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Nurse Practitioner Salaries in North Carolina — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median nurse practitioner salary in North Carolina is $125,020 per year, equivalent to $60.11/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. North Carolina employs approximately 8,020 nurse practitioners statewide.

Nurse Practitioner salaries in North Carolina are below the national average by approximately $4,059. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

North Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for nurse practitioners.

North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter 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%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$125,020
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$90,230

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 Nurse Practitioner Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Carolina median of $125,020.

Your annual salary ($)

Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience — North Carolina

Entry Level (0–2 years)$77,500/yr · $37.26/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in North Carolina.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$111,267/yr · $53.49/hr
Established professional working independently in North Carolina. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$138,772/yr · $66.72/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in North Carolina.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$180,000+/yr · $86.54/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in North Carolina.
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Nurse Practitioner Salary Trend in North Carolina — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Nurse Practitioner 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 outpatient care.

2021
$109,767
2022
$116,143
+5.8%
2023
$121,519
+4.6%
2024
$123,519
+1.6%
2026
$125,020
+1.2%

Nurse Practitioner Salary by City — North Carolina

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Charlotte$138,750$66.71+11.0%2,807
Raleigh$132,500$63.70+6.0%2,245
Greensboro$128,750$61.90+3.0%1,443
Durham$120,000$57.69-4.0%721
Winston-Salem$113,750$54.69-9.0%481
Fayetteville$108,750$52.28-13.0%320

Tip: Charlotte offers the highest nurse practitioner salaries in North Carolina at $138,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

North Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Carolina sits in the mid-range for nurse practitioners.

North Carolina — 4.5% state income tax$125,020 gross~$90,230 take-home
Virginia — 5.75%$124,210 gross-0.6% vs NC
Tennessee — no state tax$108,420 gross-13.3% vs NC
Georgia — 5.49%$126,060 gross+0.8% vs NC

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

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Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook in North Carolina

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
8,020Currently employed
802+New jobs projected

Employment for nurse practitioners in North Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Carolina job market. North Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for nurse practitioners.

How to Earn More as a Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a nurse practitioner in North Carolina typically adds $102,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Charlotte pays nurse practitioners $138,750/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. Nurse Practitioners who specialise in healthcare and outpatient 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 nurse practitioners $124,210/yr — -0.6% vs North Carolina.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nurse practitioners earn in North Carolina?
The average nurse practitioner salary in North Carolina is $125,020 per year, or $60.11 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $77,500 while experienced professionals earn $180,000 or more.
What city in North Carolina pays nurse practitioners the most?
Charlotte pays nurse practitioners the most in North Carolina at an average of $138,750 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does North Carolina stack up nationally for nurse practitioner pay?
North Carolina nurse practitioner salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $4,059. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
How much do nurse practitioners actually take home after taxes in North Carolina?
A nurse practitioner earning the North Carolina average of $125,020 takes home approximately $90,230 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Is nurse practitioner a good career in North Carolina?
Yes. Nurse Practitioner is a strong career choice in North Carolina with steady demand projected over the next decade. North Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for nurse practitioners.
What's the licensing process for nurse practitioners in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, nurse practitioners are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.