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February 10, 2023
North Carolina has it all. From an entire coastline of beaches or the Great Smoky Mountains to vibrant cities filled with rich culture, this state does not suffer from a lack of appeal. There are endless opportunities for nurses to invest in the local lives of their coworkers and fill their days off with endless adventures. North Carolina has 39 state parks which can provide an excellent start in your search for this state’s beauty.
Although you will not find the highest-paying contracts in North Carolina, the low cost of living makes the monthly balance almost even out to some of the higher-paying states. The state has plenty of contracts for almost all specialties giving travel nurses many options and opportunities. North Carolina can satisfy a nurse’s thirst for adventure while also welcoming them into the local life with its incredibly warm culture and population.
Looking for travel nurse assignments in North Carolina? Speak with a recruiter today!
Great question! And as mentioned above, you won’t get the absolute top dollar working in North Carolina. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the average nurse in North Carolina makes $71,200 annually. Unfortunately, if money is your top priority, North Carolina’s wages won’t do much to impress you as they are lower than the county’s average nursing salary of $77,600. However, the lower cost of living helps offset the pay decrease.
Based on a Med/Surg travel contract at three 12-hour shifts per week, the highest-paying North Carolina cities are as follows:
Like any travel contract, the pay rate varies largely based on the specialty of nursing. North Carolina as a whole sees a steady stream of patients, as it does not have a dramatic seasonal influx of volume. Regionally, however, the mountains and beaches have slightly variable patient census due to predictable vacation patterns. As of the beginning of 2023, the highest-paying specialties in North Carolina are:
North Carolina has multiple hospitals that are known nationwide for their different specialty services. According to U.S. New World and Reports, North Carolina has over 20 recognized hospitals for different achievements.
Here are the top 5 rated hospitals in North Carolina:
The increase in the cost of living nationwide has caused many travelers to see a decrease in their overall take-home wages. However, North Carolina still remains under the “average” mark when compared to other states. In a comparison between the cost of living by BestPlaces.net between Charlotte, NC, and Seattle, WA, Seattle is 68.3% higher in the overall cost of living index. However, the cost of food prices is relatively the same between both places.
Housing for travelers creates its own set of challenges no matter where you decide to travel. With the increasing popularity and discussion surrounding travel nursing, prices for short-term housing have increased as well. On the bright side, North Carolina has several large university systems. This usually means a much larger scope of housing options, as there are many traveling professionals and students that cycle through these cities.
North Carolina provides endless opportunities for fun days off from the bedside. In the winter months, be sure to buy tickets to see some of the basketball games at either Duke or UNC. But beware – basketball is life in North Carolina, so choose your team wisely. You could also spend your spare time reading and researching some of the many historical sites and memorials throughout the state, and then spend a day off and take a tour of those locations.
The Outer Banks provides a unique time for people to see the state’s magical coastline. They also are home to countless other incredible beaches to watch the sunrise over the horizon. The mountains on the western side of the state have nationally known trails for mountain biking as well as some incredible hiking trails. You could even spend a day trekking part of the Appalachian Trail or delivering supplies as a random act of kindness to thru-hikers. You must add a trip to see the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the list as well, as it is one of the most visited parks in America.
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in North Caroline!
North Carolina provides an amazing amount of options for a travel nurse to both love their job, as well as their life outside of work. With so many well-known and respected specialties at so many hospitals, North Carolina provides job opportunities for just about every nurse. There are also activities for the history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or even wine connoisseur. Take a leap of adventure and consider a contract in North Carolina to experience the warm, southern hospitality.
