What the numbers say
Raleigh's median annual wage for Registered Nurses was $84,870 in 2024, about 4% above the North Carolina median of $81,860. The national median tells a different story: at $94,511, it sits roughly $9,600 higher than what nurses in the Raleigh metro earned. That gap is worth noting for anyone comparing offers across regions.
The spread within the metro is tight by nursing standards. The 10th percentile came in at $67,460 and the 90th at $107,800, a range of about $40,000 from bottom to top. In many large metros that span runs wider, so the Raleigh market appears relatively compressed. Nurses moving from early-career into senior or specialty roles should expect slower wage acceleration here than in markets where the top of the range pulls well above $120,000.
About 12,820 Registered Nurses work in the Raleigh metro, making it a sizable local market within North Carolina. The mean annual wage of $89,820 runs about $5,000 above the median, which suggests a smaller group of higher-earning nurses, likely in specialized or leadership roles, pulling the average up modestly.
The headline takeaway is straightforward. Raleigh pays above the state average, which matters if you are comparing it to smaller North Carolina markets. Against the US figure, though, the metro trails by a meaningful margin. Both comparisons are worth keeping in view when reading any single number in isolation.
Salary distribution
Where Raleigh registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $78,430 and $104,040, with a median of $84,830.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the Raleigh metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for registered nurses.
- Charlotte$90,620
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Raleigh, North Carolina?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Raleigh metropolitan area is $84,830.
- Does Raleigh pay more than the North Carolina state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Raleigh metro median is +0.6% versus the North Carolina state median of $84,350.
- How does Raleigh compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Raleigh metro median is -13.7% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Raleigh?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $72,460 and the 90th-percentile at $110,220 for the Raleigh metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Raleigh CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.