Last Updated: April 2026

RN Salary in North Carolina — 2026 Nurse Pay Guide

Name: US Nurse Salary Data by State and Specialty 2026
Creator: NurseSalaryIntel
License: https://nursesalaryintel.com

North Carolina registered nurses earn an average of $72,970/year ($35.08/hr). Below, we break down pay by city and top earning opportunities using Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data with 2026 projections.

RN Salary by City in North Carolina (2026)

Metro Area	Avg. Annual Salary	Avg. Hourly Rate
Charlotte	$77,000–$86,000	$37.02–$41.35/hr
Raleigh	$74,500–$83,000	$35.82–$39.90/hr
Durham	$73,500–$82,000	$35.34–$39.42/hr
State Average	$72,970	$35.08/hr

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 + NurseSalaryIntel data

Night Shift Pay in North Carolina

North Carolina hospitals typically offer night shift differentials of 10–18% above base pay. On a $72,970 base salary, consistent night shift work adds approximately $7,297–$13,135/year. See our complete night shift differential guide for detailed rates by specialty and hospital system.

Travel Nursing in North Carolina

Travel RN assignments in North Carolina typically pay $2,000–$2,800/week. Demand is strongest in urban medical centers and specialty units.

Travel Nurse Salary Guide →

Compare North Carolina to Other States

Compare with California \u2192 Top 10 Highest-Paying States \u2192

📊 Data Methodology

Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.

Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nurses make in North Carolina?

The average RN salary in North Carolina is $72,970/year ($35.08/hr). Rates vary by city, specialty, and experience level.

What is the highest-paying nursing job in North Carolina?

CRNAs in North Carolina typically earn $180,000–$220,000/year. Nurse Practitioners average $115,000–$130,000, and ICU nurses average $80,000–$105,000 depending on location.

Do travel nurses earn more in North Carolina?

Yes. Travel RNs in North Carolina typically earn $2,000–$2,800/week on assignment — significantly above staff nurse pay.

What is the job outlook for nurses in North Carolina?

Nursing demand in North Carolina continues to grow, driven by an aging population and ongoing healthcare staffing shortages.

Top Cities for Nurses in North Carolina

RN salaries vary significantly by metro area within North Carolina. See city-level pay, top hospitals, and how each market compares to the statewide average.

Charlotte→Durham→Raleigh→

See all cities: RN salary by city →