RN vs LPN Salary in North Carolina: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In North Carolina, RNs earn $90,500 on average while LPNs earn $63,700, a gap of $26,800 per year. The cost of living in North Carolina is below the national average (index: 94).
RN Average
$90,500
LPN Average
$63,700
Gap
$26,800
Cost of Living
94
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $68,000 | $50,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $90,500 | $63,700 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $110,000 | $75,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within North Carolina depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord | $98,000 | $66,000 | $32,000 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $96,000 | $66,000 | $30,000 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $98,000 | $66,000 | $32,000 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $85,000 | $61,000 | $24,000 |
| Winston-Salem | $85,000 | $61,000 | $24,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Carolina has a cost of living index of 94 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$96,277
$90,500 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$67,766
$63,700 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
North Carolina Scope of Practice Notes
North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs may perform IV therapy with Board-approved additional education. The Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) has a strong academic medical center presence that drives higher salaries and more opportunities.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in North Carolina
Atrium Health (Advocate)
Duke Health
UNC Health
Novant Health
Cone Health
North Carolina Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
North Carolina Board of Nursing websiteCompare With Neighboring States
North Carolina RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in North Carolina?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in North Carolina earn an average of $63,700 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $50,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $75,000.
What is the average RN salary in North Carolina?
Registered nurses (RNs) in North Carolina earn an average of $90,500 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $26,800 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $68,000, and experienced RNs earn around $110,000.
Which North Carolina metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major North Carolina metros, Charlotte-Concord pays the most, with RNs averaging about $98,000 and LPNs about $66,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, RNs earn an average of $90,500 versus $63,700 for LPNs, a gap of about $26,800 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.