How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in North Carolina?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in North Carolina costs $405 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $130, license fee $75). Renewal runs $110 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in North Carolina?

Licensed registered nurses in North Carolina earn a median salary of $79,980/year, compared to $39,060/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in North Carolina?

North Carolina requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › North Carolina

Registered Nurse License Cost in North Carolina 2026: $405 Fees, $80K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in North Carolina costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in North Carolina — Key Numbers

$405

Upfront Cost

$80K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$110

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — North Carolina

Exam fee $200

Application fee $130

Initial license fee $75

Total upfront $405

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $110

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (North Carolina) $39,060/yr

Salary with license (North Carolina) $79,980/yr

5-year net ROI $204K

Licensing body: North Carolina Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in North Carolina — What to Know

North Carolina RN demand is driven by hospital systems, long-term care, and home health agencies. The $80K median reflects the state's wage scale — solid earning potential with lower cost of living than coastal markets. The NCLEX-RN ($200) plus state fees brings the typical upfront licensing cost to $400–$600. Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, ONC) carry meaningful salary premiums in North Carolina's hospital systems. RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available in the state.

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Other License Costs in North Carolina

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in North Carolina · Payback period by state

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