RN vs LPN Salary in North Carolina: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In North Carolina, RNs earn $70,000 on average while LPNs earn $48,000, a gap of $22,000 per year. The cost of living in North Carolina is below the national average (index: 94).
RN Average
$70,000
LPN Average
$48,000
Gap
$22,000
Cost of Living
94
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $56,000 | $38,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $70,000 | $48,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $86,000 | $57,000 |
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 | $76,000 | $50,000 | $26,000 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $74,000 | $50,000 | $24,000 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $76,000 | $50,000 | $26,000 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $66,000 | $46,000 | $20,000 |
| Winston-Salem | $66,000 | $46,000 | $20,000 |
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
$74,468
$70,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$51,064
$48,000 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 website