Salaries in North Carolina
Compare average salaries across 2 major metro areas in North Carolina. Find the highest paying cities and explore salary data for 80+ occupations.
State Average
$82,725
across all occupations
Highest Paying City
$84,216
Raleigh
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr
Federal minimum
Income Tax
4.5%
Flat rate
Working in North Carolina: Salary Context
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25/hour (following the federal minimum). The average salary in North Carolina is 5.5x the minimum wage.
Major Industries
North Carolina's economy is driven by Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology, with additional strength in Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare.
Tax Considerations
North Carolina has relatively low income taxes (max 4.5%), which can boost your take-home pay compared to high-tax states.
Top Paying Occupations in North Carolina
Metro Areas in North Carolina
Raleigh, NC
$84,216
avg salary
Charlotte, NC
$81,233
avg salary
Compare With Neighboring States
See how salaries in North Carolina compare to nearby states. Geographic proximity often means similar job markets and cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Salaries
What is the average salary in North Carolina?
The average salary across all occupations and metro areas in North Carolina is approximately $82,725 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by occupation, city, and experience level. Raleigh, NC has the highest average salaries ($84,216) while Charlotte, NC has lower average salaries ($81,233).
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour, following the federal minimum wage. At full-time hours, this equals approximately $15,080 per year before taxes.
Does North Carolina have state income tax?
Yes, North Carolina has state income tax with rates of 4.5% flat rate. This should be factored into salary comparisons with states that have no income tax.
What industries are biggest in North Carolina?
North Carolina's major industries include Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare. These industries drive employment and salary levels across the state's 2 metro areas. Workers in these sectors may find more job opportunities and higher salaries.