Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in North Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $61,380 per year ($29.51/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 17,430 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in North Carolina are below the national average by approximately $2,107. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
North Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for licensed practical nurses.
North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Carolina median of $61,380.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — North Carolina
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in North Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataLicensed Practical Nurse salaries in North Carolina have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Carolina's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — North Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $68,150 | $32.76 | +11.0% | 6,100 |
| Raleigh | $65,050 | $31.27 | +6.0% | 4,880 |
| Greensboro | $63,200 | $30.38 | +3.0% | 3,137 |
| Durham | $58,900 | $28.32 | -4.0% | 1,568 |
| Winston-Salem | $55,850 | $26.85 | -9.0% | 1,045 |
| Fayetteville | $53,400 | $25.67 | -13.0% | 697 |
Tip: Charlotte offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in North Carolina at $68,150/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
North Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Carolina sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in North Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in North Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Carolina job market. North Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for licensed practical nurses.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina typically adds $50,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Charlotte pays licensed practical nurses $68,150/yr — +11.0% above the North Carolina average. Simply relocating within North Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in North Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Virginia pays licensed practical nurses $62,310/yr — 1.5% vs North Carolina.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in North Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in North Carolina:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in North Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in North Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Charlotte, NC→