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Salaries in North Carolina: pay for 762 occupations, May 2025

Across all occupations, employees in North Carolina had a median pay of $47,970 a year ($23.06 an hour) in May 2025, with 4,941,820 jobs counted. That is 6% below the national median of $50,980.

Highest median pay in North Carolina

Occupations with the most jobs

All occupations in North Carolina, A to Z

OccupationMedian a yearMedian an hourJobs
Accountants and Auditors$82,050$39.4549,270
Actorsnot published$18.83730
Actuaries$128,730$61.89610
Acupuncturists$76,500$36.78320
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$34,830$16.741,590
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers$129,960$62.48260
Administrative Services Managers$105,630$50.787,360
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$51,810$24.913,720
Advertising Sales Agentsnot publishednot published2,220
Advertising and Promotions Managers$121,730$58.52not published
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Techniciansnot publishednot published190
Aerospace Engineers$122,930$59.10650
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletesnot publishednot published240
Agricultural Equipment Operators$39,580$19.03550
Agricultural Inspectors$47,760$22.96290
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$102,560not published500
Agricultural Technicians$51,470$24.74550
Agricultural Workers, All Other$43,790$21.06not published
Air Traffic Controllers$129,230$62.13410
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$59,130$28.4390
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$76,980$37.014,700
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers$51,930$24.97670
Airfield Operations Specialists$45,820$22.03610
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$151,540not published2,240
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$32,450$15.60not published
Amusement and Recreation Attendants$26,680$12.8314,120
Anesthesiologists$239,200 or more$115.00 or more980
Animal Caretakers$30,870$14.849,730
Animal Control Workers$43,940$21.12460
Animal Trainers$37,680$18.11640
Anthropologists and Archeologists$73,130$35.16200
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$64,380not published250
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators$75,320$36.21100
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$95,700$46.012,980
Architectural and Civil Drafters$62,750$30.172,680
Architectural and Engineering Managers$167,840$80.696,960
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary$86,850not published150
Archivists$55,370$26.62130
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$66,470not published590
Art Directors$90,000$43.27not published
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$73,800not published2,880
Artists and Related Workers, All Other$81,850$39.3580
Athletes and Sports Competitorsnot publishednot published760
Athletic Trainers$56,540not published990
Atmospheric and Space Scientists$91,560$44.02170
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$102,980not published360
Audio and Video Technicians$46,700$22.451,870
Audiologists$88,920$42.75450
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$44,490$21.39660
Automotive Body and Related Repairers$50,520$24.295,180
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$60,710$29.19790
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$48,200$23.1726,510
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$33,680$16.192,790
Avionics Technicians$78,710$37.84520
Baggage Porters and Bellhops$32,940$15.84650
Bailiffs$56,100$26.97250
Bakers$34,510$16.599,320
Barbers$31,050$14.93330
Bartenders$36,470$17.5320,070
Bicycle Repairers$36,500$17.55210
Bill and Account Collectors$42,910$20.635,460
Billing and Posting Clerks$47,160$22.677,000
Biochemists and Biophysicists$82,220$39.53570
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$94,790$45.57920
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$77,700not published1,960
Biological Scientists, All Other$100,070$48.112,780
Biological Technicians$61,720$29.672,460
Boilermakers$49,720$23.90150
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$47,930$23.0448,760
Brickmasons and Blockmasons$49,940$24.011,760
Bridge and Lock Tenders$41,380$19.9050
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$47,910$23.03830
Broadcast Technicians$47,780$22.97580
Brokerage Clerks$60,950$29.31400
Budget Analysts$82,350$39.591,830
Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$39,180$18.84not published
Bus Drivers, School$37,460$18.0112,390
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$44,060$21.182,900
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$57,490$27.6411,070
Business Operations Specialists, All Other$80,230$38.5741,180
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$79,600not published2,960
Butchers and Meat Cutters$38,240$18.383,120
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$75,880$36.4814,290
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$46,010$22.122,900
Calibration Technologists and Technicians$61,000$29.33410
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$62,720$30.15380
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers$41,140$19.7830
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$69,170$33.26490
Cardiologistsnot publishednot published300
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$55,460$26.671,990
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School$52,270not published760
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,390$30.006,510
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$58,600not published2,650
Cargo and Freight Agents$48,000$23.082,520
Carpenters$49,100$23.6113,480
Carpet Installersnot publishednot published180
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$81,080$38.98900
Cashiers$28,880$13.89106,440
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$46,780$22.494,610
Chefs and Head Cooks$61,130$29.394,920
Chemical Engineers$117,410$56.45380
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$49,650$23.875,260
