BLS OEWS · 2026 · NC
North Carolina Salary Data
Salary comparisons across 2 metropolitan areas in North Carolina. State income tax rate: approximately 4.5%.
1
Metro Areas in North Carolina
Cost of living and tax overview
| Metro Area | COL Index | vs US Avg | State Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 102 | +2% | 4.5% |
| Raleigh, NC | 103 | +3% | 4.5% |
2
Top Paying Occupations in North Carolina
Average across North Carolina metros vs national average
| Occupation | NC Avg | National Avg | vs National | Top City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $121,500 | $136,800 | $15,300 | Raleigh, NC |
| Software Developer | $120,000 | $127,433 | $7,433 | Raleigh, NC |
| Financial Analyst | $86,500 | $89,367 | $2,867 | Charlotte, NC |
| Registered Nurse | $66,500 | $80,900 | $14,400 | Raleigh, NC |
| Electrician | $53,500 | $65,367 | $11,867 | Raleigh, NC |
3
Salary by City — North Carolina
Median annual salary for key occupations
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · All figures are approximate annual estimates.