United States · North Carolina · Pay by job

Highest paying jobs in North Carolina after tax

Of the jobs with an exact median in North Carolina, other surgeon pays most: $398,410 a year, and a single filer keeps about $261,443 after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and North Carolina tax. 1 more show only “$239,200 or more”.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Take-home for 2026, single filer, from our North Carolina paycheck calculator.

Which 25 jobs pay best after tax in North Carolina?

The 25 best-paid jobs in North Carolina after tax
Rank	Job	Median pay	Take-home
1	Other Surgeon	$398,410	$261,443
2	Dermatologist	$367,350	$243,223
3	Emergency Medicine Physician	$339,350	$226,798
4	Neurologist	$325,550	$218,703
5	Orthopedic Surgeon	$323,630	$217,577
6	Chief Executive	$314,290	$212,098
7	Internal Medicine Physician	$289,780	$197,720
8	Other Physician	$260,330	$180,085
9	Pathologist	$248,940	$173,062
10	Other Dental Specialist	$225,990	$158,911
11	Orthodontist	$224,990	$158,295
12	Nurse Anesthetist	$224,610	$158,060
13	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon	$224,040	$157,709
14	Podiatrist	$215,420	$152,197
15	Family Medicine Physician	$215,230	$152,065
16	General Dentist	$207,000	$146,332
17	General Pediatrician	$183,550	$129,908
18	Physicist	$174,180	$123,877
19	Natural Sciences Manager	$173,870	$123,677
20	IT Manager	$172,860	$123,027
21	Psychiatrist	$168,880	$120,466
22	Engineering Manager	$167,840	$119,797
23	Financial Manager	$166,780	$119,114
24	Marketing Manager	$165,480	$118,278
25	Optometrist	$161,560	$115,755

Not ranked, because BLS shows only “$239,200 or more” in North Carolina: Anesthesiologist.

What does every job pay in North Carolina?

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748 jobs.

Every job with a median in North Carolina: pay, take-home and people
Job	Median pay	Take-home	People
Other Surgeon	$398,410	$261,443	480
Dermatologist	$367,350	$243,223	800
Emergency Medicine Physician	$339,350	$226,798	710
Neurologist	$325,550	$218,703	180
Orthopedic Surgeon	$323,630	$217,577	560
Chief Executive	$314,290	$212,098	1,930
Internal Medicine Physician	$289,780	$197,720	1,700
Other Physician	$260,330	$180,085	14,080
Pathologist	$248,940	$173,062	340
Other Dental Specialist	$225,990	$158,911	130
Orthodontist	$224,990	$158,295	160
Nurse Anesthetist	$224,610	$158,060	3,340
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon	$224,040	$157,709	–
Podiatrist	$215,420	$152,197	240
Family Medicine Physician	$215,230	$152,065	1,520
General Dentist	$207,000	$146,332	4,140
General Pediatrician	$183,550	$129,908	740
Physicist	$174,180	$123,877	150
Natural Sciences Manager	$173,870	$123,677	6,010
IT Manager	$172,860	$123,027	25,650
Psychiatrist	$168,880	$120,466	620
Engineering Manager	$167,840	$119,797	6,960
Financial Manager	$166,780	$119,114	22,460
Marketing Manager	$165,480	$118,278	10,790
Optometrist	$161,560	$115,755	1,140
Airline Pilot	$151,540	$109,306	2,240
Sales Manager	$150,470	$108,617	16,920
Medical Dosimetrist	$147,830	$106,918	140
Human Resources Manager	$142,990	$103,803	6,480
Other Manager	$141,160	$102,625	21,830
Pharmacist	$138,860	$101,145	11,430
Purchasing Manager	$138,710	$101,048	2,670
Economist	$136,150	$99,401	290
Compensation and Benefits Manager	$135,240	$98,815	880
Software Developer	$134,710	$98,474	58,470
Computer Hardware Engineer	$134,670	$98,448	1,340
Database Architect	$134,630	$98,423	4,070
Obstetrician and Gynecologist	$134,540	$98,365	590
Public Relations Manager	$132,280	$96,910	1,510
Financial Risk Specialist	$132,040	$96,756	3,200
Nuclear Engineer	$131,850	$96,633	460
Information Security Analyst	$131,540	$96,434	8,670
Administrative Law Judge	$129,960	$95,417	260
Physician Assistant	$129,360	$95,031	7,490
Veterinarian	$129,240	$94,954	2,940
Air Traffic Controller	$129,230	$94,947	410
Nurse Practitioner	$128,990	$94,793	9,800
Actuary	$128,730	$94,625	610
Computer Research Scientist	$128,370	$94,394	600
Lawyer	$127,710	$93,969	17,000
Computer Network Architect	$127,320	$93,718	8,350
Commercial Pilot	$127,310	$93,711	1,520
Sociologist	$126,760	$93,357	170
Other Psychologist	$126,440	$93,152	570
Training and Development Manager	$126,200	$92,997	2,020
Nurse Midwive	$126,040	$92,894	240
Industrial Production Manager	$125,940	$92,830	9,640
Fundraising Manager	$125,870	$92,785	1,030
Technical Sales Representative	$125,370	$92,463	11,990
Aerospace Engineer	$122,930	$90,892	650
Advertising and Promotions Manager	$121,730	$90,119	–
Sales Engineer	$121,530	$89,986	2,530
Musician and Singer	$120,557	$89,340	750
Data Scientist	$119,090	$88,367	11,430
Chemical Engineer	$117,410	$87,252	380
Other Treating Practitioner	$117,210	$87,119	800
Electronics Engineer	$115,920	$86,263	2,090
Statistician	$115,690	$86,111	1,200
Health Services Manager	$114,410	$85,261	14,820
Economics Professor	$114,200	$85,122	490
Database Administrator	$113,900	$84,923	1,920
Other Engineer	$112,450	$83,961	4,270
Nuclear Technician	$110,430	$82,620	420
Electrical Engineer	$110,130	$82,421	7,090
Other Physical Scientist	$110,030	$82,355	650
Forestry Professor	$108,430	$81,293	90
Power Plant Operator	$108,300	$81,207	420
Facilities Manager	$108,130	$81,094	4,810
Elevator Installer and Repairer	$107,700	$80,808	240
Computer Systems Analyst	$106,850	$80,244	20,910
Health and Safety Engineer	$106,800	$80,211	480
Construction Manager	$106,640	$80,105	16,310
Materials Scientist	$106,470	$79,992	490
Transportation and Distribution Manager	$106,100	$79,747	6,650
Administrative Services Manager	$105,630	$79,435	7,360
Other Computer Occupation	$104,850	$78,917	15,090
Powerhouse and Substation Repairer	$104,710	$78,824	950
Materials Engineer	$104,240	$78,512	640
Health Specialties Professor	$103,220	$77,836	9,240
Earth and Space Sciences Professor	$102,980	$77,676	360
Medical Scientist	$102,980	$77,676	5,730
Agricultural Sciences Professor	$102,560	$77,398	500
Financial and Investment Analyst	$102,390	$77,285	12,710
General and Operations Manager	$101,950	$76,993	63,740
Other Mathematical Scientist	$101,850	$76,926	–
College Administrator	$101,060	$76,402	7,390
Project Management Specialist	$100,820	$76,243	36,200
Civil Engineer	$100,730	$76,183	12,810
Financial Examiner	$100,730	$76,183	2,610
Mechanical Engineer	$100,720	$76,177	9,560
Software QA Analyst and Tester	$100,390	$75,958	8,890
Other Biological Scientist	$100,070	$75,745	2,780
Physical Therapist	$99,910	$75,639	7,350
Environmental Engineer	$99,440	$75,327	–
Industrial Engineer	$99,310	$75,241	11,580
Radiation Therapist	$99,250	$75,201	710
Other Education Administrator	$98,880	$74,955	1,600
Management Analyst	$98,560	$74,743	22,200
Web and Digital Interface Designer	$97,990	$74,365	3,400
Dental Hygienist	$97,850	$74,272	6,690
Operations Research Analyst	$97,290	$73,900	2,520
Law Professor	$97,090	$73,768	450
Personal Financial Advisor	$96,880	$73,628	12,340
