Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in North Carolina
Based on 18K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$63,270
$30.42/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-5.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $75K
18K employed in North Carolina
The Licensed Practical Nurse salary in North Carolina sits at a median of $63,270 per year, placing it 5% below the national average. With 18,010 professionals employed in this vital role across the state, the earnings for LPNs in North Carolina range from $50,480 to $74,730 annually, reflecting a diverse compensation landscape.
Several factors can influence a Licensed Practical Nurse salary in North Carolina, including years of experience and the specific healthcare setting. Larger hospitals or specialized facilities may offer higher pay compared to smaller clinics, and those with advanced certifications or a longer tenure in the profession often command more competitive salaries within this field.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,480 |
| 25th percentile | $59,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,270 |
| 75th percentile | $69,700 |
| 90th percentile | $74,730 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,300 |
| 2023 | $58,590 |
| 2024 | $61,380 |
| 2025 | $63,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,218 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,300 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $58,590 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $61,380 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $63,270 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,218 | $68,795 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $69,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $74,730 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($63,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +529.7% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +436.4% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +358.0% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +255.0% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +240.5% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +240.2% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +227.2% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +190.1% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +166.9% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +155.4% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +119.5% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +112.6% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for an LPN in North Carolina is $63,270 per year, which averages out to about $30 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $50,480 and $74,730 annually.
What is the average salary for an LPN in North Carolina compared to the national average?
- Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina earn approximately 5.2% less than the national average. The median salary in North Carolina is $63,270 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for LPNs in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses is generally between $50,480 and $74,730 per year. This means most LPNs earn within this spectrum, with the median falling at $63,270.
How many Licensed Practical Nurses are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 18,010 Licensed Practical Nurses currently employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant number of LPN positions available within the state.