High Point vs Raleigh: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between High Point, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | High Point, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,916 | $89,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.30 | $42.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,128 | $76,308▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,628 | $82,595▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,005 | $109,565▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,336▲ | $116,073 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 12,780▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to High Point.
The salary gap between High Point and Raleigh is $3,418 (3.98%). Raleigh's median is -13.04% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in High Point spans $65,208,Raleigh spans $39,765. High Point 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, High Point ($91,791 effective) pays 0.86% more than Raleigh ($91,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose High Point if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,336)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,791)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,334/year)
- ✓Larger job market (12,780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in High Point grew 10.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
High Point, NC
$73,533 (2024) → $81,584 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$66,970 (2019) → $84,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
High Point, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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