Registered Nurse Salary in Charlotte, NC (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$89,150
in Charlotte · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$91,602
adjusted for local cost of living
Registered Nurses in Charlotte
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Charlotte, NC is $89,150 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,429/month or $43/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Charlotte pays 8% less than the typical city.
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97.3 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $89,150 in Charlotte is equivalent to $91,602 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $133,750 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $55,660 |
| Electrician | $57,300 |
| Accountant | $98,030 |
Full cost of living profile for Charlotte
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Charlotte?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Charlotte, NC is $89,150 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Charlotte Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Charlotte Registered Nurse pay ($89,150) is 8% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Charlotte?
Yes. Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97.3 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $89,150 salary in Charlotte has the purchasing power of approximately $91,602 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology