Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,733 | $69,442▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.57 | $33.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,731▲ | $49,332 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,065▲ | $60,235 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,897 | $83,279▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,089 | $92,692▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,740▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $1,709 (2.52%). Winston-Salem's median is +2.01% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $25,358,Winston-Salem spans $43,360. Winston-Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston-Salem ($74,190 effective) pays 7.51% 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 Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,442/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,692)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,190)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Raleigh grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$46,710 (2019) → $64,080 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$53,353 (2024) → $65,697 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
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