Web Developer	$96,610	$73,449	2,030
Survey Researcher	$96,560	$73,416	350
Postmaster and Mail Superintendent	$96,410	$73,316	480
Architect	$95,700	$72,845	2,980
Geoscientist	$95,260	$72,553	570
Network and Systems Administrator	$95,230	$72,533	13,850
Biomedical Engineer	$94,790	$72,241	920
Credit Analyst	$94,570	$72,095	3,270
Emergency Management Director	$93,840	$71,611	420
Genetic Counselor	$93,570	$71,432	80
Occupational Therapist	$92,940	$71,014	4,490
Clinical Psychologist	$92,130	$70,476	2,770
Atmospheric and Space Scientist	$91,560	$70,098	170
Chiropractor	$91,540	$70,085	1,020
Non-Retail Sales Supervisor	$91,200	$69,859	11,080
Police Supervisor	$91,100	$69,793	4,820
Power Distributor and Dispatcher	$90,420	$69,341	190
Art Director	$90,000	$69,063	–
Audiologist	$88,920	$68,346	450
Special Effects Artist and Animator	$88,350	$67,968	370
Physics Professor	$87,370	$67,317	440
Architecture Professor	$86,850	$66,972	150
Occupational Safety Specialist	$86,650	$66,840	4,670
Speech-Language Pathologist	$86,460	$66,714	5,600
Technical Writer	$86,320	$66,621	2,860
Labor Relations Specialist	$86,270	$66,587	690
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer	$86,010	$66,415	2,970
Microbiologist	$85,860	$66,315	1,050
Blaster and Explosives Worker	$85,630	$66,163	160
Nuclear Medicine Technologist	$85,240	$65,904	600
MRI Technologist	$85,120	$65,824	1,180
Epidemiologist	$84,770	$65,592	220
Geography Professor	$84,630	$65,499	160
Transportation Inspector	$84,470	$65,393	380
Registered Nurse	$84,350	$65,313	111,120
Landscape Architect	$83,420	$64,696	1,080
K-12 Education Administrator	$83,180	$64,537	11,220
Chemist	$82,620	$64,165	4,530
Environmental Science Professor	$82,360	$63,993	210
Budget Analyst	$82,350	$63,986	1,830
Biochemist and Biophysicist	$82,220	$63,900	570
Orthotist and Prosthetist	$82,190	$63,880	260
Accountant and Auditor	$82,050	$63,787	49,270
Electrical and Electronics Drafter	$81,960	$63,727	430
Other Artist and Related Worker	$81,850	$63,654	80
Hydrologist	$81,770	$63,601	150
Gas Plant Operator	$81,460	$63,396	320
Other Social Scientist	$81,420	$63,369	1,770
Urban and Regional Planner	$81,230	$63,243	1,630
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist	$81,080	$63,143	900
Computer Programmer	$81,070	$63,137	4,120
Other Financial Specialist	$80,900	$63,024	4,190
Logistician	$80,780	$62,944	7,860
Funeral Home Manager	$80,730	$62,911	460
Commercial and Industrial Designer	$80,620	$62,838	1,000
Farmer and Rancher	$80,540	$62,785	250
Nursing Professor	$80,400	$62,692	2,560
Other Business Operations Specialist	$80,230	$62,579	41,180
Respiratory Therapist	$80,090	$62,486	4,630
Computer Science Professor	$80,080	$62,480	1,650
Refinery Operator	$80,060	$62,467	130
Food Scientist and Technologist	$79,840	$62,321	230
Business Professor	$79,600	$62,161	2,960
Social and Community Service Manager	$79,590	$62,155	4,970
Library Science Professor	$79,460	$62,068	250
Family and Consumer Sciences Professor	$78,770	$61,610	290
Political Science Professor	$78,760	$61,604	440
Avionics Technician	$78,710	$61,571	520
Other Media Equipment Worker	$78,690	$61,557	180
Chemistry Professor	$78,620	$61,511	900
Compliance Officer	$78,500	$61,431	11,320
Market Research Analyst	$78,410	$61,372	30,700
Entertainment and Recreation Manager	$77,990	$61,093	1,200
Forester	$77,870	$61,013	–
Biological Science Professor	$77,700	$60,900	1,960
Power Line Installer	$77,270	$60,615	5,650
Insurance Underwriter	$77,120	$60,516	3,460
Aircraft Mechanic	$76,980	$60,423	4,700
Maintenance and Repair Supervisor	$76,800	$60,303	21,110
Industrial Electronics Repairer	$76,740	$60,263	1,660
Acupuncturist	$76,500	$60,104	320
Sociology Professor	$76,430	$60,058	550
Philosophy and Religion Professor	$76,340	$59,998	680
Soil and Plant Scientist	$76,330	$59,991	570
Surveyor	$76,210	$59,912	1,530
Electrical Engineering Technician	$76,040	$59,799	2,490
Loan Officer	$75,920	$59,719	10,700
Buyer and Purchasing Agent	$75,880	$59,693	14,290
Hearing Aid Specialist	$75,810	$59,646	240
Arbitrator and Mediator	$75,320	$59,321	100
Claims Adjuster and Examiner	$75,310	$59,314	9,880
Construction Supervisor	$75,270	$59,288	32,460
Psychology Professor	$75,260	$59,281	1,100
History Professor	$75,070	$59,155	720
Fashion Designer	$74,990	$59,102	460
Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser	$74,810	$58,983	520
Cost Estimator	$74,730	$58,930	8,030
Radiologic Technologist	$74,450	$58,744	9,250
Other Professor	$74,240	$58,604	2,030
Environmental Scientist	$74,130	$58,531	4,150
Food Service Manager	$74,080	$58,498	9,420
Financial Services Sales Agent	$74,040	$58,472	21,890
Other Personal Service Manager	$73,990	$58,438	240
Recreation and Fitness Studies Professor	$73,860	$58,352	730
Art, Drama, and Music Professor	$73,800	$58,312	2,880
Editor	$73,740	$58,273	1,870
Mathematical Science Professor	$73,620	$58,193	1,870
Court Reporter	$73,510	$58,120	110
Historian	$73,440	$58,074	120
School Psychologist	$73,220	$57,928	1,540
Anthropologist and Archeologist	$73,130	$57,868	200
Human Resources Specialist	$73,070	$57,828	31,140
Other Engineering Technician	$72,070	$57,164	1,530
Wholesale Sales Representative	$70,990	$56,448	49,110
Mining and Geological Engineer	$70,310	$55,996	–
Executive Assistant	$70,140	$55,884	8,890
Education Professor	$70,050	$55,824	2,130
Industrial Engineering Technician	$69,720	$55,605	1,940
Production Supervisor	$69,640	$55,552	22,240
Occupational Therapy Assistant	$69,390	$55,386	1,590
Ship Captain and Mate	$69,170	$55,240	490
Social Work Professor	$68,660	$54,902	580
Embalmer	$68,550	$54,829	70
Compensation and Benefits Specialist	$67,970	$54,444	3,930
Dietitian and Nutritionist	$67,560	$54,172	2,780
Physical Therapist Assistant	$67,540	$54,158	3,280
Correctional Officer Supervisor	$67,270	$53,979	1,090
Public Relations Specialist	$67,230	$53,953	9,910
Fire Inspector and Investigator	$66,820	$53,680	870
Property Appraiser and Assessor	$66,700	$53,601	2,210
Ethnic and Cultural Studies Professor	$66,470	$53,445	590
Other Protective Service Supervisor	$66,400	$53,392	470
Wind Turbine Service Technician	$66,380	$53,376	120
Occupational Therapy Aide	$66,190	$53,231	250
Fundraiser	$66,100	$53,163	3,700
Construction Inspector	$66,080	$53,147	6,490
Communications Professor	$65,850	$52,972	950
Training and Development Specialist	$65,250	$52,514	20,220
Other Special Education Teacher	$65,170	$52,453	–
Ship Engineer	$65,010	$52,330	90
Control and Valve Installer	$64,820	$52,185	1,440
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist	$64,620	$52,033	350
Transportation Security Screener	$64,540	$51,971	1,300
Crane and Tower Operator	$64,480	$51,926	1,050
Conservation Scientist	$64,460	$51,910	540
Anthropology Professor	$64,380	$51,849	250
Postal Service Clerk	$64,290	$51,781	2,070
Farm and Home Management Educator	$64,280	$51,773	910
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic	$64,080	$51,620	5,100
CNC Programmer	$63,990	$51,551	760
Telecom Equipment Installer	$63,970	$51,536	3,540
Tire Builder	$63,950	$51,521	3,750
Foreign Language Professor	$63,900	$51,483	690
Lodging Manager	$63,860	$51,452	1,460
Social Science Research Assistant	$63,710	$51,338	2,930
Producer and Director	$63,700	$51,330	3,500
Writer and Author	$63,660	$51,300	1,810
Other Social Worker	$63,490	$51,170	1,670
Music Director and Composer	$63,380	$51,086	200
English Professor	$63,370	$51,078	2,140
Instructional Coordinator	$63,340	$51,055	8,260
Electro-Mechanical Technician	$63,330	$51,048	800
Detective	$63,280	$51,009	3,360
Healthcare Social Worker	$63,280	$51,009	5,120
Religious Education Director	$63,280	$51,009	260
Licensed Practical Nurse	$63,270	$51,002	18,010
Other Legal Support Worker	$63,170	$50,925	1,000
Criminal Justice Professor	$63,020	$50,811	1,220
Health Information Technologist	$63,010	$50,803	2,370
Millwright	$62,990	$50,788	700
Chemical Plant and System Operator	$62,920	$50,734	660
Architectural and Civil Drafter	$62,750	$50,605	2,680
Camera Operator	$62,720	$50,582	380
Services Sales Representative	$62,620	$50,505	46,040
Subway and Streetcar Operator	$62,590	$50,482	110
Industrial Machinery Mechanic	$62,430	$50,360	15,720
Vocational Instructor	$62,390	$50,330	6,510
Mechanical Engineering Technician	$62,360	$50,307	1,190
Office Supervisor	$62,340	$50,292	35,830
Probation Officer	$62,220	$50,200	3,310
RV Service Technician	$62,000	$50,032	400
Tax Examiner and Revenue Agent	$61,950	$49,994	1,300
Occupational Safety Technician	$61,760	$49,849	720
Biological Technician	$61,720	$49,818	2,460
Other Education Worker	$61,580	$49,711	4,830
Fish and Game Warden	$61,430	$49,597	190
Property and Real Estate Manager	$61,430	$49,597	10,690
Librarian	$61,420	$49,589	4,010
Interior Designer	$61,400	$49,574	2,610
Locomotive Engineer	$61,190	$49,413	340
Other Plant and System Operator	$61,190	$49,413	220
Chef and Head Cook	$61,130	$49,368	4,920
Other Precision Instrument Repairer	$61,070	$49,322	360
Tool and Die Maker	$61,060	$49,314	1,580
Calibration Technician	$61,000	$49,268	410
Brokerage Clerk	$60,950	$49,230	400
Surgical Technologist	$60,920	$49,207	4,400
Stationary Engineer	$60,860	$49,161	220
Metal-Refining Furnace Operator	$60,780	$49,100	390
Mortician and Funeral Director	$60,730	$49,062	1,000
Auto Glass Installer	$60,710	$49,047	790
Clinical Lab Technologist	$60,650	$49,001	13,710
Massage Therapist	$60,650	$49,001	2,460
Machinery Maintenance Worker	$60,580	$48,948	4,750
Other Therapist	$60,400	$48,810	530
Preschool Special Education Teacher	$60,180	$48,642	640
IT Support Specialist	$60,120	$48,596	23,100
Transportation Supervisor	$60,070	$48,558	21,540
Film and Video Editor	$60,020	$48,520	400
Postal Service Mail Carrier	$59,990	$48,497	11,030
Surgical Assistant	$59,920	$48,444	670
Child and Family Social Worker	$59,610	$48,207	13,010
Clergy	$59,600	$48,199	1,430
Hydrologic Technician	$59,590	$48,192	110
Firefighting Supervisor	$59,560	$48,169	5,050
Other Drafter	$59,500	$48,123	320
Middle School Special Education Teacher	$59,360	$48,016	2,470
Police Officer	$59,300	$47,970	22,370
Forensic Science Technician	$59,240	$47,924	520
Medical Equipment Repairer	$59,190	$47,886	2,650
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor	$59,130	$47,840	90
Mechanical Drafter	$59,050	$47,779	1,350
Chemical Technician	$59,030	$47,764	2,660
Continuous Mining Machine Operator	$59,030	$47,764	230
Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster	$58,930	$47,688	–
Insurance Sales Agent	$58,710	$47,520	20,540
Civil Engineering Technician	$58,700	$47,512	2,760
Farming and Forestry Supervisor	$58,700	$47,512	560
News Reporter and Journalist	$58,670	$47,489	930
Surface Mining Machine Operator	$58,620	$47,451	–
High School Vocational Teacher	$58,600	$47,436	2,650
Graphic Designer	$58,450	$47,321	5,660
Other Financial Clerk	$58,290	$47,199	800
Elementary Special Education Teacher	$58,260	$47,176	4,430
Mental Health Social Worker	$58,210	$47,138	3,690
Health Education Specialist	$58,080	$47,039	2,110
Loan Interviewer and Clerk	$57,780	$46,810	4,800
Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator	$57,760	$46,794	50
Metal Pourer and Caster	$57,700	$46,748	100
High School Teacher	$57,650	$46,710	28,620
School and Career Counselor	$57,630	$46,695	9,430
Paralegal and Legal Assistant	$57,500	$46,596	13,650
Diesel Mechanic	$57,490	$46,588	11,070
Other Healthcare Technical Worker	$57,390	$46,512	940
Security Supervisor	$57,390	$46,512	2,730
Paramedic	$57,320	$46,458	5,660
Earth Driller	$57,300	$46,443	290
HVAC Technician	$57,260	$46,412	15,230
Preschool and Daycare Administrator	$57,200	$46,367	2,410
Plumber	$57,080	$46,275	14,510
Landscaping Supervisor	$56,930	$46,160	4,300
Electrician	$56,800	$46,061	21,640
Traffic Technician	$56,800	$46,061	110
High School Special Education Teacher	$56,770	$46,038	3,400
Telecom Line Installer	$56,680	$45,970	2,610
Rigger	$56,640	$45,939	440
Athletic Trainer	$56,540	$45,863	990
Quarry Rock Splitter	$56,320	$45,695	80
Travel Agent	$56,180	$45,588	1,250
Semiconductor Processing Technician	$56,160	$45,573	60
Bailiff	$56,100	$45,527	250
Mental Health Counselor	$55,490	$45,061	10,300
Cardiovascular Technologist	$55,460	$45,038	1,990
Jeweler	$55,420	$45,007	770
Archivist	$55,370	$44,969	130
Postal Mail Sorter	$55,350	$44,954	4,040
Machinist	$55,230	$44,862	8,330
Event Planner	$54,990	$44,679	4,340
Elementary School Teacher	$54,930	$44,633	42,410
Other Social Service Specialist	$54,820	$44,549	3,460
Railroad Brake and Signal Operator	$54,810	$44,542	110
Disc Jockey	$54,704	$44,461	100
Medical Appliance Technician	$54,650	$44,419	600
Security and Fire Alarm Installer	$54,120	$44,015	2,880
Lathe Operator	$53,840	$43,801	310
Environmental Engineering Technician	$53,660	$43,664	120
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk	$53,550	$43,580	3,630
Metal Extruding Machine Operator	$53,330	$43,412	2,950
Kindergarten Teacher	$53,180	$43,297	2,250
Surveying and Mapping Technician	$53,160	$43,282	4,100
Private Detective and Investigator	$52,890	$43,076	1,710
Real Estate Broker	$52,830	$43,030	1,560
Stonemason	$52,760	$42,976	–
Production and Planning Clerk	$52,640	$42,885	13,000
Exercise Physiologist	$52,450	$42,740	370
Other Counselor	$52,280	$42,610	–
Middle School Vocational Teacher	$52,270	$42,602	760
Mechanical Door Repairer	$52,050	$42,434	790
Middle School Teacher	$52,010	$42,404	20,650
Aircraft Assembler	$51,930	$42,342	670
Adult Education and ESL Instructor	$51,810	$42,251	3,720
Other Designer	$51,740	$42,197	120
Floor Layer	$51,700	$42,167	490
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Worker	$51,690	$42,159	90
Water Treatment Plant Operator	$51,680	$42,152	3,620
Environmental Science Technician	$51,630	$42,113	1,100
Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver	$51,530	$42,037	62,400
Agricultural Technician	$51,470	$41,991	550
Mobile Home Installer	$51,460	$41,984	160
Motorboat Mechanic	$51,430	$41,961	930
Real Estate Sales Agent	$51,240	$41,816	7,960
Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher	$51,180	$41,770	480
Recreational Therapist	$51,030	$41,655	440
Farm Equipment Mechanic	$50,750	$41,441	300
Sheet Metal Worker	$50,730	$41,426	2,780
Upholsterer	$50,600	$41,327	4,050
Welder	$50,590	$41,319	11,750
Correctional Officer	$50,550	$41,289	11,900
Auto Body Repairer	$50,520	$41,266	5,180
Title Examiner	$50,500	$41,251	400
CNC Machine Operator	$50,440	$41,205	3,680
Procurement Clerk	$50,390	$41,167	1,460
Dental Assistant	$50,380	$41,159	11,450
Dispensing Optician	$50,190	$41,014	2,020
Graduate Teaching Assistant	$50,050	$40,907	2,900
Interpreter and Translator	$50,030	$40,892	1,780
Other Teacher	$50,000	$40,869	3,660
Brickmason and Blockmason	$49,940	$40,823	1,760
Prepress Technician and Worker	$49,760	$40,685	600
Boilermaker	$49,720	$40,655	150
Dental Laboratory Technician	$49,700	$40,640	990
Chemical Equipment Operator	$49,650	$40,601	5,260
Medical Records Specialist	$49,620	$40,579	6,760
New Accounts Clerk	$49,480	$40,472	1,910
Curator	$49,470	$40,464	600
Lighting Technician	$49,410	$40,418	–
Set and Exhibit Designer	$49,410	$40,418	–
Construction Equipment Operator	$49,310	$40,342	16,580
Milling Machine Operator	$49,210	$40,265	280
Other Science Technician	$49,200	$40,258	2,310
Sound Engineering Technician	$49,150	$40,220	170
Separating Machine Operator	$49,140	$40,212	1,310
Court and Municipal Clerk	$49,110	$40,189	5,240
Carpenter	$49,100	$40,181	13,480
Recreation Supervisor	$49,040	$40,136	3,590
Roofer	$49,010	$40,113	3,060
Structural Metal Fabricator	$48,990	$40,097	1,070
Other Office Support Worker	$48,890	$40,021	6,420
Structural Iron and Steel Worker	$48,740	$39,907	2,000
Motorcycle Mechanic	$48,670	$39,853	440
Food Science Technician	$48,640	$39,830	130
Paperhanger	$48,590	$39,792	100
Tree Trimmer and Pruner	$48,480	$39,708	1,560
Other Logging Worker	$48,460	$39,693	–
Rolling Machine Operator	$48,450	$39,685	510
Mechanical Insulation Worker	$48,430	$39,670	1,090
Logging Equipment Operator	$48,420	$39,662	990
Forest and Conservation Technician	$48,360	$39,616	650
Pesticide Applicator	$48,240	$39,525	360
Dispatcher	$48,230	$39,517	5,740
Auto Mechanic	$48,200	$39,494	26,510
Human Resources Assistant	$48,190	$39,487	2,790
Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker	$48,180	$39,479	270
Insurance Claims Clerk	$48,130	$39,441	6,570
Tax Preparer	$48,130	$39,441	2,710
Marriage and Family Therapist	$48,100	$39,418	1,400
Geological Technician	$48,090	$39,410	250
Cargo and Freight Agent	$48,000	$39,342	2,520
Paper Goods Machine Operator	$47,940	$39,296	4,800
Bookkeeper and Accounting Clerk	$47,930	$39,288	48,760
Broadcast Announcer and Radio DJ	$47,910	$39,273	830
General Maintenance Worker	$47,910	$39,273	43,440
Hand Cutter and Trimmer	$47,910	$39,273	1,060
Highway Maintenance Worker	$47,880	$39,250	3,750
Rail Car Repairer	$47,880	$39,250	350
Paving Equipment Operator	$47,820	$39,204	1,940
Broadcast Technician	$47,780	$39,174	580
Grinding Machine Operator	$47,770	$39,166	1,610
Agricultural Inspector	$47,760	$39,158	290
Retail Sales Supervisor	$47,760	$39,158	39,890
Rail-Track Equipment Operator	$47,700	$39,112	270
Veterinary Technician	$47,620	$39,051	2,580
Welding Machine Operator	$47,580	$39,021	820
Community Health Worker	$47,560	$39,006	1,680
Miscellaneous Construction Worker	$47,510	$38,967	1,010
Housekeeping Supervisor	$47,490	$38,952	5,550
Small Engine Mechanic	$47,370	$38,860	1,950
Eligibility Interviewer	$47,350	$38,845	7,740
Credit Authorizer	$47,340	$38,838	500
Multiple Machine Tool Operator	$47,320	$38,822	3,200
Septic Tank Servicer	$47,280	$38,792	1,020
Home Appliance Repairer	$47,270	$38,784	960
Pipelayer	$47,220	$38,746	3,830
Billing and Posting Clerk	$47,160	$38,700	7,000
Other Healthcare Support Worker	$47,080	$38,639	2,470
Metal and Plastic Patternmaker	$47,050	$38,616	40
Radio and Cell Tower Installer	$47,040	$38,608	280
Mixing Machine Operator	$47,020	$38,593	3,400
Drilling Machine Operator	$46,970	$38,555	50
Foundry Mold and Coremaker	$46,910	$38,509	260
Computer and Office Machine Repairer	$46,890	$38,494	3,160
Vehicle Electronics Installer	$46,850	$38,463	190
Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher	$46,780	$38,410	4,610
Other Maintenance and Repair Worker	$46,780	$38,410	4,650
Coating and Painting Machine Operator	$46,730	$38,372	5,700
Audio and Video Technician	$46,700	$38,349	1,870
Heat Treating Equipment Operator	$46,660	$38,318	320
Public Safety Telecommunicator	$46,550	$38,234	3,730
Library Technician	$46,520	$38,211	2,350
Other Health Technician	$46,480	$38,181	6,640
Fitness Trainer and Instructor	$46,450	$38,158	10,670
Other Communications Equipment Operator	$46,430	$38,143	30
Quality Control Inspector	$46,430	$38,143	19,700
Electric Motor and Power Tool Repairer	$46,320	$38,059	750
Crushing and Grinding Machine Operator	$46,270	$38,020	560
Credit Counselor	$46,180	$37,952	320
Glazier	$46,170	$37,944	840
Proofreader and Copy Marker	$46,140	$37,921	70
Faller	$46,080	$37,875	200
Order Clerk	$46,060	$37,860	2,990
Cabinetmaker and Bench Carpenter	$46,010	$37,822	2,900
Vending Machine Repairer	$46,010	$37,822	520
Locksmith and Safe Repairer	$45,900	$37,738	480
Pump Operator	$45,890	$37,730	180
Rehabilitation Counselor	$45,890	$37,730	3,820
Airfield Operations Specialist	$45,820	$37,677	610
Administrative Assistant	$45,790	$37,654	43,690
Tool Grinder, Filer, and Sharpener	$45,790	$37,654	160
Taper	$45,770	$37,639	–
Metal and Plastic Model Maker	$45,760	$37,631	–
Engine and Other Machine Assembler	$45,750	$37,623	2,750
Printing Press Operator	$45,630	$37,532	3,910
Personal Service Supervisor	$45,400	$37,356	3,510
Other Metal and Plastic Worker	$45,190	$37,196	470
Ophthalmic Medical Technician	$45,150	$37,165	1,630
Medical Assistant	$45,140	$37,158	23,650
Medical Equipment Preparer	$45,130	$37,150	2,900
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer	$45,080	$37,112	1,520
Electrical and Electronic Assembler	$45,080	$37,112	6,780
Food Service Supervisor	$45,010	$37,058	39,750
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loader	$44,910	$36,982	240
Teller	$44,830	$36,921	5,260
Sailor and Marine Oiler	$44,770	$36,875	310
Pest Control Worker	$44,740	$36,852	4,870
Construction Laborer	$44,720	$36,837	35,620
Refuse and Recycling Collector	$44,670	$36,799	7,250
Tile and Stone Setter	$44,650	$36,783	680
Reservation and Ticket Agent	$44,630	$36,768	5,760
Pharmacy Technician	$44,530	$36,692	17,260
Audiovisual Equipment Installer	$44,490	$36,661	660
Office Machine Operator	$44,480	$36,654	930
Emergency Medical Technician	$44,250	$36,478	6,680
Medical Secretary	$44,190	$36,432	56,840
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician	$44,140	$36,394	210
Roofer Helper	$44,120	$36,379	270
Construction Painter	$44,110	$36,371	5,220
Transit and Intercity Bus Driver	$44,060	$36,333	2,900
Animal Control Worker	$43,940	$36,241	460
Fiberglass Laminator and Fabricator	$43,890	$36,203	850
Solar Photovoltaic Installer	$43,860	$36,180	710
Coach and Scout	$43,840	$36,165	8,530
Other Agricultural Worker	$43,790	$36,127	–
Cutting Machine Operator	$43,770	$36,111	3,100
Other Protective Service Worker	$43,740	$36,089	790
Legal Secretary	$43,720	$36,073	3,780
Plumber Helper	$43,710	$36,066	3,070
Desktop Publisher	$43,700	$36,058	80
Weigher, Checker, and Sampler	$43,680	$36,043	1,560
Other Transportation Worker	$43,660	$36,028	420
Plating Machine Operator	$43,540	$35,936	710
Textile Cutting Machine Operator	$43,460	$35,875	840
Forklift and Industrial Truck Operator	$43,420	$35,844	26,830
Cutting and Press Machine Operator	$43,400	$35,829	3,940
Phlebotomist	$43,330	$35,776	5,410
File Clerk	$43,260	$35,722	1,970
Hazardous Materials Removal Worker	$43,180	$35,661	1,250
Forming and Pressing Machine Operator	$43,050	$35,562	3,420
Shipping and Receiving Clerk	$43,040	$35,554	20,150
Insulation Worker	$42,990	$35,516	2,090
Musical Instrument Repairer and Tuner	$42,970	$35,501	–
Painting and Coating Worker	$42,960	$35,493	170
Other Media Worker	$42,920	$35,462	–
Bill and Account Collector	$42,910	$35,455	5,460
Social and Human Service Assistant	$42,850	$35,409	9,020
Extraction Worker Helper	$42,670	$35,272	150
Parking Enforcement Worker	$42,410	$35,073	80
Tutor	$42,390	$35,058	5,780
Correspondence Clerk	$42,340	$35,020	50
Utilities Meter Reader	$41,830	$34,630	640
General Office Clerk	$41,770	$34,584	67,930
Self-Enrichment Teacher	$41,710	$34,538	9,320
Metal Molding Machine Operator	$41,630	$34,477	7,570
Bridge and Lock Tender	$41,380	$34,286	50
Crematory Operator	$41,350	$34,264	150
Tailor and Dressmaker	$41,260	$34,195	740
Packaging Machine Operator	$41,150	$34,111	11,870
Camera Equipment Repairer	$41,140	$34,103	30
Psychiatric Technician	$40,630	$33,714	5,950
Carpenter Helper	$40,540	$33,645	650
Telephone Operator	$40,360	$33,508	40
Miscellaneous Assembler	$40,330	$33,485	46,670
Customer Service Representative	$40,240	$33,416	89,510
Fiber Extruding Machine Operator	$40,090	$33,301	1,980
Slaughterer and Meat Packer	$39,930	$33,179	6,120
Furniture Finisher	$39,920	$33,172	950
Light Truck Driver	$39,910	$33,164	31,810
Electrician Helper	$39,880	$33,141	6,770
Data Entry Keyer	$39,610	$32,935	3,330
Agricultural Equipment Operator	$39,580	$32,912	550
Print Binding and Finishing Worker	$39,580	$32,912	1,070
Production Helper	$39,410	$32,782	4,350
Other Woodworker	$39,370	$32,752	350
Furnace and Kiln Operator	$39,310	$32,706	530
Medical Transcriptionist	$39,300	$32,698	1,020
Museum Technician and Conservator	$39,290	$32,691	450
Etcher and Engraver	$39,270	$32,675	–
Mason Helper	$39,230	$32,645	690
Interviewer	$39,200	$32,622	2,330
Other Building Cleaning Worker	$39,180	$32,607	–
Floor Sander and Finisher	$39,170	$32,599	190
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutter	$39,170	$32,599	9,750
Actor	$39,166	$32,596	730
Conveyor Operator	$39,160	$32,591	840
Residential Advisor	$39,130	$32,568	2,840
Skincare Specialist	$39,120	$32,561	2,680
Courier and Messenger	$39,100	$32,545	3,350
Fence Erector	$39,100	$32,545	670
Food Cooking Machine Operator	$39,070	$32,523	770
Freezing Equipment Operator	$39,030	$32,492	420
Other Material Moving Worker	$38,960	$32,439	270
Other Production Worker	$38,790	$32,309	18,350
Farm and Ranch Animal Worker	$38,750	$32,278	910
Maintenance and Repair Helper	$38,700	$32,240	4,400
Orderly	$38,680	$32,225	1,730
Switchboard Operator	$38,520	$32,103	690
Other Construction Helper	$38,480	$32,072	550
Other Sales and Related Worker	$38,470	$32,064	680
Nursing Assistant	$38,460	$32,057	64,010
Hairstylist and Cosmetologist	$38,410	$32,019	8,490
Psychiatric Aide	$38,400	$32,011	–
Cleaning Equipment Operator	$38,340	$31,965	260
Butcher and Meat Cutter	$38,240	$31,889	3,120
Counter and Rental Clerk	$38,230	$31,881	17,580
Hand Laborer and Material Mover	$38,230	$31,881	116,720
Molder, Shaper, and Caster	$38,190	$31,851	550
Wood Sawing Machine Operator	$38,100	$31,782	2,020
Shoe and Leather Worker	$38,020	$31,721	300
Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer	$37,960	$31,675	6,040
Firefighter	$37,940	$31,660	19,410
Landscaper and Groundskeeper	$37,910	$31,637	32,730
Mail Clerk	$37,830	$31,576	1,280
Animal Trainer	$37,680	$31,461	640
Textile Dyeing Machine Operator	$37,610	$31,408	980
Hand Grinding and Polishing Worker	$37,600	$31,400	330
Woodworking Machine Operator	$37,550	$31,362	4,090
School Bus Driver	$37,460	$31,293	12,390
Door-to-Door Sales Worker	$37,370	$31,224	140
Machine Feeder and Offbearer	$37,370	$31,224	2,040
