Registered Nurses Salary in Asheville, NC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Asheville, NC

Median annual salary $80,720 -13.8% vs national
Median hourly $38.81
10th percentile $62,770
90th percentile $110,860
Employed locally 4,760
National median $93,600

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Registered Nurses
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    In Asheville, North Carolina, the typical registered nurse earns a median annual salary of $80,720, which is slightly below the national median for this occupation at $93,600. When compared to the local area's median household income of $69,236, it becomes evident that registered nurses in Asheville earn significantly more than the average household. This disparity highlights the relatively high earning potential within the nursing profession in the region, positioning it as a lucrative career choice compared to other occupations available locally.

    For entry-level registered nurses in Asheville, earnings generally start closer to the 10th percentile at $62,770 annually, reflecting limited experience and possibly less specialized roles or part-time work schedules. In contrast, experienced nurses can earn up to the 90th percentile, which stands at $110,860 per year, due to factors such as seniority, advanced certifications, leadership roles, and specialization in high-demand areas like critical care or surgical nursing. The considerable difference between these earnings levels underscores the importance of experience and specialized skills within the nursing field, further incentivizing professional development and career advancement for those seeking higher salaries.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $62,770
    25th
    $75,870
    50th (median)
    $80,720
    75th
    $96,430
    90th
    $110,860

    Asheville economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,236 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 117% Median Registered Nurses salary is 17% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Asheville?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Asheville, NC is $38.81, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $56.89 or more per hour.

    Is Asheville above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Asheville, NC is 13.8% below the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Asheville?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $62,770 per year in Asheville, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $75,870.