North Carolina vs Virginia: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.
North Carolina
4
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $77,440
- Avg physician salary
- $365,000
- Cost of living
- 95.7
- Top state income tax
- 4.25%
Virginia
9
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $82,150
- Avg physician salary
- $362,000
- Cost of living
- 102.1
- Top state income tax
- 5.75%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | North Carolina | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians tracked | 4 | 9 |
| Cities served | 4 | 8 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $77,440 | $82,150 |
| Avg physician salary | $365,000 | $362,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 95.7 | 102.1 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 4.25% | 5.75% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
North Carolina
- Charlotte1
- Greensboro1
- Raleigh1
- Sanford1
Virginia
- Richmond2
- Alexandria1
- Fairfax1
- Fort Eustis1
- Lebanon1
Notable Health Systems
North Carolina
- • Duke Health
- • UNC Health
- • Atrium Health
- • Novant Health
Virginia
- • Inova Health
- • Sentara Healthcare
- • VCU Health
- • Carilion Clinic
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
North Carolina
https://www.ncmedboard.org/Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, North Carolina or Virginia?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Virginia earn an average of $82,150, compared to $77,440 in North Carolina. The gap is roughly $4,710 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, North Carolina or Virginia?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in North Carolina earn approximately $365,000 on average, compared to $362,000 in Virginia. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), North Carolina is 95.7 and Virginia is 102.1. North Carolina (95.7) is the more affordable of the two, while Virginia (102.1) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many physicians practice in North Carolina vs. Virginia?
Ava Health tracks approximately 4 physicians in North Carolina across 4 cities, and 9 physicians in Virginia across 8 cities, plus nurses and therapists in both states. Figures are sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and refreshed regularly.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 4.25%, while Virginia's top rate is 5.75%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision. States with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
Other State Comparisons
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New York vs New Jersey
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Texas vs Arizona
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Washington vs Oregon
Pacific Northwest rivals. Washington has no state income tax. Oregon pays RNs among the top nationwide.