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Nursing jobs in North Carolina 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
22,600
Critical 15%
Median Annual Salary
$90,470
$43.5/hr
COL-Adjusted
$77,469
COL index: 96.5
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In North Carolina, there is a shortage of 22,600 registered nurses as of 2026 — 15% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $90,470 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $77,469 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

State nursing board

North Carolina Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $150 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal