May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in North Carolina
The median registered nurse in North Carolina earns $84,350/year ($40.56/hr) — 14% below the national median.
Median pay
$84,350/yr
Hourly median
$40.56/hr
State rank
#33 of 51
Employed
111,120
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in North Carolina
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32.53 | $67,660 |
| 25th percentile | $37.87 | $78,770 |
| Median (50th) | $40.56 | $84,350 |
| 75th percentile | $49.06 | $102,040 |
| 90th percentile | $52.99 | $110,220 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in North Carolina out-earn the bottom decile by $20.46/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Registered Nurses in North Carolina earn
$32.53–$52.99 /hour
Median $84,350/year · 111,120 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
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Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in North Carolina?
The median registered nurse in North Carolina earns $84,350 per year, or $40.56 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $67,660 (10th percentile) and $110,220 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in North Carolina?
Top-quartile registered nurses in North Carolina earn $102,040 or more per year ($49.06/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for registered nurses?
North Carolina ranks #33 of 51 states, with a median 14% below the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $67,660–$78,770 per year ($32.53–$37.87/hr) in North Carolina.