North Carolina salaries by occupation
The median worker in North Carolina earned $46,950 a year in 2024, about $22.57 an hour, 5.2% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 688 occupations.
Median pay $46,950 $22.57 per hour
Vs national median -5.2% U.S. $49,500
Workers 4,898,270 wage and salary
Occupations reported 688 with at least 100 employed
What North Carolina is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 6.93× | 3,200 | $36,520 |
| Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 6.73× | 4,410 | $35,910 |
| Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders | 6.07× | 1,120 | $33,980 |
| Upholsterers | 5.78× | 3,860 | $50,140 |
| Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | 5.36× | 2,530 | $44,660 |
| Tire Builders | 5.24× | 3,490 | $62,360 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | 4.57× | 1,060 | $123,500 |
| Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | 4.25× | 960 | $45,910 |
| Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other | 4.22× | 1,940 | $36,760 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 4.2× | 89,140 | $26,750 |
Metro areas in North Carolina
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 16 North Carolina metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $59,740 | $28.72 | 342,530 | #14 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $49,560 | $23.83 | 723,590 | #93 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $48,880 | $23.50 | 1,340,800 | #106 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $48,430 | $23.28 | 754,860 | #121 |
| Winston-Salem | $45,050 | $21.66 | 273,340 | #260 |
| Asheville | $44,990 | $21.63 | 187,430 | #263 |
| Greenville | $44,980 | $21.62 | 81,410 | #264 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $44,910 | $21.59 | 358,650 | #266 |
| Fayetteville | $44,600 | $21.44 | 132,690 | #279 |
| Wilmington | $44,470 | $21.38 | 186,900 | #282 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $43,270 | $20.80 | 155,050 | #307 |
| Rocky Mount | $41,180 | $19.80 | 54,530 | #339 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | $41,130 | $19.78 | 40,090 | #341 |
| Burlington | $40,980 | $19.70 | 68,010 | #343 |
| Goldsboro | $38,540 | $18.53 | 41,010 | #368 |
| Jacksonville | $37,610 | $18.08 | 52,970 | #375 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | $236,970 | $113.93 | 14,510 | #3 of 18 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $227,310 | $109.28 | 1,940 | #9 of 23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $226,460 | $108.87 | 2,820 | #9 of 25 |
| Podiatrists | $221,370 | $106.43 | 270 | #3 of 21 |
| Pediatricians, General | $201,400 | $96.83 | 1,110 | #23 of 37 |
| Dentists, General | $191,280 | $91.96 | 4,410 | #12 of 46 |
| Physicists | $170,690 | $82.06 | 170 | #9 of 26 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $167,550 | $80.55 | 24,230 | #14 of 49 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $167,430 | $80.50 | 6,750 | #6 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $163,430 | $78.57 | 6,050 | #21 of 49 |
| Financial Managers | $160,340 | $77.09 | 21,170 | #14 of 51 |
| Marketing Managers | $156,650 | $75.31 | 11,020 | #13 of 47 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 126,060 | $30,090 | $14.47 |
| Cashiers | 115,170 | $27,930 | $13.43 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 113,330 | $36,080 | $17.34 |
| Registered Nurses | 108,510 | $81,860 | $39.36 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 91,980 | $39,530 | $19.01 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 89,140 | $26,750 | $12.86 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 88,230 | $35,350 | $17.00 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 85,120 | $28,760 | $13.83 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 74,110 | $28,460 | $13.68 |
| General and Operations Managers | 72,250 | $99,190 | $47.69 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in North Carolina
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 90
- Power Plant Operators $99,290
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $87,420
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $75,560
- Gas Plant Operators $75,140
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $72,090
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $66,640
- Tire Builders $62,360
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $61,280
- Tool and Die Makers $61,130
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $60,880
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $58,280
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $56,630
- Machinists $55,520
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $53,380
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $52,740
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $51,930
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $51,810
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $51,440
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $51,130
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,580
- Upholsterers $50,140
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,860
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $49,710
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $49,460
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $49,210
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $48,780
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $48,350
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $48,280
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,600
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,470
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians $47,320
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,970
- Medical Appliance Technicians $46,750
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,660
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,490
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,220
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,210
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,090
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $45,910
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,780
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $45,080
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $44,660
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $44,230
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $44,020
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $43,720
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,580
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,380
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $43,330
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,140
- Printing Press Operators $43,090
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $42,680
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $42,330
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $41,870
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,850
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,550
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $41,270
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $40,640
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $40,340
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $39,870
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $39,790
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $39,620
- Food Batchmakers $39,320
- Furniture Finishers $39,100
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $39,090
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,850
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $37,750
- Woodworkers, All Other $37,730
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $37,710
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $37,660
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $37,640
- Helpers--Production Workers $37,540
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $37,440
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $37,350
- Production Workers, All Other $37,200
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $37,020
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $36,760
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $36,650
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $36,520
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $36,120
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $36,080
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $36,060
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,910
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $35,490
- Sewing Machine Operators $35,170
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $34,460
- Bakers $34,430
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $33,980
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $33,590
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $30,120
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $30,050
Education and library 61
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $130,110
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $109,890
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $105,490
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $101,960
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $100,720
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $85,680
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $83,390
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $82,900
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $81,210
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,770
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,160
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $79,090
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $78,910
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $78,860
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $78,740
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $77,800
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $77,420
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $77,390
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $76,870
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,710
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $75,030
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $74,190
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $69,260
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $68,340
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $67,220
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $67,220
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $67,170
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $66,380
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $64,830
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $64,700
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $63,450
- Farm and Home Management Educators $62,570
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $62,190
- Instructional Coordinators $61,170
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $60,760
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $60,590
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $60,080
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $59,860
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $58,000
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $57,380
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $56,330
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $55,000
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $54,890
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $54,390
- Archivists $52,880
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $52,240
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $51,910
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $50,340
- Curators $50,220
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $49,470
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $49,400
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $49,080
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $48,550
- Library Technicians $44,800
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $41,180
- Tutors $39,900
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $39,190
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $38,700
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $32,420
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $30,980
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,230
Healthcare practitioners 52
- Physicians, All Other $236,970
- Family Medicine Physicians $227,310
- Nurse Anesthetists $226,460
- Podiatrists $221,370
- Pediatricians, General $201,400
- Dentists, General $191,280
- Optometrists $153,750
- Medical Dosimetrists $141,090
- Pharmacists $136,000
- Physician Assistants $128,540
- Nurse Practitioners $125,020
- Veterinarians $123,430
- Nurse Midwives $121,490
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $112,590
- Physical Therapists $96,670
- Radiation Therapists $95,680
- Occupational Therapists $94,580
- Dental Hygienists $89,720
- Genetic Counselors $87,850
- Speech-Language Pathologists $87,420
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $83,820
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $83,480
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $83,450
- Registered Nurses $81,860
- Chiropractors $80,350
- Audiologists $79,460
- Respiratory Therapists $77,050
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $76,270
- Hearing Aid Specialists $72,950
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $68,880
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $67,150
- Therapists, All Other $65,310
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $64,910
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $61,380
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $61,080
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $59,390
- Surgical Technologists $58,710
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $58,050
- Athletic Trainers $52,980
- Paramedics $51,110
- Surgical Assistants $50,880
- Exercise Physiologists $50,560
- Opticians, Dispensing $49,570
- Recreational Therapists $48,590
- Medical Records Specialists $47,840
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $45,460
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $45,100
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $40,990
- Emergency Medical Technicians $40,530
- Pharmacy Technicians $39,870
- Psychiatric Technicians $39,360
- Dietetic Technicians $29,520
Office and administrative support 48
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $66,000
- Postal Service Clerks $63,690
- Brokerage Clerks $61,050
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $61,030
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $57,200
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $54,700
- Financial Clerks, All Other $54,220
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $52,740
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $52,000
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $50,100
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $49,830
- New Accounts Clerks $48,840
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $48,530
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $48,140
- Word Processors and Typists $47,960
- Procurement Clerks $47,850
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $47,180
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $47,160
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $47,140
- Cargo and Freight Agents $46,880
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $46,640
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,570
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $46,330
- Statistical Assistants $45,990
- Bill and Account Collectors $45,770
- Billing and Posting Clerks $45,140
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $44,370
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $43,830
- File Clerks $43,450
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $43,010
- Tellers $42,990
- Order Clerks $42,910
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $40,870
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,930
- Meter Readers, Utilities $39,720
- Customer Service Representatives $39,530
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $39,530
- Office Clerks, General $39,370
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $39,230
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $39,160
- Data Entry Keyers $38,580
- Couriers and Messengers $38,260
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $36,890
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $36,340
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $36,190
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $35,400
- Library Assistants, Clerical $32,260
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $30,050
Construction and extraction 42
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $102,310
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $73,310
- Construction and Building Inspectors $65,830
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $59,170
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $56,100
- Electricians $54,070
- Sheet Metal Workers $52,370
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $51,510
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $50,990
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $50,840
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $50,740
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $50,040
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $48,910
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $48,460
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $48,420
- Roofers $48,090
- Carpenters $47,630
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $47,620
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $47,370
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $47,220
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $45,850
- Boilermakers $45,760
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $45,760
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $45,760
- Pipelayers $45,350
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $45,150
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $44,390
- Tile and Stone Setters $44,220
- Glaziers $43,950
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $43,890
- Highway Maintenance Workers $43,760
- Helpers--Carpenters $42,320
- Construction Laborers $42,250
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $41,550
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $40,570
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $38,930
- Fence Erectors $38,600
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $38,420
- Helpers--Electricians $38,270
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $37,680
- Carpet Installers $37,100
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons $34,980
Installation, maintenance and repair 42
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $96,730
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $75,630
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $73,730
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $71,210
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $69,320
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $65,650
- Millwrights $62,750
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $62,650
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $62,200
- Avionics Technicians $62,060
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $61,830
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $61,440
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $60,860
- Medical Equipment Repairers $59,430
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $59,390
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $57,440
- Rail Car Repairers $57,150
- Riggers $55,650
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $53,420
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $53,190
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $53,190
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $52,540
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $51,940
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $50,620
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,630
- Mechanical Door Repairers $48,710
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $48,530
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $48,190
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $47,200
- Home Appliance Repairers $46,850
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $46,430
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $45,990
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $45,970
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $45,590
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $45,410
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $43,220
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $42,190
- Motorcycle Mechanics $41,940
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $41,710
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $39,610
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,660
- Tire Repairers and Changers $34,570
Transport and material moving 37
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $154,360
- Commercial Pilots $126,740
- Air Traffic Controllers $120,580
- Transportation Inspectors $75,570
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $66,680
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $66,190
- Locomotive Engineers $64,110
- Flight Attendants $64,100
- Crane and Tower Operators $62,060
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $59,140
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $55,880
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $49,580
- Traffic Technicians $48,830
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $43,390
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $43,250
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $42,250
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $41,790
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $40,500
- Light Truck Drivers $38,800
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $38,260
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $38,110
- Bus Drivers, School $36,620
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $36,120
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $36,080
- Airfield Operations Specialists $36,050
- Aircraft Service Attendants $35,850
- Stockers and Order Fillers $35,350
- Taxi Drivers $34,790
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $33,400
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $32,630
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $31,970
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $31,950
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $30,700
- Parking Attendants $30,650
- Passenger Attendants $30,490
- Driver/Sales Workers $30,210
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $28,700
Life, physical and social science 36
- Physicists $170,690
- Psychologists, All Other $137,130
- Life Scientists, All Other $123,500
- Economists $111,770
- Physical Scientists, All Other $111,490
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $104,300
- Nuclear Technicians $104,240
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $103,920
- Biological Scientists, All Other $97,020
- Materials Scientists $94,730
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $91,840
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $87,810
- Epidemiologists $82,430
- Microbiologists $82,170
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $82,160
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $79,710
- Chemists $78,400
- Urban and Regional Planners $78,320
- Survey Researchers $76,990
- Foresters $70,320
- School Psychologists $70,090
- Soil and Plant Scientists $68,240
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $66,090
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $65,800
- Food Scientists and Technologists $64,200
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $61,930
- Conservation Scientists $61,820
- Social Science Research Assistants $58,410
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $57,610
- Forensic Science Technicians $50,460
- Agricultural Technicians $48,910
- Chemical Technicians $48,870
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $47,860
- Biological Technicians $46,050
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $45,570
- Food Science Technicians $44,720
Arts, design, entertainment and media 35
- Art Directors $89,570
- Technical Writers $87,330
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $78,080
- Fashion Designers $74,830
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $74,330
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $68,100
- Producers and Directors $66,000
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $65,000
- Editors $64,340
- Writers and Authors $63,720
- Public Relations Specialists $63,280
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $62,130
- Music Directors and Composers $61,780
- Sound Engineering Technicians $57,550
- Film and Video Editors $55,460
- Interior Designers $53,180
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $52,430
- Interpreters and Translators $50,830
- Graphic Designers $50,600
- Designers, All Other $49,920
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $48,450
- Set and Exhibit Designers $45,880
- Broadcast Technicians $45,430
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $44,920
- Audio and Video Technicians $43,870
- Coaches and Scouts $41,550
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $39,260
- Photographers $38,400
- Floral Designers $36,250
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,570
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $25,070
- Actors not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Disc Jockeys, Except Radio not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Management 33
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $167,550
- Natural Sciences Managers $167,430
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $163,430
- Financial Managers $160,340
- Marketing Managers $156,650
- Sales Managers $134,860
- Human Resources Managers $134,170
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $132,410
- Managers, All Other $131,990
- Purchasing Managers $130,170
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $125,650
- Public Relations Managers $123,800
- Industrial Production Managers $119,270
- Training and Development Managers $116,960
- Fundraising Managers $116,950
- Medical and Health Services Managers $108,530
- Construction Managers $104,750
- Facilities Managers $102,120
- Administrative Services Managers $101,270
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $100,490
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $99,910
- General and Operations Managers $99,190
- Education Administrators, All Other $93,790
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $92,780
- Emergency Management Directors $85,490
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $81,310
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $79,690
- Social and Community Service Managers $77,320
- Funeral Home Managers $75,330
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $72,910
- Food Service Managers $65,770
- Lodging Managers $60,640
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $50,270
Architecture and engineering 32
- Computer Hardware Engineers $131,600
- Nuclear Engineers $128,150
- Aerospace Engineers $117,190
- Chemical Engineers $109,940
- Electrical Engineers $107,760
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $107,070
- Engineers, All Other $106,960
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $105,360
- Environmental Engineers $104,040
- Mechanical Engineers $100,990
- Industrial Engineers $97,150
- Materials Engineers $95,640
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $94,070
- Civil Engineers $93,590
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $87,990
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $83,280
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $76,680
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $76,540
- Landscape Architects $75,760
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $74,210
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $71,670
- Surveyors $67,870
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $65,960
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $63,590
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $62,910
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,760
- Mechanical Drafters $61,990
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $60,460
- Drafters, All Other $57,810
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $57,690
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $51,180
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $49,780
Business and financial 29
- Financial Risk Specialists $107,120
- Financial and Investment Analysts $102,220
- Project Management Specialists $99,580
- Management Analysts $98,700
- Financial Examiners $93,900
- Labor Relations Specialists $88,270
- Credit Analysts $88,230
- Financial Specialists, All Other $82,240
- Accountants and Auditors $80,490
- Budget Analysts $79,210
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $77,360
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $77,090
- Logisticians $77,030
- Loan Officers $75,820
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $74,830
- Compliance Officers $74,810
- Cost Estimators $72,230
- Insurance Underwriters $72,180
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $71,180
- Human Resources Specialists $69,400
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $67,490
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $63,570
- Fundraisers $62,990
- Training and Development Specialists $60,790
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $59,820
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $57,190
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $56,950
- Credit Counselors $49,670
- Tax Preparers $47,700
Personal care and service 23
- Barbers $64,290
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $58,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $47,340
- Skincare Specialists $46,120
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $45,080
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $43,620
- Animal Trainers $40,860
- Crematory Operators $39,550
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other $37,720
- Residential Advisors $36,590
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $36,140
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $34,810
- Funeral Attendants $33,650
- Tour and Travel Guides $33,490
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $33,370
- Concierges $33,160
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $33,120
- Recreation Workers $31,680
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $29,410
- Animal Caretakers $28,900
- Childcare Workers $28,480
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $27,300
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $24,760
Protective service 20
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $87,110
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $68,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $66,800
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $63,840
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $62,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $61,990
- Transportation Security Screeners $61,960
- Bailiffs $61,140
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $58,030
- Fish and Game Wardens $57,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $55,960
- Private Detectives and Investigators $55,190
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $49,080
- Animal Control Workers $42,800
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $42,120
- Firefighters $37,250
- Security Guards $35,900
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $35,290
- School Bus Monitors $33,070
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $27,040
Computing and mathematics 19
- Software Developers $131,000
- Database Architects $130,560
- Actuaries $129,850
- Computer Network Architects $126,000
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $124,490
- Statisticians $122,630
- Information Security Analysts $121,070
- Data Scientists $115,380
- Database Administrators $108,430
- Computer Occupations, All Other $106,240
- Computer Systems Analysts $104,940
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $102,660
- Operations Research Analysts $100,630
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $97,590
- Computer Programmers $95,770
- Web Developers $94,070
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $84,990
- Computer Network Support Specialists $79,680
- Computer User Support Specialists $58,660
Sales 19
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $105,640
- Sales Engineers $103,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $82,220
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $75,850
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $63,260
- Real Estate Brokers $62,660
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $62,470
- Insurance Sales Agents $57,110
- Advertising Sales Agents $57,050
- Travel Agents $48,390
- Real Estate Sales Agents $47,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $47,020
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $37,850
- Counter and Rental Clerks $37,630
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $37,340
- Parts Salespersons $35,630
- Telemarketers $32,350
- Retail Salespersons $30,090
- Cashiers $27,930
Healthcare support 16
- Occupational Therapy Aides $73,450
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $70,940
- Physical Therapist Assistants $63,930
- Massage Therapists $61,670
- Dental Assistants $48,710
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $47,510
- Medical Assistants $42,600
- Medical Equipment Preparers $41,590
- Phlebotomists $39,410
- Nursing Assistants $37,670
- Orderlies $37,200
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,680
- Physical Therapist Aides $35,190
- Pharmacy Aides $34,660
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $30,100
- Medical Transcriptionists $27,390
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $59,810
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $43,860
- Cooks, Restaurant $35,240
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $34,590
- Bartenders $32,410
- Cooks, All Other $31,810
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $30,560
- Cooks, Short Order $30,530
- Food Preparation Workers $29,410
- Dishwashers $29,150
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,760
- Waiters and Waitresses $28,460
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $27,320
- Cooks, Fast Food $26,750
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $26,560
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $26,300
Community and social service 15
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $81,900
- Healthcare Social Workers $65,140
- Social Workers, All Other $63,150
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $60,410
- Clergy $59,530
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $57,660
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $57,100
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $56,730
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $56,470
- Health Education Specialists $54,720
- Marriage and Family Therapists $53,910
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $53,860
- Community Health Workers $46,930
- Rehabilitation Counselors $46,670
- Social and Human Service Assistants $40,470
Building and grounds maintenance 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $55,880
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $47,370
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $44,740
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $44,240
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $41,940
- Pest Control Workers $37,530
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $36,890
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $32,630
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $30,380
Farming, fishing and forestry 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $57,410
- Fallers $51,860
- Log Graders and Scalers $46,870
- Agricultural Inspectors $45,670
- Logging Equipment Operators $45,580
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $40,300
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $35,230
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $34,040
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $33,690
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in North Carolina?
The median across all occupations is $46,950 a year, or $22.57 an hour, covering 4,898,270 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in North Carolina?
Physicians, All Other ($236,970), Family Medicine Physicians ($227,310), Nurse Anesthetists ($226,460) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does North Carolina employ the most people in?
Retail Salespersons, with 126,060 employed at a median of $30,090. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. North Carolina electricity averages 15.09¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.