Registered nurse salary in North Carolina
The median registered nurse in North Carolina earned $84,350 a year in 2025, $13,200 (14%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 33rd of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $84,350
- Average yearly pay
- $90,470
- Employed in North Carolina
- 111,120
How North Carolina compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in North Carolina
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $84,350 | 111,120 |
| LPN or LVN | $63,270 | 18,010 |
| Nurse practitioner | $128,990 | 9,800 |
A nurse practitioner in North Carolina earns a median $44,640 more than a registered nurse ($128,990 against $84,350). A registered nurse earns a median $21,080 more than an LPN or LVN here ($84,350 against $63,270).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in North Carolina?
The median is $84,350 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in North Carolina earn more and half earn less.
Is North Carolina a high-paying state for registered nurses?
North Carolina ranks 33rd of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so North Carolina pays 14% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in North Carolina?
BLS counted 111,120 registered nurses employed in North Carolina in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In North Carolina the average is $90,470, $6,120 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, with a license from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.