Chemical Plant and System Operators$62,920$30.25660
Chemical Technicians$59,030$28.382,660
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$78,620not published900
Chemists$82,620$39.724,530
Chief Executives$314,290$151.101,930
Child, Family, and School Social Workers$59,610$28.6613,010
Childcare Workers$29,140$14.0112,550
Chiropractors$91,540$44.011,020
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$58,700$28.222,760
Civil Engineers$100,730$48.4312,810
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$75,310$36.219,880
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$33,470$16.0913,820
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$38,340$18.43260
Clergy$59,600$28.651,430
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$60,650$29.1613,710
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$92,130$44.292,770
Coaches and Scouts$43,840not published8,530
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46,730$22.475,700
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$51,180$24.61480
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$46,010$22.12520
Commercial Pilots$127,310not published1,520
Commercial and Industrial Designers$80,620$38.761,000
Communications Equipment Operators, All Other$46,430$22.3230
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$65,850not published950
Community Health Workers$47,560$22.871,680
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$54,820$26.363,460
Compensation and Benefits Managers$135,240$65.02880
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$67,970$32.683,930
Compliance Officers$78,500$37.7411,320
Computer Hardware Engineers$134,670$64.741,340
Computer Network Architects$127,320$61.218,350
Computer Network Support Specialistsnot publishednot published6,080
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$50,440$24.253,680
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$63,990$30.77760
Computer Occupations, All Other$104,850$50.4115,090
Computer Programmers$81,070$38.984,120
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$80,080not published1,650
Computer Systems Analysts$106,850$51.3720,910
Computer User Support Specialists$60,120$28.9023,100
Computer and Information Research Scientists$128,370$61.72600
Computer and Information Systems Managers$172,860$83.1125,650
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$46,890$22.553,160
Concierges$34,780$16.72660
Conservation Scientists$64,460$30.99540
Construction Laborers$44,720$21.5035,620
Construction Managers$106,640$51.2716,310
Construction and Building Inspectors$66,080$31.776,490
Continuous Mining Machine Operators$59,030$28.38230
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$64,820$31.161,440
Conveyor Operators and Tenders$39,160$18.83840
Cooks, All Other$31,120$14.96150
Cooks, Fast Food$27,190$13.0781,980
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$36,140$17.3811,170
Cooks, Restaurant$35,400$17.0250,150
Cooks, Short Order$31,290$15.043,170
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders$39,030$18.77420
Correctional Officers and Jailers$50,550$24.3011,900
Correspondence Clerks$42,340$20.3550
Cost Estimators$74,730$35.938,030
Costume Attendants$33,920$16.3150
Counselors, All Other$52,280$25.14not published
Counter and Rental Clerks$38,230$18.3817,580
Couriers and Messengers$39,100$18.803,350
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$73,510$35.34110
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$49,110$23.615,240
Crane and Tower Operators$64,480$31.001,050
Credit Analysts$94,570$45.463,270
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$47,340$22.76500
Credit Counselors$46,180$22.20320
Crematory Operators$41,350$19.88150
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$63,020not published1,220
Crossing Guards and Flaggers$33,730$16.212,760
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46,270$22.25560
Curators$49,470$23.78600
Customer Service Representatives$40,240$19.3589,510
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand$47,910$23.041,060
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$43,770$21.043,100
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,400$20.863,940
Data Entry Keyers$39,610$19.043,330
Data Scientists$119,090$57.2511,430
Database Administrators$113,900$54.761,920
Database Architects$134,630$64.734,070
Demonstrators and Product Promoters$36,650$17.62not published
Dental Assistants$50,380$24.2211,450
Dental Hygienists$97,850$47.046,690
Dental Laboratory Technicians$49,700$23.90990
Dentists, All Other Specialists$225,990$108.65130
Dentists, General$207,000$99.524,140
Dermatologists$367,350$176.61800
Designers, All Other$51,740$24.88120
Desktop Publishers$43,700$21.0180
Detectives and Criminal Investigators$63,280$30.433,360
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$86,010$41.352,970
Dietetic Technicians$31,010$14.911,300
Dietitians and Nutritionists$67,560$32.482,780
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$27,560$13.2511,230
Directors, Religious Activities and Education$63,280$30.42260
Disc Jockeys, Except Radionot published$26.30100
Dishwashers$30,340$14.5912,050
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$48,230$23.195,740
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers$37,370$17.97140
Drafters, All Other$59,500$28.61320
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46,970$22.5850
Driver/Sales Workers$36,540$17.5714,530
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$45,080$21.671,520
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$57,300$27.55290
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$114,200not published490
Economists$136,150$65.46290
Editors$73,740$35.451,870
Education Administrators, All Other$98,880$47.541,600
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$83,180not published11,220
Education Administrators, Postsecondary$101,060$48.597,390
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$70,050not published2,130
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$57,200$27.502,410
Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$61,580$29.614,830
