What RNs earn in Raleigh
Registered nurses in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro earn a median of $84,830 a year, 13% below the national RN median of $97,550. The middle half of RNs here earn between $78,430 and $104,040, so experience, specialty and shift differentials can move you a long way inside that range. Among the 60 metro markets The RN Network tracks, Raleigh ranks #40 for median RN pay.
| Role | Median | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $84,830 | $78,430 – $104,040 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,150 | $113,670 – $147,800 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $155,250 | $75,740 – $157,790 |
| Nurse Midwife | $132,070 | $132,070 – $154,990 |
Powered by RN Workforce Insights™ · 2025 annual pay. Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile.
Cost of living and the Raleigh nursing market
Pay only tells half the story. A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent runs about $1,750 a month in Raleigh, which is roughly 25% of a median RN salary before taxes. That is a manageable share, but it is worth negotiating hard on base pay and differentials.
About 12,780 RNs work in this metro, the #51 largest RN workforce of the markets we track. The RN Network directory lists 90 healthcare employers in Raleigh and Cary, including 38 behavioral health facilities, 20 outpatient surgery centers, 15 long-term care facilities and 12 dialysis centers.
Hospitals hiring nurses in Raleigh
Every hospital below has its own page with pay context, nearby openings and a direct line to its careers site.
Nursing jobs in Raleigh
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Career advice for Raleigh nurses
Watch the latest episode of Nursing Matters, the show that helps nurses find the right job, land the offer and grow their careers.
You Passed the NCLEX. Can You Lose This License? Nursing Matters Episode 102626
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Medical Surgical Nurse Career: The Leadership Roles Panels Count
Happy Medical-Surgical Nurses Week, which the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses celebrates November 1 through 7 and which opens today.
Read the article →Common questions about nursing in Raleigh
How much do registered nurses make in Raleigh?
The median RN salary in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro is $84,830 a year, and the middle half of RNs earn between $78,430 and $104,040.
What do nurse practitioners earn in Raleigh?
Nurse practitioners in the Raleigh metro earn a median of $128,150 a year.
Can a nurse afford to live in Raleigh?
A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent costs about $1,750 a month in Raleigh, roughly 25% of a median RN salary before taxes.
Which hospitals hire nurses in Raleigh?
Hospitals in the Raleigh area include Rex Hospital, Wakemed, Cary Hospital, Wakemed, Raleigh Campus, Holly Hill Mental Health Services, Triangle Springs. See the full list in The RN Network facility directory.
How do I find a nursing job in Raleigh?
Browse current North Carolina openings on The RN Network job board, claim your free Talent Agent profile so employers hiring in Raleigh can find you, and compare pay using the North Carolina salary guide.