Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in North Carolina

Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $60,392 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +1.1% higher than the national average.

Average Salary

$60,392

per year

Hourly Rate

$29.04

per hour

vs National

+1.1%

$59,730 national

Salary Range

$39,641

to $87,155

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$60,392

Cost of Living Index

96

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$62,908

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Licensed Practical Nurse's salary of $60,392 has the purchasing power of $62,908 in an average-cost area.

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in North Carolina

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Raleigh, NC$60,916$29.29/hr$40,968$87,554569
Charlotte, NC$59,867$28.78/hr$38,313$86,755577

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

North Carolina vs National Average

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Comparison

North Carolina Average$60,392
National Average$59,730
Difference+$662 (+1.1%)

Employment in North Carolina

There are approximately 1,146 Licensed Practical Nurses employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.

Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology

State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range in North Carolina

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$39,641

Starting salary for new Licensed Practical Nurses

Median (50th Percentile)

$60,392

Mid-career Licensed Practical Nurse salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$87,155

Top earners in the field

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in North Carolina?

The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in North Carolina is $60,392 per year ($29.04/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 1.1% above the national average of $59,730.

What is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina?

Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina, with a median salary of $60,916 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $59,867.

What is the salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina?

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in North Carolina range from $39,641 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $87,155 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $60,392 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.