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Registered Nurse Salary in Winston-Salem, NC — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Winston-Salem — Key Numbers

$75,742
Median Salary
$60,623
25th Percentile
$94,767
75th Percentile
$116,758
90th Percentile
National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070
vs. National median-12.0%
Winston-Salem median household income$52,600
vs. City household income+44.0%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.1%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$230,000
Home Price / Salary3.0×
20% Down Payment$46,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Winston-Salem

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
35.7
Median Age

Winston-Salem has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Winston-Salem

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Cost of Living — Winston-Salem
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Rent vs. Buy in Winston-Salem
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Budget Planner
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Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Winston-Salem

Physician$201,784Chief Executive Officer$184,800Dentist$154,449IT Manager$149,169Marketing Manager$138,706Lawyer$128,269

Registered Nurse Salary — Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC$89,513Raleigh, NC$90,374Durham, NC$89,513Greensboro, NC$75,742Fayetteville, NC$72,299

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Winston-Salem is $75,742 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Winston-Salem's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $60,623 (25th percentile) to $94,767 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $116,758.

Is Winston-Salem affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $75,742 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 15.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Winston-Salem relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 3.0× the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Winston-Salem's overall income?

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $75,742 earns 44.0% more than the typical Winston-Salem household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Registered Nurse — NationalRegistered Nurse in North CarolinaAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.