Asheville vs Raleigh: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Asheville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,922 | $89,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.30 | $42.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,557 | $76,308▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,742 | $82,595▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,183 | $109,565▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,613▲ | $116,073 |
| Total Employed | 4,680 | 12,780▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Asheville.
The salary gap between Asheville and Raleigh is $3,412 (3.97%). 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 Asheville spans $56,056,Raleigh spans $39,765. Asheville 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, Raleigh ($91,011 effective) pays 2.22% more than Asheville ($89,033 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,613)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,334/year)
- ✓Larger job market (12,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,011)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Asheville grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$65,110 (2019) → $81,590 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$66,970 (2019) → $84,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, 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