Registered Nurse Jobs in Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina$78,400 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Registered Nurse Jobs in Durham

Looking for a Registered Nurse job in Durham? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Registered Nurse in Durham, NC.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Durham has a strong job market for Registered Nurses. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Registered Nurse Salary in Durham

Entry Level
$49,980
Median
$78,400
Senior Level
$112,700

Registered Nurse salaries in Durham are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Durham is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareClinical SkillsDocumentationCritical ThinkingCommunication

Registered Nurse Job Market in Durham

Durham, NC is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Durham offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Biotechnology sectors create robust demand for Registered Nurse talent. The market for Registered Nurse positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses in Durham

Duke University HealthUNC Health

Major employers hiring Registered Nurses in Durham include Duke University Health, UNC Health. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Durham offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurses in Durham

Living in Durham as a Registered Nurse means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month (22% below the national average). At median Registered Nurse salary, housing is quite affordable at 21% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,100/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

98
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Registered Nurse in Durham

Durham Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Registered Nurses in Durham: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Registered Nurse professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in North Carolina

North Carolina has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses

The job outlook for Registered Nurses in Durham is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Durham offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Durham, NC?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Durham, NC is $78,400 per year. Entry-level Registered Nurses typically start around $49,980, while experienced professionals can earn $112,700 or more. The national average for Registered Nurse roles is $80,000.

How many Registered Nurse jobs are available in Durham?

Durham has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Major employers hiring Registered Nurses include Duke University Health, UNC Health. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Durham a good city for Registered Nurses?

Durham is an excellent choice for Registered Nurses. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Registered Nurses in Durham?

Top skills for Registered Nurses in Durham include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Registered Nurses in Durham?

Durham's cost of living is near the national average (98% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month. Purchasing power in Durham is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Registered Nurses in Durham?

Durham Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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