Registered Nurse salary in North Carolina
Registered nurses in North Carolina earn a median $84,350 a year, 14% below the national median of $97,550. That ranks #33 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $65,313.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 29-1141. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $84,350 | $7,029 | $3,244 | $40.55 |
| Average pay | $90,470 | $7,539 | $3,480 | $43.50 |
| Take-home (median) | $65,313 | $5,443 | $2,512 | $31.40 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $9,727 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $6,453 |
| North Carolina income tax | $2,857 |
| Take-home | $65,313 |
North Carolina's prices are 6% below the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $69,242 buys in an average-priced state. The North Carolina minimum wage is $7.25; the median registered nurse earns 5.6 times that.
Registered Nurse pay in North Carolina vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $84,350 | $65,313 | $69,242 |
| Georgia | $93,550 | $70,723 | $73,445 |
| South Carolina | $82,360 | $64,227 | $68,509 |
| Tennessee | $81,500 | $66,165 | $72,021 |
| Virginia | $93,600 | $70,110 | $69,344 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do registered nurses make in North Carolina?
- The median salary is $84,350 a year ($40.55 an hour), and the average is $90,470, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do registered nurses take home in North Carolina?
- About $65,313 a year after federal and North Carolina taxes, or $2,512 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do registered nurses earn more in North Carolina than the national average?
- North Carolina ranks #33 of 51 for median pay, 14% below the U.S. median of $97,550. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #43.