Registered Nurses Salary in Raleigh, NC

In Raleigh, North Carolina, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $84,870, which translates to approximately $40.80 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $93,600. When compared to the local household income in Raleigh, where the area median household income is $96,066, registered nurses earn slightly less on average. Despite earning below both the national median and local household figures, registered nursing remains a robust profession with an estimated 12,820 employed individuals as of May 2025, contributing significantly to the healthcare sector in this region.

The salary range for registered nurses in Raleigh is influenced by experience levels, spanning from $67,460 at the 10th percentile to $107,800 at the 90th percentile. Entry-level nurses, typically starting closer to the lower end of this spectrum, can expect salaries around the 10th percentile mark. In contrast, experienced or highly specialized nurses often earn towards the higher end, with salaries approaching those in the 75th and 90th percentiles. This disparity is driven by factors such as years of experience, specialization within nursing, additional certifications, and responsibilities that come with senior roles. As a result, while entry-level positions offer foundational earnings potential, experienced nurses have opportunities for significant salary increases reflecting their advanced skills and contributions to patient care.