Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $63.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse practitioner working in Cary, NC runs $63.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,940 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the nurse practitioner hourly pay stands at a median of $63.44, which is slightly lower than the national median of $65.80. This rate reflects both the local cost of living and the specific demand for nurse practitioners in various healthcare settings such as primary care exam rooms, hospital outpatient clinics, urgent care facilities, and telehealth services. For part-time nurse practitioners working three days a week, typically amounting to around 24 hours, the earning potential becomes more substantial relative to full-time roles, allowing versatile work arrangements, including per diem opportunities. The hourly wage can range significantly, from $49.81 for entry-level positions to $86.25 for top earners, providing flexible income options for both established professionals and those just starting in their careers.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.81 | $398.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.25 | $457.99 |
| Median (P50) | $63.44 | $507.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.43 | $595.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.25 | $689.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $63.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.44/hr, a nurse practitioner working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $131,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,123. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,537.42 | $10,995 | $131,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,522.45 | $6,597 | $79,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,014.97 | $4,398 | $52,778 |
Compare NP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (Cary) | $63.44 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.20 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $103.40 |
| Nurse Midwife (National Avg) | $63.85 |
Nurse Practitioners in Cary, NC earn a median of $131,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.60% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 0.20% below the North Carolina state average of $132,205.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.44/hr = $79,168/year (purchasing power: $84,581).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,946/year (purchasing power: $140,968).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Cary grew 20.5% from $50.90/hr (2019) to $61.32/hr (2025). At a 3.45% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nurse practitioners can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Nurse Practitioner in Cary
For those considering part-time work in Cary, the earning potential per month varies widely. A nurse practitioner working 24 hours under the median hourly rate could take home about $65,000 annually, a sum that allows for a comfortable living. The landscape for per diem nurse practitioner pay in Cary can be quite lucrative, with some locum tenens positions commanding hourly rates between $80 and $140, influenced by specialty and demand. Notably, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) who engage in telehealth often see rates of $150 to $200 per hour, showcasing the benefits of this trend. The range of hourly rates across employer types reveals larger healthcare systems may offer less competitive pay combined with excellent benefits, while independent practices and telehealth platforms might provide higher pay without added benefits. For those navigating job offers, understanding these dynamics can assist in salary negotiations, ensuring that practitioners align their pay with their career goals and financial needs in Cary, NC.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Cary in 2026?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nurse practitioners in Cary. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cary is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov