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State profile

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
41Nuclear EngineersEngineering$132K$63.39/hr
42Information Security AnalystsTechnology$132K$63.24/hr
43Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing OfficersLegal$130K$62.48/hr
44Physician AssistantsHealthcare$129K$62.19/hr
45VeterinariansHealthcare$129K$62.14/hr
46Air Traffic ControllersTransportation$129K$62.13/hr
47Nurse PractitionersHealthcare$129K$62.01/hr
48ActuariesTechnology$129K$61.89/hr
49Computer and Information Research ScientistsTechnology$128K$61.72/hr
50LawyersLegal$128K$61.4/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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