Greensboro vs Raleigh: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Greensboro, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greensboro, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,236 | $67,733▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.32 | $32.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,744 | $54,731▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,367 | $64,065▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,136 | $76,897▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,926 | $80,089▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,470 | 1,740▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Greensboro.
The salary gap between Greensboro and Raleigh is $497 (0.74%). Raleigh's median is -0.50% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greensboro spans $26,182,Raleigh spans $25,358. Greensboro 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, Greensboro ($72,402 effective) pays 4.92% more than Raleigh ($69,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,402)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,089)
- ✓Larger job market (1,740 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 Greensboro grew 44.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Greensboro, NC
$44,080 (2019) → $63,610 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$46,710 (2019) → $64,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greensboro, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Greensboro or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greensboro and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Greensboro to Raleigh as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Greensboro vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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