Nursing Jobs in North Carolina: Overview
Looking to move to or within the Tarheel state? From the Appalachian mountains to the Outer Banks, you’ll find nursing jobs in North Carolina that match your specialty and scheduling needs. With a population of over 11 million people and counting, NC has residents who need nurses to keep them healthy. Whether you’re wanting to find full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, or travel nurse jobs in North Carolina, Credenza can help.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in North Carolina
- Does NC belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes. If you have a compact license, you can work in NC. Learn more about the nursing rules and regulations in North Carolina with our helpful guide covering the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.
- How much do nurses make in NC? The average annual salaries for North Carolina nursing jobs depend on background, license, and certification:
- NP salary in North Carolina: $124,830
- RN salary in North Carolina: $86,270
- LPN salary in North Carolina: $62,040
- CNA salary in North Carolina: $37,980
- Where can I learn more about NC requirements for nurse licensure? Check out the North Carolina Board of Nursing for the latest information on licensure requirements, renewals, and compact licenses. If you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, or NP and your license is up for renewal soon, follow our guide for nursing credential renewals in North Carolina.
- What are the most populous cities in North Carolina? The top five NC cities by population are:
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
- You can find additional nursing jobs in North Carolina in these other populous cities:
- Fayetteville
- Cary
- Wilmington
- High Point
- Concord
What to Know When Looking forNursing Jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states and the ninth largest in the nation. Every year, more than 100,000 North Carolinians are turning 65 years or older, so if you have a passion for adult nursing, you’ll find ample RN jobs. NC also has plenty of pediatric nursing roles, since about 21% of the population is under 18.
Curious about roles that are currently open for someone with your background? Check out these jobs for nursing and allied health professionals:
Working in North Carolina
Healthcare is the largest employment sector in the state of North Carolina, and the state projects that more than 100,000 new jobs will be added to this sector by 2032. Other major industries include professional, scientific, and technical services; accommodation and food service; and education.
North Carolina has many public universities with teaching and research facilities. You might find roles in these medical systems or hospitals in North Carolina:
In addition, the state of NC has roles, along with the NC Veteran’s Administration and the state’s public health nursing department. There are skilled nursing facilities spread across the state, along with outpatient centers, home health organizations, and more.
The average worker in NC travels about 25 minutes to work each way, which is a little less than the national average of nearly 27 minutes. Over 71% of people drive alone, and 8.5% carpool. Nearly 2% of North Carolinians walk to work, and only .6% take public transportation.
If you’ll need childcare while you’re at work, you can check out facilities on NC’s Division of Child Development and Early Education. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services also runs a Child Care Provider search page. For pet care needs, there are pet sitters throughout the state who can help care for your animal while you’re at work or away.
Living in North Carolina
North Carolina’s varied geography includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and the Appalachian Mountains, making it ideal for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The state boasts 41 state parks, 10 national park areas, and hundreds of hiking trails. Popular destinations include the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, and NC’s 3,375 miles of coastline.
For history lovers, North Carolina has a wealth of historic sites, from Revolutionary War landmarks to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The state is also home to a growing arts scene, with cultural draws such as the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Yearly events include MerleFest in Wilkesboro and the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh.
For families, North Carolina offers highly rated public and private schools, as well as numerous family-friendly activities and attractions. It’s home to major universities like Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University, which draw students and teaching professionals from across the state and the nation.
The annual weather in North Carolina is warm and humid during the summer, and cold during the winter. In the coldest months, lows average at 29 degrees. The state gets about four inches of snow per year, but if you live in the mountains, you’ll likely see more, and the coast typically has less. In July, the average high hovers around 88 degrees, and the state sees around 48 inches of rain in a year.
North Carolina offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, but cities like Charlotte and Raleigh are experiencing rapid growth and may have higher living costs. Smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable housing options. A typical home in NC is $289,300, which is about 14% less than the rest of the nation. The average two-bedroom rental is $1,110 per month, compared to the national average of $1,430.
Discover NC Nursing Jobs With Credenza
Want to find nursing jobs in North Carolina? When you create a job seeker account, we find roles for you and send them directly to your inbox — no searching required.