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$57,630$27.719,430
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers$46,320$22.27750
Electrical Engineers$110,130$52.957,090
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$77,270$37.155,650
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$76,040$36.562,490
Electrical and Electronics Drafters$81,960$39.40430
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$76,740$36.891,660
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$104,710$50.34950
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$45,080$21.686,780
Electricians$56,800$27.3121,640
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$63,330$30.45800
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$46,850$22.52190
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$115,920$55.732,090
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$54,930not published42,410
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$107,700$51.78240
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$47,350$22.767,740
Embalmers$68,550$32.9670
Emergency Management Directors$93,840$45.12420
Emergency Medical Technicians$44,250$21.276,680
Emergency Medicine Physicians$339,350$163.15710
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$45,750$22.002,750
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondarynot publishednot published1,450
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$72,070$34.651,530
Engineers, All Other$112,450$54.064,270
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$63,370not published2,140
Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Othernot published$17.30240
Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other$37,240$17.90140
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$77,990$37.491,200
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$53,660$25.80120
Environmental Engineers$99,440$47.81not published
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$82,360not published210
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$51,630$24.821,100
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$74,130$35.644,150
Epidemiologists$84,770$40.76220
Etchers and Engravers$39,270$18.88not published
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$58,620$28.18not published
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$70,140$33.728,890
Exercise Physiologists$52,450$25.22370
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$46,450$22.3310,670
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters$85,630$41.17160
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53,330$25.642,950
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$40,090$19.271,980
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$43,050$20.703,420
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers$48,180$23.17270
Facilities Managers$108,130$51.994,810
Fallers$46,080$22.15200
Family Medicine Physicians$215,230$103.471,520
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$78,770not published290
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$50,750$24.40300
Farm and Home Management Educators$64,280$30.91910
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$80,540$38.72250
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$33,870$16.282,510
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals$38,750$18.63910
Fashion Designers$74,990$36.05460
Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,570$13.7492,230
Fence Erectors$39,100$18.80670
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$43,890$21.10850
File Clerks$43,260$20.801,970
Film and Video Editors$60,020$28.86400
Financial Clerks, All Other$58,290$28.03800
Financial Examiners$100,730$48.432,610
Financial Managers$166,780$80.1822,460
Financial Risk Specialists$132,040$63.483,200
Financial Specialists, All Other$80,900$38.904,190
Financial and Investment Analysts$102,390$49.2212,710
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustratorsnot publishednot published390
Fire Inspectors and Investigators$66,820$32.12870
Firefighters$37,940$18.2419,410
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$75,270$36.1932,460
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$67,270$32.341,090
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$49,040$23.583,590
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers$58,700$28.22560
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$59,560$28.645,050
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$45,010$21.6439,750
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$47,490$22.835,550
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$56,930$27.374,300
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$76,800$36.9221,110
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$91,200$43.8411,080
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$62,340$29.9735,830
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$45,400$21.833,510
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$91,100$43.804,820
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$69,640$33.4822,240
First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$66,400$31.92470
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$47,760$22.9639,890
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$57,390$27.592,730
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$60,070$28.8821,540
Fish and Game Wardens$61,430$29.53190
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$51,700$24.86490
Floor Sanders and Finishers$39,170$18.83190
Floral Designers$37,190$17.88990
Food Batchmakers$36,590$17.593,450
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$39,070$18.79770
Food Preparation Workers$30,260$14.5524,960
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$30,160$14.504,670
Food Processing Workers, All Other$37,360$17.964,770
Food Science Technicians$48,640$23.39130
Food Scientists and Technologists$79,840$38.38230
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$31,460$15.138,820
Food Service Managers$74,080$35.629,420
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$35,980$17.301,510
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$63,900not published690
Forensic Science Technicians$59,240$28.48520
Forest and Conservation Technicians$48,360$23.25650
Forest and Conservation Workersnot publishednot published50
Foresters$77,870$37.44not published
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary$108,430not published90
Foundry Mold and Coremakers$46,910$22.55260
Fundraisers$66,100$31.783,700
Fundraising Managers$125,870$60.511,030
Funeral Attendants$34,940$16.801,610
Funeral Home Managers$80,730$38.81460
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$39,310$18.90530
Furniture Finishers$39,920$19.19950
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiersnot publishednot published80
Gas Plant Operators$81,460$39.16320
General Internal Medicine Physicians$289,780$139.321,700
General and Operations Managers$101,950$49.0163,740
Genetic Counselors$93,570$44.9880
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary$84,630not published160
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians$48,090$23.12250
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$95,260$45.80570
Glaziers$46,170$22.20840
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products$34,720$16.69450
Graphic Designers$58,450$28.105,660
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$37,600$18.08330
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,770$22.971,610
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$38,410$18.478,490
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$43,180$20.761,250
Health Education Specialists$58,080$27.922,110
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$63,010$30.292,370
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$103,220not published9,240
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$46,480$22.356,640
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$106,800$51.34480
Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$117,210$56.35800
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$57,390$27.59940
Healthcare Social Workers$63,280$30.425,120
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$47,080$22.642,470
Hearing Aid Specialists$75,810$36.45240
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46,660$22.43320
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$57,260$27.5315,230
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$51,530$24.7762,400
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$38,480$18.50550
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$39,230$18.86690
Helpers--Carpenters$40,540$19.49650
Helpers--Electricians$39,880$19.176,770
Helpers--Extraction Workers$42,670$20.51150
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$38,700$18.604,400
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons$35,980$17.30260
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$43,710$21.023,070
Helpers--Production Workers$39,410$18.954,350
Helpers--Roofers$44,120$21.21270
Highway Maintenance Workers$47,880$23.023,750
Historians$73,440$35.31120
History Teachers, Postsecondary$75,070not published720
Home Appliance Repairers$47,270$22.73960
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$31,240$15.0258,880
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$28,320$13.6215,160
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$29,900$14.387,530
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$48,190$23.172,790
Human Resources Managers$142,990$68.756,480
Human Resources Specialists$73,070$35.1331,140
Hydrologic Technicians$59,590$28.65110
Hydrologists$81,770$39.31150
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$69,720$33.521,940
Industrial Engineers$99,310$47.7411,580
Industrial Machinery Mechanics$62,430$30.0215,720
Industrial Production Managers$125,940$60.559,640
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$43,420$20.8826,830
Information Security Analysts$131,540$63.248,670
Information and Record Clerks, All Other$33,880$16.294,660
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$46,430$22.3219,700
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$46,780$22.494,650
Instructional Coordinators$63,340$30.458,260
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$42,990$20.672,090
Insulation Workers, Mechanical$48,430$23.281,090
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$74,810$35.97520
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$48,130$23.146,570
Insurance Sales Agents$58,710$28.2320,540
Insurance Underwriters$77,120$37.083,460
Interior Designers$61,400$29.522,610
Interpreters and Translators$50,030$24.051,780
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$39,200$18.852,330
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$34,500$16.5953,330
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$55,420$26.65770
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$53,180not published2,250
Labor Relations Specialists$86,270$41.48690
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$38,230$18.38116,720
Landscape Architects$83,420$40.101,080
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$37,910$18.2232,730
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53,840$25.89310
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$31,920$15.355,570
Law Teachers, Postsecondary$97,090not published450
Lawyers$127,710$61.4017,000
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$43,720$21.023,780
Legal Support Workers, All Other$63,170$30.371,000
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$61,420$29.534,010
Library Assistants, Clerical$34,550$16.611,330
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$79,460not published250
Library Technicians$46,520$22.372,350
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$63,270$30.4218,010
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$49,200$23.652,310
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$27,310$13.134,850
Light Truck Drivers$39,910$19.1931,810
Lighting Technicians$49,410$23.76not published
Loan Interviewers and Clerks$57,780$27.784,800
Loan Officers$75,920$36.5010,700
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$33,140$15.93340
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$45,900$22.07480
Locomotive Engineers$61,190$29.42340
Lodging Managers$63,860$30.701,460
Log Graders and Scalers$36,850$17.72200
Logging Equipment Operators$48,420$23.28990
Logging Workers, All Other$48,460$23.30not published
Logisticians$80,780$38.847,860
Machine Feeders and Offbearers$37,370$17.972,040
Machinists$55,230$26.568,330
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$85,120$40.931,180
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$31,310$15.0533,080
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$37,830$18.191,280
Maintenance Workers, Machinery$60,580$29.134,750
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$47,910$23.0343,440
Management Analysts$98,560$47.3822,200
Managers, All Other$141,160$67.8721,830
Manicurists and Pedicurists$34,740$16.701,900
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers$51,460$24.74160
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$78,410$37.7030,700
Marketing Managers$165,480$79.5610,790
Marriage and Family Therapists$48,100$23.131,400
Massage Therapists$60,650$29.162,460
Material Moving Workers, All Other$38,960$18.73270
Materials Engineers$104,240$50.11640
Materials Scientists$106,470$51.19490
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other$101,850$48.97not published
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$73,620not published1,870
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$39,170$18.839,750
Mechanical Door Repairers$52,050$25.03790
Mechanical Drafters$59,050$28.391,350
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$62,360$29.981,190
Mechanical Engineers$100,720$48.429,560
Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$78,690$37.83180
Media and Communication Workers, All Other$42,920$20.64not published
Medical Appliance Technicians$54,650$26.28600
Medical Assistants$45,140$21.7023,650
Medical Dosimetrists$147,830$71.07140
Medical Equipment Preparers$45,130$21.702,900
Medical Equipment Repairers$59,190$28.462,650
Medical Records Specialists$49,620$23.866,760
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$102,980$49.515,730
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$44,190$21.2456,840
Medical Transcriptionists$39,300$18.891,020
Medical and Health Services Managers$114,410$55.0114,820
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$54,990$26.444,340
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$58,210$27.983,690
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$37,960$18.256,040
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$45,190$21.73470
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$60,780$29.22390
Meter Readers, Utilities$41,830$20.11640
Microbiologists$85,860$41.281,050
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$52,010not published20,650
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49,210$23.66280
Millwrights$62,990$30.29700
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers$70,310$33.80not published
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$40,330$19.3946,670
Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$47,510$22.841,010
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,020$22.613,400
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$64,080$30.815,100
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic$45,760$22.00not published
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$38,190$18.36550
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$41,630$20.017,570
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$60,730$29.201,000
Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$29,000$13.942,000
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$51,430$24.72930
Motorcycle Mechanics$48,670$23.40440
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,320$22.753,200
Museum Technicians and Conservators$39,290$18.89450
Music Directors and Composers$63,380$30.47200
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$42,970$20.66not published
Musicians and Singersnot published$57.96750
Natural Sciences Managers$173,870$83.596,010
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$95,230$45.7813,850
Neurologists$325,550$156.52180
New Accounts Clerks$49,480$23.791,910
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$58,670$28.21930
Nuclear Engineers$131,850$63.39460
Nuclear Medicine Technologists$85,240$40.98600
Nuclear Technicians$110,430$53.09420
Nurse Anesthetists$224,610$107.993,340
Nurse Midwives$126,040$60.59240
Nurse Practitioners$128,990$62.019,800
Nursing Assistants$38,460$18.4964,010
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$80,400not published2,560
Obstetricians and Gynecologists$134,540$64.68590
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$86,650$41.664,670
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$61,760$29.69720
Occupational Therapists$92,940$44.684,490
Occupational Therapy Aides$66,190$31.82250
Occupational Therapy Assistants$69,390$33.361,590
Office Clerks, General$41,770$20.0867,930
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$44,480$21.39930
Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$48,890$23.516,420
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$49,310$23.7116,580
Operations Research Analysts$97,290$46.782,520
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$44,140$21.22210
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$45,150$21.711,630
Opticians, Dispensing$50,190$24.132,020
Optometrists$161,560$77.671,140
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons$224,040$107.71not published
Order Clerks$46,060$22.142,990
Orderlies$38,680$18.601,730
Orthodontists$224,990$108.17160
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$323,630$155.59560
Orthotists and Prosthetists$82,190$39.52260
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$47,370$22.771,950
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$41,150$19.7811,870
Packers and Packagers, Hand$34,360$16.5219,600
Painters, Construction and Maintenance$44,110$21.215,220
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$42,960$20.66170
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,940$23.054,800
Paperhangers$48,590$23.36100
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$57,500$27.6413,650
Paramedics$57,320$27.565,660
Parking Attendants$30,540$14.682,930
Parking Enforcement Workers$42,410$20.3980
Parts Salespersons$32,480$15.6111,460
Passenger Attendants$35,740$17.18110
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic$47,050$22.6240
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$47,820$22.991,940
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$53,550$25.753,630
Pediatricians, General$183,550$88.25740
Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$33,290$16.00560
Personal Financial Advisors$96,880$46.5812,340
Personal Service Managers, All Other$73,990$35.57240
Pest Control Workers$44,740$21.514,870
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$48,240$23.19360
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$80,060$38.49130
Pharmacists$138,860$66.7611,430
Pharmacy Aides$35,530$17.081,180
Pharmacy Technicians$44,530$21.4117,260
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$76,340not published680
Phlebotomists$43,330$20.835,410
Photographers$37,120$17.842,130
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$35,580$17.11320
Physical Scientists, All Other$110,030$52.90650
Physical Therapist Aides$34,760$16.711,050
Physical Therapist Assistants$67,540$32.473,280
Physical Therapists$99,910$48.037,350
Physician Assistants$129,360$62.197,490
Physicians, All Other$260,330$125.1614,080
Physicians, Pathologists$248,940$119.69340
Physicists$174,180$83.74150
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$87,370not published440
Pipelayers$47,220$22.703,830
Plant and System Operators, All Other$61,190$29.42220
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,540$20.93710
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$57,080$27.4414,510
Podiatrists$215,420$103.57240
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$59,300$28.5122,370
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$78,760not published440
Postal Service Clerks$64,290$30.912,070
Postal Service Mail Carriers$59,990$28.8411,030
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$55,350$26.614,040
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$96,410$46.35480
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$74,240not published2,030
Pourers and Casters, Metal$57,700$27.74100
Power Distributors and Dispatchers$90,420$43.47190
Power Plant Operators$108,300$52.07420
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$61,070$29.36360
Prepress Technicians and Workers$49,760$23.92600
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$35,710$17.1718,370
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$29,300$14.09550
Print Binding and Finishing Workers$39,580$19.031,070
Printing Press Operators$45,630$21.943,910
Private Detectives and Investigators$52,890$25.431,710
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$62,220$29.913,310
Procurement Clerks$50,390$24.231,460
Producers and Directors$63,700$30.623,500
Production Workers, All Other$38,790$18.6518,350
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$52,640$25.3113,000
Project Management Specialists$100,820$48.4736,200
Proofreaders and Copy Markers$46,140$22.1870
Property Appraisers and Assessors$66,700$32.072,210
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$61,430$29.5410,690
Protective Service Workers, All Other$43,740$21.03790
Psychiatric Aides$38,400$18.46not published
Psychiatric Technicians$40,630$19.545,950
Psychiatrists$168,880$81.19620
Psychologists, All Other$126,440$60.79570
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$75,260not published1,100
Public Relations Managers$132,280$63.601,510
Public Relations Specialists$67,230$32.329,910
Public Safety Telecommunicators$46,550$22.383,730
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers$45,890$22.06180
Purchasing Managers$138,710$66.692,670
Radiation Therapists$99,250$47.72710
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$47,040$22.62280
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$74,450$35.799,250
Rail Car Repairers$47,880$23.02350
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$47,700$22.93270
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers$54,810$26.35110
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$58,930$28.33not published
Real Estate Brokers$52,830$25.401,560
Real Estate Sales Agents$51,240$24.647,960
Receptionists and Information Clerks$35,440$17.0420,080
Recreation Workers$32,720$15.739,520
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$73,860not published730
Recreational Therapists$51,030$24.53440
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians$62,000$29.81400
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$44,670$21.487,250
Registered Nurses$84,350$40.56111,120
Rehabilitation Counselors$45,890$22.063,820
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers$51,690$24.8590
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$44,630$21.465,760
Residential Advisors$39,130$18.812,840
Respiratory Therapists$80,090$38.514,630
Retail Salespersons$31,370$15.08127,540
Riggers$56,640$27.23440
Rock Splitters, Quarry$56,320$27.0880
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,450$23.29510
Roofers$49,010$23.563,060
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas$57,760$27.7750
Sailors and Marine Oilers$44,770$21.52310
Sales Engineers$121,530$58.432,530
Sales Managers$150,470$72.3416,920
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$62,620$30.1046,040
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$70,990$34.1349,110
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$125,370$60.2711,990
Sales and Related Workers, All Other$38,470$18.50680
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$38,100$18.322,020
School Bus Monitors$32,970$15.851,360
School Psychologists$73,220$35.201,540
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$57,650not published28,620
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$45,790$22.0143,690
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$74,040$35.6021,890
Security Guards$35,010$16.8329,830
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$54,120$26.022,880
Self-Enrichment Teachers$41,710$20.059,320
Semiconductor Processing Technicians$56,160$27.0060
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49,140$23.631,310
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$47,280$22.731,020
Set and Exhibit Designers$49,410$23.76not published
Sewers, Hand$36,550$17.5770
Sewing Machine Operators$35,160$16.918,290
Shampooers$26,030$12.5190
Sheet Metal Workers$50,730$24.392,780
Ship Engineers$65,010$31.2690
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$43,040$20.6920,150
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers$38,020$18.28300
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$31,980$15.385,520
Skincare Specialists$39,120$18.812,680
Slaughterers and Meat Packers$39,930$19.206,120
Social Science Research Assistants$63,710$30.632,930
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Othernot publishednot published410
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$81,420$39.151,770
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$68,660not published580
Social Workers, All Other$63,490$30.521,670
Social and Community Service Managers$79,590$38.264,970
Social and Human Service Assistants$42,850$20.609,020
Sociologists$126,760$60.94170
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$76,430not published550
Software Developers$134,710$64.7658,470
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$100,390$48.278,890
Soil and Plant Scientists$76,330$36.70570
Solar Photovoltaic Installers$43,860$21.09710
Sound Engineering Technicians$49,150$23.63170
Special Education Teachers, All Other$65,170not publishednot published
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$58,260not published4,430
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$59,360not published2,470
Special Education Teachers, Preschool$60,180not published640
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$56,770not published3,400
Special Effects Artists and Animators$88,350$42.48370
Speech-Language Pathologists$86,460$41.575,600
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$60,860$29.26220
Statistical Assistantsnot publishednot published250
Statisticians$115,690$55.621,200
Stockers and Order Fillers$35,950$17.2987,510
Stonemasons$52,760$25.37not published
Structural Iron and Steel Workers$48,740$23.432,000
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$48,990$23.551,070
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$55,490$26.6810,300
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$33,780$16.2420,360
Subway and Streetcar Operators$62,590$30.09110
Surgeons, All Other$398,410$191.54480
Surgical Assistants$59,920$28.81670
Surgical Technologists$60,920$29.294,400
Survey Researchers$96,560$46.43350
Surveying and Mapping Technicians$53,160$25.564,100
Surveyors$76,210$36.641,530
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$38,520$18.52690
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$41,260$19.84740
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders$44,910$21.59240
Tapers$45,770$22.01not published
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$61,950$29.781,300
Tax Preparers$48,130$23.142,710
Taxi Drivers$36,950$17.77120
Teachers and Instructors, All Other$50,000not published3,660
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$29,790not published32,150
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$50,050not published2,900
Technical Writers$86,320$41.502,860
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$63,970$30.753,540
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$56,680$27.252,610
Telemarketers$34,380$16.531,820
Telephone Operators$40,360$19.4040
Tellers$44,830$21.555,260
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders$37,610$18.08980
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$43,460$20.90840
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$36,700$17.642,730
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$36,580$17.594,190
Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$37,280$17.921,530
Therapists, All Other$60,400$29.04530
Tile and Stone Setters$44,650$21.47680
Tire Builders$63,950$30.743,750
Tire Repairers and Changers$35,140$16.893,690
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers$50,500$24.28400
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners$45,790$22.02160
Tool and Die Makers$61,060$29.361,580
Tour and Travel Guides$32,570$15.661,650
Traffic Technicians$56,800$27.31110
Training and Development Managers$126,200$60.672,020
Training and Development Specialists$65,250$31.3720,220
Transportation Inspectors$84,470$40.61380
Transportation Security Screeners$64,540$31.031,300
Transportation Workers, All Other$43,660$20.99420
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$106,100$51.016,650
Travel Agents$56,180$27.011,250
Tree Trimmers and Pruners$48,480$23.311,560
Tutors$42,390$20.385,780
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$26,540not published400
Upholsterers$50,600$24.334,050
Urban and Regional Planners$81,230$39.061,630
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$30,260$14.555,390
Veterinarians$129,240$62.142,940
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$37,070$17.826,910
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$47,620$22.892,580
Waiters and Waitresses$32,150$15.4671,940
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$51,680$24.853,620
Web Developers$96,610$46.452,030
Web and Digital Interface Designers$97,990$47.113,400
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$43,680$21.001,560
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$50,590$24.3211,750
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,580$22.87820
Wind Turbine Service Technicians$66,380$31.91120
Woodworkers, All Other$39,370$18.93350
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$37,550$18.054,090
Writers and Authors$63,660$30.601,810
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$64,620$31.07350

"Not published" means BLS did not release that figure for this state. "$239,200 or more" and "$115.00 or more" are the highest values BLS reports in state tables.

How pay is spread in North Carolina

By median pay, North Carolina is number 35 of the 54 states and territories in the figures. The lowest-paid tenth of employees earned less than $28,580 a year and the highest-paid tenth more than $119,640. The middle half, between the 25% and 75% lines, earned from $36,030 to $75,610. For the whole country those outer lines were $31,200 and $128,560. The average (mean) pay was $64,290, 34% above the median, because high earners lift an average more than a median. The 4,941,820 jobs counted here are 3.2% of all jobs in the national figures.

The kinds of work

Adding up the occupations with a published job count, the largest fields of work in North Carolina are Office and Administrative Support (536,440 jobs, 11%), Sales and Related (481,800 jobs, 10%), Food Preparation and Serving Related (452,420 jobs, 9%) and Transportation and Material Moving (442,670 jobs, 9%). Some occupations are far more common here than elsewhere. Set against their share of all jobs in the country, the most concentrated are Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (6.6 times the national share), Upholsterers (6.3 times the national share) and Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (6.0 times the national share). The table on this page lists 762 occupations; for 14 of them the Bureau released a job count but no pay figure.

Same job, different pay

Among the 441 occupations with at least 1,000 jobs and a yearly median in the state, 48 pay more than the same occupation does nationally, 326 pay less and 67 are within 2%. The widest gaps above the national median are for Chief Executives ($314,290 here, $213,990 nationally), Cutters and Trimmers, Hand ($47,910 here, $38,020 nationally) and Dentists, General ($207,000 here, $170,950 nationally). The widest gaps below it are for First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers ($59,560 here, $93,530 nationally), Firefighters ($37,940 here, $59,280 nationally) and Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($151,540 here, $232,140 nationally). A gap in pay is not a gap in living standard: prices, housing costs and taxes differ between states, and these statistics do not adjust for them.

Questions about pay in North Carolina

What is the median salary in North Carolina?

The median pay of all employees in North Carolina was $47,970 a year ($23.06 an hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national median was $50,980.

What is the most common job in North Carolina?

Retail Salespersons, with 127,540 jobs and a median pay of $31,370 a year.

What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?

The three highest medians published as a figure are Surgeons, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologists ($367,350) and Emergency Medicine Physicians ($339,350). Occupations shown as "$239,200 or more" are paid above the highest value the Bureau reports.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Checked in November 2026. Figures are for employees, before tax, and leave out overtime pay and benefits. They are official statistics, not advice or a pay offer; see bls.gov/oes for the original tables.

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