Career Guide for Registered Nurses in High Point, NC

If you’re a registered nurse (RN) considering a move to the Piedmont Triad, High Point offers a compelling blend of affordability, solid job opportunities, and a manageable pace of life. As a local who’s watched this city’s healthcare landscape evolve, I’ll give you the straight facts—no fluff, just the data you need to make an informed decision.

High Point isn’t just the “Furniture Capital of the World”; it’s a regional healthcare hub anchored by major hospitals and a growing population. With a median RN salary that outperforms the national average in terms of purchasing power, and a cost of living well below the US index, it’s a strong contender for nurses at any career stage. Let’s break down what life and work look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

When it comes to RN compensation, High Point holds its own, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for a Registered Nurse here is $84,185 per year, or an hourly rate of $40.47. This is slightly below the national median of $86,070, but don’t let that number fool you. The key is the context: High Point’s cost of living is 92.7 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in many other metro areas.

The job market is active, with approximately 1,045 RN jobs in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 6%, a steady pace that reflects the ongoing demand for skilled nurses in a region with an aging population and expanding healthcare services.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local hiring trends and data from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings.

Table 1: RN Salary by Experience Level in High Point, NC

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$68,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$78,000 - $92,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$93,000 - $112,000
Expert/Specialized	15+ years (e.g., CRNA, NP)	$115,000+

Comparison to Other NC Cities

How does High Point stack up against its neighbors? It’s a mid-tier market—you’re not getting Charlotte or Raleigh salaries, but you’re also not paying their rent.

Table 2: RN Salary & Cost of Living Comparison in NC

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Rent (1BR Avg)
High Point	$84,185	92.7	$1,042
Greensboro	~$82,500	90.1	~$1,030
Winston-Salem	~$83,000	91.5	~$1,015
Charlotte	~$92,000	102.5	~$1,650
Raleigh	~$93,500	104.8	~$1,700

Insider Tip: The Triad cities (High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem) function as an interconnected job market. Many nurses live in one city and commute to a hospital in another. The salaries are similar, so your choice often comes down to neighborhood preference and commute times. High Point’s central location makes it a strategic base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Earning the median salary of $84,185 translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $7,015. After federal and state taxes (including North Carolina’s flat 4.75% income tax), a single filer with no dependents can expect to take home around $5,300 to $5,500 per month, depending on deductions.

Now, let’s factor in the biggest recurring expense: rent. High Point’s average 1-bedroom rent is $1,042/month.

Sample Monthly Budget (RN earning $84,185/year)

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,015
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $5,400 (after taxes, healthcare, 401k)
• Rent (1BR): $1,042
• Utilities (electric, water, internet): $180
• Car Payment/Insurance (avg. for NC): $450
• Groceries: $400
• Health Insurance (employer portion): $150
• Student Loan Payment (avg. RN): $300
• Miscellaneous/Discretionary: $1,878

After covering essential expenses, you still have significant room for savings, investments, or discretionary spending. The remaining ~$1,878 is robust compared to many metro areas.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With the median home price in the High Point metro hovering around $275,000, affording a home on a single RN income is very feasible. Using the 28% rule (no more than 28% of gross income on housing), your maximum mortgage payment should be around $1,964.

A 30-year mortgage on a $275,000 home with a 6.5% interest rate and a 10% down payment ($27,500) results in a monthly principal and interest payment of approximately $1,550. Add taxes and insurance (~$450/month), and you’re at $2,000/month—right at the edge of affordability. With a larger down payment or a dual-income household, homeownership is a realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point’s healthcare economy is dominated by a few major players, with opportunities also in outpatient clinics, long-term care, and home health. The job market is competitive but stable.

1. Cone Health System (High Point Medical Center): The largest employer in the area. This is a 204-bed community hospital with a Level III Trauma Center, comprehensive cancer care, and a growing cardiac program. They are constantly hiring for Med-Surg, ICU, ER, and OR nurses. Hiring Trend: Strong demand for nurses with BSNs and specialty certifications (e.g., CCRN, CEN).

2. Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center: Located just south of High Point in Thomasville, this is another key hospital in the region. It’s part of the larger Novant Health system, which offers a clear path for career advancement. They have a focus on orthopedics, stroke care, and women’s services. Hiring Trend: Often seeks experienced nurses for their specialty units and has robust new graduate residency programs.

3. High Point Regional Health (UNC Health): While the High Point campus is now part of the UNC Health system, it remains a major employer. This facility is known for its cancer center, heart and vascular institute, and orthopedics. The merger with UNC has brought more resources and potential for academic collaboration. Hiring Trend: Increased focus on oncology and cardiology nursing roles.

4. Guilford County Schools: A non-traditional but important employer. School nurses are crucial for managing student health. While not a hospital setting, it offers a predictable schedule (summers off, holidays) and a different pace. Hiring Trend: Steady need, often requiring a school nurse certification in addition to an RN license.

5. Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Facilities: High Point has several large facilities like Pine Ridge Health & Rehabilitation Center and Brightmoor Nursing Center. These are excellent places for new grads to gain foundational skills or for experienced nurses to move into management or wound care roles. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand for RNs in charge nurse and clinical supervisor positions.

6. Outpatient Clinics & Specialty Practices: The region has a growing number of specialty clinics (orthopedics, gastroenterology, cardiology) affiliated with major health systems. These roles typically offer regular business hours and are less physically demanding. Hiring Trend: Increasingly competitive; often prefer nurses with 2+ years of acute care experience.

Insider Tip: The best way to find jobs is to check the career pages of Cone Health and Novant Health directly, as they post openings before they hit major aggregators. Also, connect with local nursing managers on LinkedIn.

Getting Licensed in NC

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). The process is straightforward but requires advance planning.

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Current RN License: You must have an active, unencumbered license from your home state.
2. Education: Proof of graduation from an accredited nursing program.
3. Application: Submit the online application via the NCBON website. The fee is $150 for licensure by endorsement.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, costing approximately $38-$45.
5. Jurisprudence Exam: You must complete a free online North Carolina Nursing Jurisprudence Exam.
6. Verification: Your original state board must send verification of your license directly to the NCBON.

Total Cost: ~$188 - $195 (excluding any fees from your original state).
Timeline: From submission to a decision typically takes 4-8 weeks. Start the process 2-3 months before your planned move.

Pro Tip: North Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is another NLC state (like VA, SC, GA), you can practice in NC with your multistate license without obtaining a separate NC license. This is a huge benefit for nurses in the Southeast.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Choosing where to live in High Point depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four top options:

1. Westchester (Southwest High Point):

   • Vibe: Quiet, established neighborhood with older, well-maintained ranch-style homes and some newer subdivisions. Very family-friendly.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-85 and I-40, making the drive to Cone Health or Novant Thomasville (15-20 mins) straightforward.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month for a 1BR apartment.

2. Uptown Suburbs (Northwest High Point):

   • Vibe: A mix of classic suburban charm and modern apartments. Close to shopping, restaurants, and parks.
   • Commute: Centrally located, about a 10-15 minute drive to most major hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1BR apartment.

3. Downtown High Point (Revitalizing Core):

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, with a growing arts scene. Popular with younger professionals. Features loft apartments and historic homes.
   • Commute: Most hospitals are a 10-15 minute drive. Limited public transit options make a car necessary.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600/month for a 1BR apartment/loft.

4. Beckford Village (East High Point):

   • Vibe: A newer, master-planned community with a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. Known for its green spaces and community pool.
   • Commute: About 15-20 minutes to the major hospitals via US-70 or I-85.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month for a 1BR apartment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

High Point is an excellent place to build a nursing career, especially if you’re willing to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: Nurses in high-demand specialties can earn 10-20% more than the median. In High Point, this includes:

  • Critical Care (ICU/CCU): +$5,000 to +$10,000 annually.
  • OR/Perioperative: +$4,000 to +$8,000 annually.
  • ER: +$3,000 to +$7,000 annually.
  • Oncology: +$4,000 to +$8,000 annually (strong at UNC Health High Point).

• Advancement Paths: The path to leadership is clear. From Staff Nurse to Charge Nurse to Nurse Manager, most hospitals use a clinical ladder. Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) locally through programs like the one at UNC Greensboro (20 mins away) can open doors to Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or leadership roles, where salaries jump to $110,000+.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 6% growth rate, the job market will remain strong. The trend is toward more outpatient care, telehealth, and specialized units. Nurses who are tech-savvy (proficient with EHR systems) and who hold specialty certifications will have the most opportunities and bargaining power.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

Here’s a final, balanced look at the pros and cons.

Table 3: Pros and Cons of Nursing in High Point

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: Median salary of $84,185 goes further with a cost of living at 92.7.	Salary Ceiling: Base salaries are lower than in Raleigh/Charlotte. You'll need specialty roles or management to reach $100k+.
Stable Job Market: 1,045 jobs and 6% growth provide security. Major employers offer tuition reimbursement.	Limited Nightlife/Dining: Compared to larger cities, the social scene is quieter. You may need to drive to Greensboro/Winston-Salem for more variety.
Affordable Housing: Rent ($1,042 avg) and home prices are accessible on a single RN income.	Car Dependence: Public transit is limited. A reliable car is a necessity for commuting and daily life.
Central Location: Easy to travel to mountains or coast for weekend trips. Proximity to three major metros.	Competitive for Specialties: While jobs are plentiful, the most desired specialty roles can be competitive.

Final Recommendation:
High Point is an excellent choice for nurses who value affordability, work-life balance, and job stability. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• New graduates seeking a supportive environment with multiple hospital systems for experience.
• Experienced nurses looking to buy a home on a single income.
• Nurses from the NLC states who want a seamless move.

If your primary goal is to maximize salary above all else and you thrive in a fast-paced, urban environment, you might find better opportunities in Charlotte or Raleigh. But for a balanced, fulfilling career in a community that’s growing and investing in healthcare, High Point is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is High Point a good city for new graduate nurses?
Yes, absolutely. Both Cone Health and Novant Health have structured new graduate residency programs that provide extensive orientation and mentorship. The lower cost of living also reduces financial stress as you start your career.

2. How long is the commute typically to the major hospitals?
Traffic in the Piedmont Triad is moderate. From most neighborhoods in High Point, you can reach Cone Health High Point Medical Center in under 15 minutes and Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center in 15-20 minutes. Commutes to Winston-Salem or Greensboro hospitals are typically 20-30 minutes.

3. What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in High Point hospitals?
Ratios vary by unit and hospital. In Med-Surg, a ratio of 1:5 or 1:6 is common, while ICU is typically 1:2. North Carolina does not have mandated state-level ratios; they are determined by hospital policy and acuity.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes, especially in outpatient clinics, home health, and urgent care. Within hospitals, self-scheduling is common in many units, and there is often an option for weekend-only programs (e.g., working three 12-hour shifts per weekend).

5. How does the cost of living affect my ability to save for retirement?
The lower cost of living is a major advantage for savings. With a take-home pay of $5,400 and expenses around $3,500, you could potentially save over $1,500/month for retirement (401k, IRA, etc.). This is significantly higher than what’s possible in high-cost coastal cities.