Cary vs Charlotte: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,410 | $68,853▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.41 | $33.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,357 | $54,129▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,467 | $64,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,836▲ | $77,520 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,093▲ | $80,723 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 3,890▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Charlotte is $1,443 (2.14%). Charlotte's median is +1.15% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $36,736,Charlotte spans $26,594. Cary 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, Cary ($72,019 effective) pays 1.82% more than Charlotte ($70,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,093)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,019)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,853/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cary grew 23.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Cary, NC
$51,747 (2024) → $63,775 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$46,440 (2019) → $65,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov