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Top Paying Jobs in North Carolina

North Carolina has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 613,580 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Surgeons, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologists ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physicians ($339,350). The cost of living index is 92.66 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,284/month.

State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.

$149K
Avg. median salary
92.66
Cost of living index
$1,284
Median 2BR rent
11,066,019
Population

Highest paying careers in North Carolina

RankOccupationCategoryMedian salaryHourly
31PharmacistsHealthcare$139K$66.76/hr
32Purchasing ManagersManagement$139K$66.69/hr
33EconomistsScience$136K$65.46/hr
34Compensation and Benefits ManagersManagement$135K$65.02/hr
35Software DevelopersTechnology$135K$64.76/hr
36Computer Hardware EngineersEngineering$135K$64.74/hr
37Database ArchitectsTechnology$135K$64.73/hr
38Obstetricians and GynecologistsHealthcare$135K$64.68/hr
39Public Relations ManagersManagement$132K$63.6/hr
40Financial Risk SpecialistsBusiness & Finance$132K$63.48/hr

Affordability snapshot: North Carolina

These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.

Cost of living vs. national average-7.3% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,284/mo

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Metro areas in North Carolina

Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.

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