Registered Nurse Salary in Cary, NC (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$89,820
in Cary · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$91,322
adjusted for local cost of living
Registered Nurses in Cary
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Cary, NC is $89,820 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,485/month or $43/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Cary pays 7% less than the typical city.
Cary has a cost of living index of 98.4 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $89,820 in Cary is equivalent to $91,322 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Cary metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Cary
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $135,620 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $56,180 |
| Electrician | $55,810 |
| Accountant | $92,050 |
Full cost of living profile for Cary
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Cary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Cary?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Cary, NC is $89,820 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Cary Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Cary Registered Nurse pay ($89,820) is 7% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Cary?
Yes. Cary has a cost of living index of 98.4 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $89,820 salary in Cary has the purchasing power of approximately $91,322 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology