May 2025 · Metropolitan area · BLS OEWS
Salaries in Central North Carolina
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
438 occupations
Across 438 occupations with published wages in Central North Carolina, nurse anesthetists record the highest median at $285,030 per year.
Highest-paying occupations in Central North Carolina
| # | Occupation | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nurse Anesthetists | $285,030 | 40 | |
| 2 | Physicians, All Other | $264,260 | 310 | |
| 3 | Psychiatrists | $254,660 | 50 | |
| 4 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $208,510 | — | |
| 5 | Chief Executives | $208,020 | 40 | |
| 6 | Dentists, General | $207,000 | 140 | |
| 7 | Family Medicine Physicians | $174,990 | 100 | |
| 8 | Marketing Managers | $163,160 | 110 | |
| 9 | Optometrists | $157,380 | 40 | |
| 10 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $154,340 | 150 | |
| 11 | Natural Sciences Managers | $153,140 | 70 | |
| 12 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $146,480 | 270 | |
| 13 | Psychologists, All Other | $142,600 | 40 | |
| 14 | Pharmacists | $132,130 | 510 | |
| 15 | Nurse Practitioners | $126,670 | 260 | |
| 16 | Electrical Engineers | $126,030 | 120 | |
| 17 | Financial Managers | $123,550 | 420 | |
| 18 | Software Developers | $123,490 | 340 | |
| 19 | Veterinarians | $119,930 | 90 | |
| 20 | Purchasing Managers | $118,930 | 80 | |
| 21 | Industrial Production Managers | $117,620 | 700 | |
| 22 | Human Resources Managers | $116,770 | 170 | |
| 23 | Physician Assistants | $114,990 | 340 | |
| 24 | Facilities Managers | $111,500 | 190 | |
| 25 | Training and Development Managers | $111,130 | 30 |
Largest occupations by employment
| Occupation | Jobs | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Cashiers | 6,840 | $27,400 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 6,080 | $25,900 |
| Retail Salespersons | 5,630 | $30,100 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 5,290 | $29,610 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 5,070 | $23,690 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 4,960 | $34,680 |
| Nursing Assistants | 4,720 | $36,560 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 4,530 | $35,680 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 4,280 | $47,360 |
| Registered Nurses | 4,210 | $81,470 |
Lowest-paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $16,790 | 40 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $20,800 | 570 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $22,210 | 420 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $23,660 | 250 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $23,690 | 5,070 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $24,210 | 110 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $25,900 | 6,080 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $26,370 | 440 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $26,430 | 760 |
| Dishwashers | $27,190 | 320 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.