Charlotte vs Winston: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Charlotte, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,853▲ | $66,559 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.11▲ | $32.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,129 | $54,964▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,826▲ | $62,648 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,520▲ | $69,350 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,723▲ | $76,738 |
| Total Employed | 3,890▲ | 1,330 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Winston is $2,294 (3.45%). 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 Charlotte spans $26,594,Winston spans $21,774. Charlotte 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 ($72,313 effective) pays 2.24% 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 Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,723)
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,313)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Charlotte grew 40.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.8% growth in Winston over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$46,440 (2019) → $65,140 (2025)
Winston, NC
$44,720 (2019) → $62,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Charlotte or Winston?
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Should I relocate from Charlotte to Winston as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Charlotte vs Winston?
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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