Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in North Carolina, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 100 largest places in North Carolina, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlotte | 903,844 | $82,068 | $1,612 | 4.6% | 48.0% |
| 2 | Raleigh | 481,031 | $85,395 | $1,572 | 4.4% | 54.0% |
| 3 | Greensboro | 301,198 | $61,515 | $1,172 | 5.1% | 41.0% |
| 4 | Durham | 291,467 | $81,619 | $1,508 | 3.8% | 57.3% |
| 5 | Winston-Salem | 252,037 | $59,268 | $1,087 | 5.7% | 39.5% |
| 6 | Fayetteville | 210,815 | $58,407 | $1,250 | 7.9% | 29.0% |
| 7 | Cary | 179,306 | $134,905 | $1,738 | 3.5% | 70.5% |
| 8 | Wilmington | 120,805 | $66,738 | $1,395 | 4.3% | 46.8% |
| 9 | High Point | 116,245 | $64,561 | $1,116 | 5.2% | 34.0% |
| 10 | Concord | 108,719 | $86,921 | $1,451 | 5.5% | 40.9% |
| 11 | Asheville | 94,535 | $71,102 | $1,402 | 5.1% | 53.4% |
| 12 | Greenville | 92,857 | $49,748 | $1,007 | 9.0% | 39.1% |
| 13 | Gastonia | 82,884 | $64,059 | $1,204 | 5.7% | 26.6% |
| 14 | Jacksonville | 71,279 | $57,697 | $1,321 | 7.3% | 26.3% |
| 15 | Apex | 70,630 | $144,135 | $1,902 | 3.8% | 69.5% |
| 16 | Huntersville | 63,969 | $120,516 | $1,834 | 3.2% | 57.5% |
| 17 | Chapel Hill | 61,607 | $85,989 | $1,613 | 4.5% | 76.6% |
| 18 | Burlington | 59,610 | $56,880 | $1,051 | 6.5% | 29.6% |
| 19 | Kannapolis | 57,890 | $73,836 | $1,319 | 4.0% | 29.7% |
| 20 | Rocky Mount | 54,297 | $55,534 | $957 | 8.0% | 22.9% |
| 21 | Wake Forest | 52,844 | $123,802 | $1,596 | 4.0% | 59.5% |
| 22 | Mooresville | 52,381 | $89,647 | $1,626 | 4.4% | 45.5% |
| 23 | Wilson | 48,370 | $52,485 | $971 | 6.7% | 24.5% |
| 24 | Holly Springs | 45,248 | $135,578 | $2,021 | 3.4% | 67.3% |
| 25 | Hickory | 44,258 | $64,576 | $1,063 | 3.8% | 37.0% |
| 26 | Indian Trail | 42,036 | $108,483 | $2,077 | 5.3% | 40.2% |
| 27 | Fuquay-Varina | 40,485 | $115,497 | $1,720 | 3.6% | 54.0% |
| 28 | Monroe | 36,759 | $72,540 | $1,246 | 4.6% | 24.1% |
| 29 | Salisbury | 35,825 | $53,716 | $1,071 | 5.8% | 29.9% |
| 30 | Garner | 34,473 | $78,756 | $1,549 | 6.2% | 46.5% |
| 31 | Goldsboro | 34,383 | $48,540 | $971 | 8.0% | 21.0% |
| 32 | Cornelius | 32,783 | $113,767 | $1,722 | 2.5% | 62.2% |
| 33 | New Bern | 32,734 | $61,031 | $1,081 | 4.6% | 29.4% |
| 34 | Sanford | 31,478 | $57,586 | $1,052 | 4.4% | 21.6% |
| 35 | Morrisville | 31,422 | $125,396 | $1,858 | 3.3% | 72.7% |
| 36 | Matthews | 30,577 | $108,611 | $1,764 | 2.1% | 55.2% |
| 37 | Statesville | 29,894 | $52,880 | $1,000 | 6.8% | 26.9% |
| 38 | Leland | 29,607 | $91,977 | $1,735 | 4.7% | 43.7% |
| 39 | Clayton | 29,320 | $78,822 | $1,661 | 2.8% | 40.4% |
| 40 | Kernersville | 27,830 | $71,918 | $1,082 | 2.7% | 37.0% |
| 41 | Asheboro | 27,580 | $47,197 | $906 | 4.0% | 19.1% |
| 42 | Mint Hill | 27,556 | $100,860 | $1,528 | 4.1% | 40.4% |
| 43 | Thomasville | 27,321 | $60,935 | $879 | 4.6% | 15.3% |
| 44 | Waxhaw | 22,275 | $131,894 | $1,840 | 4.9% | 55.0% |
| 45 | Shelby | 22,100 | $48,376 | $945 | 3.6% | 26.6% |
| 46 | Clemmons | 21,871 | $87,655 | $1,269 | 4.5% | 49.4% |
| 47 | Carrboro | 21,204 | $85,743 | $1,470 | 3.6% | 69.9% |
| 48 | Knightdale | 20,214 | $103,220 | $1,674 | 3.4% | 48.9% |
| 49 | Boone | 20,032 | $30,065 | $1,111 | 12.0% | 56.8% |
| 50 | Lexington | 19,690 | $43,128 | $893 | 6.0% | 12.9% |
| 51 | Harrisburg | 19,633 | $148,254 | $2,640 | 3.0% | 56.5% |
| 52 | Mebane | 19,538 | $83,174 | $1,283 | 3.9% | 40.4% |
| 53 | Kinston | 19,505 | $36,878 | $867 | 16.1% | 16.4% |
| 54 | Elizabeth City | 18,871 | $52,141 | $1,117 | 7.0% | 27.2% |
| 55 | Lumberton | 18,859 | $42,877 | $866 | 5.6% | 19.2% |
| 56 | Lenoir | 18,299 | $49,910 | $664 | 4.6% | 21.2% |
| 57 | Pinehurst | 18,256 | $109,802 | $1,664 | 5.2% | 60.9% |
| 58 | Mount Holly | 18,208 | $79,385 | $1,256 | 5.5% | 36.7% |
| 59 | Graham | 18,048 | $56,239 | $1,071 | 6.8% | 24.7% |
| 60 | Hope Mills | 17,939 | $65,774 | $1,141 | 8.2% | 23.4% |
| 61 | Havelock | 17,691 | $58,408 | $1,280 | 4.9% | 18.7% |
| 62 | Morganton | 17,646 | $51,355 | $944 | 3.8% | 26.1% |
| 63 | Stallings | 16,886 | $115,974 | $1,882 | 5.3% | 53.7% |
| 64 | Albemarle | 16,762 | $46,881 | $880 | 5.6% | 20.4% |
| 65 | Southern Pines | 16,420 | $88,535 | $1,354 | 6.7% | 53.0% |
| 66 | Murraysville | 16,339 | $81,167 | $1,777 | 5.8% | 45.7% |
| 67 | Davidson | 15,660 | $166,556 | $1,652 | 4.1% | 75.8% |
| 68 | Belmont | 15,546 | $94,883 | $1,365 | 4.0% | 51.1% |
| 69 | Hendersonville | 15,408 | $53,449 | $1,332 | 3.2% | 38.1% |
| 70 | Eden | 15,356 | $47,260 | $799 | 8.3% | 11.9% |
| 71 | Laurinburg | 15,087 | $42,170 | $774 | 11.0% | 20.1% |
| 72 | Henderson | 14,885 | $39,969 | $848 | 9.4% | 15.4% |
| 73 | Roanoke Rapids | 14,856 | $53,690 | $858 | 8.1% | 22.0% |
| 74 | Reidsville | 14,585 | $42,921 | $822 | 6.4% | 21.9% |
| 75 | Piney Green | 14,078 | $72,177 | $1,202 | 5.9% | 24.1% |
| 76 | Anderson Creek | 13,927 | $87,287 | $1,251 | 7.1% | 35.0% |
| 77 | Lewisville | 13,828 | $100,917 | $1,095 | 1.9% | 47.8% |
| 78 | Weddington | 13,805 | $190,766 | $1,927 | 1.8% | 68.0% |
| 79 | Newton | 13,333 | $62,015 | $1,091 | 6.2% | 21.0% |
| 80 | Wendell | 13,064 | $95,787 | $1,457 | 1.3% | 38.2% |
| 81 | Myrtle Grove | 12,637 | $113,463 | $1,463 | 3.1% | 46.4% |
| 82 | Lake Norman of Iredell | 12,494 | $173,542 | $1,327 | 3.1% | 67.2% |
| 83 | Smithfield | 12,116 | $43,270 | $658 | 7.2% | 26.7% |
| 84 | Archdale | 12,087 | $64,757 | $1,034 | 2.5% | 22.9% |
| 85 | Kings Mountain | 12,039 | $49,564 | $959 | 7.7% | 17.8% |
| 86 | Lincolnton | 11,783 | $46,320 | $965 | 3.8% | 24.0% |
| 87 | Spring Lake | 11,573 | $51,958 | $1,351 | 5.4% | 25.2% |
| 88 | Spout Springs | 11,242 | $92,402 | $2,010 | 5.7% | 41.4% |
| 89 | Summerfield | 11,116 | $160,275 | $1,521 | 2.1% | 59.5% |
| 90 | Pineville | 11,055 | $69,354 | $1,552 | 5.2% | 44.9% |
| 91 | Elon | 11,032 | $84,773 | $2,080 | 5.0% | 51.5% |
| 92 | Tarboro | 10,770 | $49,796 | $843 | 4.5% | 26.6% |
| 93 | Rolesville | 10,766 | $149,565 | $1,085 | 3.7% | 62.1% |
| 94 | Winterville | 10,725 | $83,193 | $1,534 | 5.4% | 41.1% |
| 95 | Mount Airy | 10,633 | $40,275 | $725 | 4.2% | 23.1% |
| 96 | Waynesville | 10,502 | $54,923 | $1,070 | 1.9% | 33.0% |
| 97 | Lake Norman of Catawba | 9,906 | $112,656 | $1,319 | 3.8% | 44.0% |
| 98 | Morehead City | 9,806 | $56,233 | $1,134 | 1.9% | 35.6% |
| 99 | Washington | 9,726 | $40,186 | $856 | 3.5% | 24.0% |
| 100 | Hillsborough | 9,724 | $98,163 | $1,368 | 4.1% | 61.4% |
North Carolina is in the South region (South Atlantic division), with 10,730,404 residents, a median age of 39.1 and a median household income of $72,388. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 94.3 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $72,388 | 38 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 15 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 4.0% | 27 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 94.3 | 21 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.6% | 21 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 9.1% | 22 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 495 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities100 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the South Atlantic division: Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Maryland · South Carolina · Virginia · West Virginia.
North Carolina is in the South region (South Atlantic division) and has 10,730,404 residents (the 9th largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 39.1. Its economy produced about $920,848 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 9th among states and DC, equal to $85,817 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 3.4% in 2026M09, which is 15th lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 4.0% of employment, 27th highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $47,970 a year ($23.06 an hour), 6% below the national median ($47,970 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in North Carolina are Retail Salespersons (127,540 jobs, median $31,370); Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (116,720 jobs, median $38,230); Registered Nurses (111,120 jobs, median $84,350); Cashiers (106,440 jobs, median $28,880); Fast Food and Counter Workers (92,230 jobs, median $28,570). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are Physicians, All Other (median $260,330); Nurse Anesthetists (median $224,610); Dentists, General (median $207,000). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in computer and mathematical (1.2 times the national share of workers) and production (1.2 times the national share of workers).
Prices are below the national average in North Carolina: the regional price parity is 94.3 against 100 for the whole country (21st lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $1,228 a month and the median household income $72,388, so a year of rent equals 20.4% of income; the median home value is $288,900. The state minimum wage is $7.25 (the higher of state and federal rates applies to most workers). State income tax on wages: Flat 3.99%. It is a right-to-work state, meaning workers cannot be required to pay union dues as a condition of employment. It has no state paid family and medical leave programme in our source.
9.1% of residents were born abroad and 35.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 71.5% drive alone, 0.7% use public transit and 16.4% work from home; 13.9% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 116,617 | 12.7% |
| Manufacturing | 115,617 | 12.6% |
| Finance and insurance | 102,145 | 11.1% |
| Government and government enterprises | 101,890 | 11.1% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 68,089 | 7.4% |
| Health care and social assistance | 62,692 | 6.8% |
| Retail trade | 55,561 | 6.0% |
| Wholesale trade | 54,263 | 5.9% |
| Construction | 41,725 | 4.5% |
| Information | 35,792 | 3.9% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 32,410 | 3.5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 27,326 | 3.0% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 22,702 | 2.5% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 18,909 | 2.1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 18,362 | 2.0% |
| Utilities | 16,162 | 1.8% |
| Educational services | 11,579 | 1.3% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 7,403 | 0.8% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 6,122 | 0.7% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 1,445 | 0.2% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 6,100 | -1.6% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 296,400 | +6.0% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 449,600 | -1.7% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 936,500 | +0.6% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 81,500 | -4.7% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 311,700 | +0.2% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 766,200 | +3.7% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 746,700 | +3.0% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 555,200 | +2.4% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 193,200 | +0.6% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 785,900 | +0.4% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 5,129,000 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 536,920 | 108.6 | 0.95 | $45,450 | $31,200 | $66,960 | -4% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 452,410 | 91.5 | 1.04 | $29,820 | $21,400 | $48,570 | -15% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 450,010 | 91.1 | 1.04 | $39,040 | $29,010 | $61,420 | -12% |
| Sales and Related | 483,760 | 97.9 | 1.13 | $37,380 | $24,560 | $102,080 | -3% |
| Management | 303,040 | 61.3 | 0.86 | $124,390 | $60,360 | $233,410 | -2% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 356,580 | 72.2 | 1.06 | $80,230 | $48,020 | $143,040 | -3% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 327,500 | 66.3 | 1.05 | $81,270 | $44,370 | $159,990 | -6% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 277,370 | 56.1 | 0.96 | $49,410 | $29,710 | $79,780 | -18% |
| Production | 318,440 | 64.4 | 1.17 | $44,120 | $30,550 | $66,350 | -6% |
| Healthcare Support | 188,740 | 38.2 | 0.75 | $37,800 | $28,330 | $51,750 | -1% |
| Construction and Extraction | 196,760 | 39.8 | 0.96 | $49,390 | $36,590 | $78,910 | -17% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 202,630 | 41.0 | 1.05 | $56,550 | $35,660 | $86,740 | -5% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 195,720 | 39.6 | 1.17 | $107,600 | $54,270 | $168,930 | -2% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 137,290 | 27.8 | 0.95 | $36,070 | $27,310 | $48,730 | -4% |
| Protective Service | 115,740 | 23.4 | 0.96 | $46,300 | $29,680 | $78,930 | -8% |
| Personal Care and Service | 94,100 | 19.0 | 0.91 | $33,670 | $22,510 | $60,990 | -8% |
| Community and Social Service | 70,470 | 14.3 | 0.83 | $54,530 | $36,440 | $77,910 | -6% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 79,670 | 16.1 | 0.96 | $91,360 | $53,250 | $153,470 | -8% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 61,150 | 12.4 | 0.94 | $55,650 | $30,890 | $107,160 | -11% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 54,090 | 10.9 | 1.16 | $78,850 | $49,030 | $136,690 | -4% |
| Legal | 32,500 | 6.6 | 0.78 | $77,950 | $44,870 | $227,520 | -24% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 6,940 | 1.4 | 0.50 | $37,770 | $28,060 | $61,890 | +3% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 22.5% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 12.7% |
| Manufacturing | 11.7% |
| Retail trade | 11.2% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 8.4% |
| Construction | 7.4% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 7.2% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 5.4% |
| Other services | 4.9% |
| Public administration | 4.1% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.1% |
| Information | 1.6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 1.0% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 127,540 | 1.03 | $31,370 | $23,040 | $46,070 | -11% |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 116,720 | 1.24 | $38,230 | $30,010 | $47,590 | -5% |
| Registered Nurses | 111,120 | 1.03 | $84,350 | $67,660 | $110,220 | -14% |
| Cashiers | 106,440 | 1.08 | $28,880 | $22,450 | $35,810 | -12% |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 92,230 | 0.75 | $28,570 | $21,800 | $36,820 | -8% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 89,510 | 1.09 | $40,240 | $30,200 | $59,820 | -10% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 87,510 | 0.97 | $35,950 | $29,140 | $46,980 | -4% |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 81,980 | 4.02 | $27,190 | $21,890 | $34,860 | -12% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 71,940 | 1.00 | $32,150 | $17,140 | $62,670 | -9% |
| Office Clerks, General | 67,930 | 0.87 | $41,770 | $27,660 | $60,170 | -7% |
| Nursing Assistants | 64,010 | 1.39 | $38,460 | $30,260 | $47,080 | -9% |
| General and Operations Managers | 63,740 | 0.57 | $101,950 | $48,340 | $238,230 | -4% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 62,400 | 0.95 | $51,530 | $39,400 | $76,360 | -12% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 58,880 | 0.43 | $31,240 | $24,690 | $38,680 | -13% |
| Software Developers | 58,470 | 1.09 | $134,710 | $83,840 | $179,310 | -1% |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 56,840 | 1.86 | $44,190 | $35,880 | $55,290 | -4% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 53,330 | 0.76 | $34,500 | $25,740 | $42,430 | -6% |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 50,150 | 1.12 | $35,400 | $27,980 | $45,450 | -5% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 49,270 | 1.07 | $82,050 | $53,610 | $146,100 | -2% |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | 49,110 | 1.25 | $70,990 | $38,200 | $144,310 | -2% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 48,760 | 1.12 | $47,930 | $33,710 | $67,290 | -5% |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 46,670 | 1.05 | $40,330 | $30,600 | $60,330 | -10% |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | 46,040 | 1.15 | $62,620 | $37,410 | $145,630 | -11% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 43,690 | 0.81 | $45,790 | $31,720 | $61,750 | -4% |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 43,440 | 0.89 | $47,910 | $33,630 | $70,640 | -3% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | 1,930 | 0.30 | $314,290 | $114,210 | $624,990 | +47% |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | 1,700 | 0.79 | $289,780 | $123,810 | $462,680 | +13% |
