Registered Nurse Salary in Durham, NC (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$90,700
in Durham · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$98,664
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#95
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Durham
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Durham, NC is $90,700 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,558/month or $44/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Durham pays 6% less than the typical city.
Durham has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $90,700 in Durham is equivalent to $98,664 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 Durham 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 Durham
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $125,090 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,830 |
| Electrician | $60,360 |
| Accountant | $74,950 |
Full cost of living profile for Durham
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Durham?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Durham, NC is $90,700 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Durham Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Durham Registered Nurse pay ($90,700) is 6% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Durham?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $90,700 salary in Durham has the purchasing power of approximately $98,664 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology