Average RN Salary in North Carolina: See How Much NC Nurses Make
Registered nurses in North Carolina are witnessing an era of expanding career opportunities, job security, and a comfortable lifestyle. Despite the state ranking 35th in the nation for RN salaries, significantly below the national average, the U.S. Department of Labor foresees a robust 10.8% increase in RN employment in the state between 2018 and 2028.
Delve into the details of RN salaries in North Carolina, the impact of the cost of living on compensation, and discover which cities offer the highest pay. This anticipated growth is poised to create over 7,000 job openings. Navigate through this comprehensive guide to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing RN salaries in North Carolina.
Overview of RN Salaries in North Carolina
Average North Carolina RN Salary: $71,220 (Ranks 17th among all states)
Hourly North Carolina RN Salary: $34.23
Projected North Carolina RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 10.8%
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In North Carolina, the Tar Heel state, a thriving community of over 100,000 Registered Nurses (RNs) contributes significantly to the healthcare landscape. The annual median salary for a registered nurse in North Carolina stands at $72,220, equating to an average hourly wage of $34.72. Despite the RN salary in North Carolina being notably below the national average of $82,750, the compensation scenario is diverse, influenced by factors such as employment type, geographical location, and professional experience. Salaries exhibit a range, starting from $51,420 for those in the lowest 10th percentile of RNs and reaching over $95,000 for individuals in the highest 90th percentile.
Several factors serve to counterbalance the relatively lower wages for North Carolina’s RNs. The state boasts natural vistas, a moderate climate, a cost of living below the national average, and communities renowned for their friendliness and Southern charm. Adding to the appeal, North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, making it an attractive destination for aspiring nurses. Graduates from RN nursing programs in North Carolina have the opportunity to earn a multistate license, allowing them to practice in 39 NLC member states. The demand for RNs is expected to sustain growth, driven by the increasing healthcare needs, particularly for the aging population, anticipated nurse retirements, and foreseen nurse shortages.
As highlighted in a 2021 report on the US healthcare labor market, a 5% increase in the national demand for RNs is estimated. However, North Carolina faces a significant challenge, projecting a shortfall of 13,000 nurses through 2026. This places the state among the five worst states in the nation grappling with nursing shortages. The convergence of these factors underscores the critical importance of addressing and meeting the rising demand for healthcare professionals in North Carolina.
Factors Affecting RN Salaries
Several factors offset the relatively lower wages for North Carolina’s RNs. The state boasts natural beauty, a moderate climate, a cost of living below the national average, and communities known for their friendliness and Southern charm. As a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, North Carolina attracts aspiring nurses. Graduates from RN nursing programs in North Carolina can obtain a multistate license, enabling them to practice in 39 NLC member states. The demand for RNs is expected to grow, fueled by the increasing healthcare needs, particularly for the aging population, expected nurse retirements, and projected nurse shortages.
A 2021 report on the US healthcare labor market estimates a 5% increase in the national demand for RNs. North Carolina faces a shortfall of 13,000 nurses through 2026, ranking it among the five states with the most significant nursing shortages.
North Carolina RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost-of-Living
The earning potential of RNs is influenced by the cost of living. RNs working in states with higher-than-average cost-of-living rates may need to recalibrate their salary expectations based on personal needs, family obligations, and desired quality of life. The cost-of-living index gauges the amount an individual must spend to maintain a specific standard of living, with a rank of 100 equal to the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, North Carolina’s cost-of-living index ranks 39th compared to all 50 states. The $72,220 median annual registered nurse salary in North Carolina falls more than $10,000 below the national average. The state’s cost of living index of 91.8 is 8.2% lower than the U.S. average. The lower cost of living suggests that RNs in North Carolina can expect to spend less on key essentials. When adjusted for the cost of living, North Carolina RNs earn an average annual salary of $77,038, placing the state 29th among all states.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,038 (Ranks 29th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 91.8 (8.2% lower than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in North Carolina
Each of the five highest-paying cities for Registered Nurses (RNs) in North Carolina not only offers annual salaries surpassing the state average but also presents expanded employment opportunities and an affordable, appealing quality of life. Additionally, these cities provide convenient access to the state’s breathtaking beaches and panoramic mountain views.
- Fayetteville: Recognized as the headquarters for Fort Bragg, Fayetteville houses the state’s eighth-largest healthcare system, Cape Fear Valley Health. Atrium Health, a prominent healthcare system operating more than 40 hospitals, significantly contributes to the healthcare landscape in the Charlotte metro area.
- The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill): Functioning as a vital technological hub, the Research Triangle is also home to several esteemed hospitals, making it a central location for healthcare and technological advancements.
- Greensboro: The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro has evolved into the most extensive and largest healthcare center within the five-county region surrounding the city. Greensboro serves as a hub for healthcare services in the region.
- Durham: Home to Durham-based Duke University, in collaboration with the Duke Medical Center, this city employs over 6,000 RNs. Duke University, known for its medical excellence, is a significant contributor to the healthcare workforce in Durham.
These urban centers collectively host 14 Magnet hospitals in North Carolina. The Magnet hospital designation, conferred by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, signifies excellence in patient care outcomes, implementation of best nursing practices, high levels of nursing satisfaction, and competitive salaries. This recognition underscores the commitment to maintaining the highest standards in healthcare provision and fostering a positive and rewarding environment for nursing professionals in these urban areas of North Carolina.
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in North Carolina
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC | $74,650 |
| Charlotte — Concord — Gastonia, NC — SC | $73,260 |
| Winston — Salem, NC | $73,030 |
| Durham — Chapel Hill, NC | $73,000 |
| Greensboro — High Point, NC | $72,370 |
|
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in North Carolina
Nursing salaries exhibit variation based on education level, experience, job responsibilities, and location. Those without a college degree in nursing earn considerably less than RNs across the U.S. In North Carolina, nursing assistants and LPNs rank among the lowest-paid in the country.
While RNs can enter the workforce after completing an associate degree, many employers prefer hiring those with a bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) not only broadens career prospects and elevates salary levels but also provides the foundation for advanced practice nursing roles through graduate studies.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, specializing as nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists, are among the highest-paid nurses in the nation. In North Carolina, APRNs with MSNs and DNPs consistently earn six-figure salaries, surpassing the earnings of RNs with BSN degrees.
- Nursing Assistants: $29,410
- LPN/LVNs: $49,210
- Nurse Midwives: $102,960
- Nurse Practitioners: $112,730
- Nurse Anesthetists: $206,450
Methodology and Sources
The data on registered nursing salaries by state is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, as of May 2021. The highest-paying cities and states for RNs are ranked based on average annual salary.
Cost-of-living data is obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal income for states and metropolitan areas, released on December 14, 2021. The calculation for RN salary adjusted for the cost of living involves multiplying each state’s RN salary by its regional price parity (RPP), measuring differences in the cost of goods and services compared to national prices. Projected employment growth data by state is sourced from Projections Central.
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