A complete 2026 breakdown of what Registered Nurses earn in Charlotte — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.
| Experience | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $56,355 - $73,695 | 27 - 35/hr |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | $78,030 - $99,704 | 37 - 47/hr |
| Senior (6-10 years) | $99,704 - $125,715 | 47 - 60/hr |
| Lead/Principal (10+ years) | $121,379 - $160,395 | 58 - 77/hr |
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $73,695 |
| San Francisco, CA | $104,040 |
| Chicago, IL | $86,700 |
| Charlotte | $86,700 |
| Houston, TX | $73,695 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $86,700 |
Major employers in Charlotte hiring Registered Nurses include:
$86,700 in Charlotte goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1450/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $69,300/year. See full cost of living in Charlotte.
The average Registered Nurse salary in Charlotte is $86,700/year ($41.68/hour). The 25th percentile earns $65,025/year, the 75th percentile earns $112,710/year, and the 90th percentile earns $143,055/year.
Registered Nurse is a growing career in Charlotte with a stable job market. The median salary is in line with the national average for this role.
Top earners (90th percentile) in Charlotte make $143,055/year. These are typically senior Registered Nurses with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.
⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.