In Raleigh, NC, Registered Nurses earn a median of $81,910 a year — about 13% below the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #34.
What that pay is worth in Raleigh
Local prices run 98 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $86,110 salary is about break-even with the national average ($87,727 adjusted).
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Raleigh?
A typical Raleigh home runs about $377,800 — 4.4 times the average Registered Nurse salary, manageable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,468/mo takes roughly 20% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Raleigh
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $64,850; the top 10% reach $103,640 — a $38,790 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Raleigh
Raleigh employs roughly 11,630 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Raleigh with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Raleigh against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Raleigh?
The average Registered Nurse in Raleigh, NC earns about $86,110 per year, 8.9% below the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Raleigh after taxes?
After federal and NC taxes, this $86,110 salary is worth about $66,481 a year - roughly $5,540 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 23%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Raleigh?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Raleigh earn about $103,640 a year, versus about $64,850 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Raleigh?
A typical Raleigh home runs about $377,800 - roughly 4.4x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.