Burlington vs Winston: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Burlington, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,650 | $90,693▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.62 | $43.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,305 | $75,349▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,058▲ | $83,005 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,119 | $109,101▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,637▲ | $111,092 |
| Total Employed | 1,080 | 10,180▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Winston is $2,043 (2.30%). Winston's median is -11.72% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $59,332,Winston spans $35,743. Burlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston ($98,533 effective) pays 3.59% more than Burlington ($95,122 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,637)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,693/year)
- ✓Larger job market (10,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,533)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Burlington grew 29.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Winston over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$64,780 (2020) → $84,180 (2025)
Winston, NC
$66,620 (2019) → $86,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Burlington or Winston?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov