employs a significant number of Registered Nurses, with a total local workforce of 108,510, indicating a substantial presence in the national nursing landscape.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Registered Nurses in North Carolina?
A Location Quotient of 1.04 suggests that Registered Nurses are slightly more concentrated in North Carolina compared to the national average, implying a strong and stable job market for the profession.
How does the Cost of Living in North Carolina affect a Registered Nurse's salary?
The Cost of Living Index of 94.9 means that everyday expenses are slightly lower than the national average, effectively increasing the purchasing power of the $86,270 average salary.
Are there many job opportunities for Registered Nurses in North Carolina?
With 22.153 jobs per 1,000 workers, North Carolina demonstrates a healthy demand for Registered Nurses, indicating a good number of available positions within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 108,510 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 22.153 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Registered Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Carolina