May 2025 · State · BLS OEWS
Salaries in North Carolina
North Carolina
745 occupations
Across 745 occupations with published wages in North Carolina, surgeons, all other record the highest median at $398,410 per year.
Highest-paying occupations in North Carolina
| # | Occupation | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeons, All Other | $398,410 | 480 | |
| 2 | Dermatologists | $367,350 | 800 | |
| 3 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | $339,350 | 710 | |
| 4 | Neurologists | $325,550 | 180 | |
| 5 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $323,630 | 560 | |
| 6 | Chief Executives | $314,290 | 1,930 | |
| 7 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $289,780 | 1,700 | |
| 8 | Physicians, All Other | $260,330 | 14,080 | |
| 9 | Physicians, Pathologists | $248,940 | 340 | |
| 10 | Anesthesiologists | $239,200 | 980 | |
| 11 | Dentists, All Other Specialists | $225,990 | 130 | |
| 12 | Orthodontists | $224,990 | 160 | |
| 13 | Nurse Anesthetists | $224,610 | 3,340 | |
| 14 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $224,040 | — | |
| 15 | Podiatrists | $215,420 | 240 | |
| 16 | Family Medicine Physicians | $215,230 | 1,520 | |
| 17 | Dentists, General | $207,000 | 4,140 | |
| 18 | Pediatricians, General | $183,550 | 740 | |
| 19 | Physicists | $174,180 | 150 | |
| 20 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,870 | 6,010 | |
| 21 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $172,860 | 25,650 | |
| 22 | Psychiatrists | $168,880 | 620 | |
| 23 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $167,840 | 6,960 | |
| 24 | Financial Managers | $166,780 | 22,460 | |
| 25 | Marketing Managers | $165,480 | 10,790 |
Largest occupations by employment
| Occupation | Jobs | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 127,540 | $31,370 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 116,720 | $38,230 |
| Registered Nurses | 111,120 | $84,350 |
| Cashiers | 106,440 | $28,880 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 92,230 | $28,570 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 89,510 | $40,240 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 87,510 | $35,950 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 81,980 | $27,190 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 71,940 | $32,150 |
| Office Clerks, General | 67,930 | $41,770 |
Lowest-paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Shampooers | $26,030 | 90 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $26,540 | 400 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,680 | 14,120 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $27,190 | 81,980 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $27,310 | 4,850 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $27,560 | 11,230 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,320 | 15,160 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,570 | 92,230 |
| Cashiers | $28,880 | 106,440 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $29,000 | 2,000 |
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.