North Carolina vs. national registered nurse wages
| Metric | North Carolina | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $80,045 | $86,070 | -7% |
| Mean annual wage | $89,336 | $96,060 | -7% |
| Take-home (single filer) | $61,540 | — | after all 2026 taxes |
North Carolina median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.
Take-home breakdown for $80,045 in North Carolina
Annual deductions
- Federal income tax
- −$8,780
- North Carolina state income tax
- −$3,602
- FICA (SS + Medicare)
- −$6,123
- Total taxes
- −$18,505
Your paycheck
- Annual net
- $61,540
- Monthly net
- $5,128
- Bi-weekly net
- $2,367
- Hourly equivalent
- $29.59/hr
Assumes single filer, no pre-tax deductions, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. Use the full calculator for filing-status adjustments, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax items.
About this occupation
Provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients and the public about health conditions, and provides emotional support to patients and families.
Outlook (2023-2033)
+6% (2023-2033, faster than average)
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and RN licensure
BLS SOC Code
29-1141
Frequently asked questions
How much do registered nurses make in in North Carolina in 2026?›
The national median annual wage for RNs was $86,070 in May 2024 (BLS OEWS). With 2026 tax rules, take-home pay on a $86,070 salary runs roughly $66,000-$72,000 depending on state — California and Hawaii are outliers on the high end ($130K+ median).
Which states pay registered nurses the most?›
California ($137K median), Hawaii ($128K), Oregon ($110K), Massachusetts ($105K), Washington ($100K), and New York ($100K) lead the country. High wages reflect strong union presence (CA) and high cost-of-living.
Do states without income tax pay nurses less?›
Texas, Florida, Washington, and Tennessee are no-state-income-tax states, but their RN wages ($75K-$80K median) are only slightly below national median. The lower tax burden partly offsets the lower gross pay — and cost-of-living in most of these states is also lower than CA/NY.
Is nursing a good career in 2026?›
Yes. BLS projects 6% employment growth through 2033 (faster than average), with persistent demand from an aging population. RN remains one of the most stable, recession-resistant healthcare careers.
What is the take-home pay on a $80,045 registered nurse salary in North Carolina?›
On a $80,045 registered nurse salary in North Carolina, take-home pay is approximately $61,540/year ($5,128/month, $2,367/bi-weekly). That accounts for $8,780 in federal income tax, 3,602 in North Carolina state income tax, and $6,123 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 23.1%.
Highest-paying states for Registered Nurses
Related occupations in North Carolina
Want to model your own salary?
Open the Registered Nurse + North Carolina combo in the full calculator. Pre-filled with $80,045. Adjust filing status, 401(k), and other deductions.