Other Food Processing Worker	$37,360	$31,217	4,770
Other Textile Worker	$37,280	$31,156	1,530
Other Entertainment Attendant	$37,240	$31,125	140
Floral Designer	$37,190	$31,087	990
Photographer	$37,120	$31,034	2,130
Veterinary Assistant	$37,070	$30,995	6,910
Taxi Driver	$36,950	$30,904	120
Log Grader and Scaler	$36,850	$30,827	200
Knitting and Weaving Machine Operator	$36,700	$30,713	2,730
Demonstrator and Product Promoter	$36,650	$30,675	–
Food Batchmaker	$36,590	$30,629	3,450
Textile Winding Machine Operator	$36,580	$30,621	4,190
Hand Sewer	$36,550	$30,598	70
Driver/Sales Worker	$36,540	$30,591	14,530
Bicycle Repairer	$36,500	$30,560	210
Bartender	$36,470	$30,537	20,070
Institution and Cafeteria Cook	$36,140	$30,285	11,170
Other Entertainer and Performer	$35,984	$30,166	240
Food Roasting Machine Operator	$35,980	$30,163	1,510
Painter and Plasterer Helper	$35,980	$30,163	260
Stocker and Order Filler	$35,950	$30,140	87,510
Passenger Attendant	$35,740	$29,980	110
Preschool Teacher	$35,710	$29,957	18,370
Photo Processing Worker	$35,580	$29,858	320
Pharmacy Aide	$35,530	$29,819	1,180
Receptionist and Information Clerk	$35,440	$29,751	20,080
Restaurant Cook	$35,400	$29,720	50,150
Sewing Machine Operator	$35,160	$29,537	8,290
Tire Repairer and Changer	$35,140	$29,522	3,690
Security Guard	$35,010	$29,422	29,830
Funeral Attendant	$34,940	$29,369	1,610
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operator	$34,830	$29,285	1,590
Concierge	$34,780	$29,247	660
Physical Therapist Aide	$34,760	$29,231	1,050
Manicurist and Pedicurist	$34,740	$29,216	1,900
Agricultural Grader and Sorter	$34,720	$29,201	450
Library Assistant	$34,550	$29,071	1,330
Baker	$34,510	$29,041	9,320
Janitor	$34,500	$29,033	53,330
Telemarketer	$34,380	$28,941	1,820
Hand Packer and Packager	$34,360	$28,926	19,600
Costume Attendant	$33,920	$28,590	50
Other Information and Record Clerk	$33,880	$28,559	4,660
Crop and Nursery Farmworker	$33,870	$28,552	2,510
Substitute Teacher	$33,780	$28,483	20,360
Crossing Guard and Flagger	$33,730	$28,445	2,760
Automotive Service Attendant	$33,680	$28,407	2,790
Cleaners of Vehicle and Equipment	$33,470	$28,246	13,820
Other Personal Care Worker	$33,290	$28,109	560
Locker Room Attendant	$33,140	$27,994	340
School Bus Monitor	$32,970	$27,865	1,360
Baggage Porter and Bellhop	$32,940	$27,842	650
Recreation Worker	$32,720	$27,674	9,520
Tour and Travel Guide	$32,570	$27,559	1,650
Parts Salesperson	$32,480	$27,490	11,460
Ambulance Driver and Attendant	$32,450	$27,468	–
Waiter and Waitress	$32,150	$27,238	71,940
Shuttle Driver and Chauffeur	$31,980	$27,109	5,520
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker	$31,920	$27,063	5,570
Nonrestaurant Food Server	$31,460	$26,712	8,820
Retail Salesperson	$31,370	$26,643	127,540
Maid and Housekeeper	$31,310	$26,597	33,080
Short Order Cook	$31,290	$26,582	3,170
Home Health Aide	$31,240	$26,544	58,880
Other Cook	$31,120	$26,452	150
Barber	$31,050	$26,399	330
Dietetic Technician	$31,010	$26,368	1,300
Animal Caretaker	$30,870	$26,261	9,730
Parking Attendant	$30,540	$26,009	2,930
Dishwasher	$30,340	$25,856	12,050
Food Preparation Worker	$30,260	$25,795	24,960
Usher and Ticket Taker	$30,260	$25,795	5,390
Other Food Service Worker	$30,160	$25,719	4,670
Hotel Desk Clerk	$29,900	$25,520	7,530
Teaching Assistant	$29,790	$25,436	32,150
Garment Presser	$29,300	$25,062	550
Childcare Worker	$29,140	$24,940	12,550
Other Motor Vehicle Operator	$29,000	$24,833	2,000
Cashier	$28,880	$24,741	106,440
Fast Food and Counter Worker	$28,570	$24,505	92,230
Restaurant Host and Hostess	$28,320	$24,310	15,160
Busser and Dining Room Attendant	$27,560	$23,715	11,230
Lifeguard and Ski Patrol	$27,310	$23,519	4,850
Fast Food Cook	$27,190	$23,425	81,980
Amusement and Recreation Attendant	$26,680	$23,025	14,120
Umpire and Referee	$26,540	$22,915	400
Shampooer	$26,030	$22,516	90

Best take-home first. Jobs with no North Carolina median from BLS are left out; each job’s own page has the national figures.

Questions about pay in North Carolina

What is the highest-paying job in North Carolina?

BLS shows a median of “$239,200 or more” for 1 job in North Carolina, such as anesthesiologist. Of the jobs with an exact median, other surgeon pays most: $398,410, or $261,443 after tax.

What is the most common job in North Carolina?

Retail Salesperson: about 127,540 people in North Carolina, with a median of $31,370.

How much do you take home on the median North Carolina salary?

The median pay for all jobs in North Carolina is $47,970 (BLS, May 2025). A single filer keeps about $39,319 a year after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and North Carolina tax.

Which job pays more in North Carolina than in the rest of the US?

Among jobs with at least 1,000 people in North Carolina, chief executive pays furthest above its US median: $314,290 here, 47% more than the national $213,990.

Where do these figures come from?

Pay is the BLS estimate for May 2025, for all employers in North Carolina. Take-home is our 2026 estimate for one job, single, standard deduction, nothing taken before tax.