Registered Nurses Salary in Wilmington, NC

In Wilmington, NC, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $75,710, which is approximately $18,890 less than the national median salary of $93,600 for the occupation. This local median income slightly exceeds the area's median household income of $73,687, suggesting that registered nurses in Wilmington typically have earnings higher than the average household within the region. Despite this slight advantage over other professions locally, it indicates a competitive but not leading position compared to national standards.

Entry-level registered nurses in Wilmington earn around the 10th percentile salary of $64,020 annually, while those with experience or advanced skills can earn up to the 75th percentile at $97,850. This significant range is driven by factors such as additional certifications, specialized skills, and years of service within the healthcare industry. Experienced nurses often command higher salaries due to their accumulated expertise, critical thinking capabilities in high-pressure situations, and potential leadership roles they may assume, which are less likely for those just entering the field.