| Physicians, All Other | 14,080 | 1.29 | $260,330 | $66,740 | $424,760 | -2% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 3,340 | 2.03 | $224,610 | $117,170 | $323,640 | -5% |
| Family Medicine Physicians | 1,520 | 0.45 | $215,230 | $118,600 | $322,310 | -12% |
| Dentists, General | 4,140 | 1.05 | $207,000 | $107,810 | $337,630 | +21% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 6,010 | 1.74 | $173,870 | $101,810 | $305,970 | +4% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 25,650 | 1.20 | $172,860 | $108,280 | $287,840 | -1% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 6,960 | 0.99 | $167,840 | $121,900 | $231,350 | -2% |
| Financial Managers | 22,460 | 0.84 | $166,780 | $100,950 | $322,090 | +0% |
| Marketing Managers | 10,790 | 0.86 | $165,480 | $96,760 | $274,100 | -1% |
| Optometrists | 1,140 | 0.84 | $161,560 | $94,320 | $215,340 | +18% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 2,240 | 0.68 | $151,540 | $97,700 | $206,700 | -35% |
| Sales Managers | 16,920 | 0.84 | $150,470 | $69,350 | $297,760 | +1% |
| Human Resources Managers | 6,480 | 0.92 | $142,990 | $90,390 | $260,610 | -4% |
| Managers, All Other | 21,830 | 1.10 | $141,160 | $74,990 | $244,820 | -1% |
| Pharmacists | 11,430 | 1.12 | $138,860 | $101,670 | $169,820 | -1% |
| Purchasing Managers | 2,670 | 1.00 | $138,710 | $94,240 | $219,150 | -6% |
| Software Developers | 58,470 | 1.09 | $134,710 | $83,840 | $179,310 | -1% |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 1,340 | 0.55 | $134,670 | $74,310 | $234,390 | -17% |
| Database Architects | 4,070 | 1.91 | $134,630 | $81,230 | $178,380 | -3% |
| Public Relations Managers | 1,510 | 0.63 | $132,280 | $79,320 | $229,270 | -10% |
| Financial Risk Specialists | 3,200 | 1.58 | $132,040 | $70,440 | $207,820 | +13% |
| Information Security Analysts | 8,670 | 1.43 | $131,540 | $77,150 | $173,670 | +2% |
| Physician Assistants | 7,490 | 1.45 | $129,360 | $101,100 | $164,770 | -5% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 2,730 | 6.60 | $36,700 | $28,650 | $47,870 | -7% |
| Upholsterers | 4,050 | 6.33 | $50,600 | $38,270 | $74,490 | +9% |
| Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 4,190 | 5.98 | $36,580 | $30,370 | $44,130 | -5% |
| Tire Builders | 3,750 | 5.68 | $63,950 | $47,750 | $79,740 | +11% |
| Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | 1,060 | 5.51 | $47,910 | $33,330 | $60,070 | +26% |
| Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | 1,980 | 4.85 | $40,090 | $34,650 | $59,240 | -14% |
| Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | 1,590 | 4.35 | $34,830 | $27,210 | $50,040 | -25% |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 81,980 | 4.02 | $27,190 | $21,890 | $34,860 | -12% |
| Pipelayers | 3,830 | 3.65 | $47,220 | $37,870 | $59,280 | -4% |
| Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other | 1,530 | 3.55 | $37,280 | $27,780 | $50,900 | +0% |
| Helpers--Electricians | 6,770 | 3.35 | $39,880 | $31,810 | $48,670 | -7% |
| Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors | 3,720 | 3.14 | $51,810 | $40,440 | $72,130 | -16% |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 2,930 | 3.01 | $63,710 | $49,980 | $81,650 | +3% |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,220 | 2.92 | $63,020 | $43,600 | $77,780 | -18% |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | 6,120 | 2.75 | $39,930 | $31,200 | $49,550 | -0% |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | 2,750 | 2.55 | $45,750 | $37,980 | $95,660 | -15% |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | 4,750 | 2.49 | $60,580 | $42,540 | $78,230 | -0% |
| Sewing Machine Operators | 8,290 | 2.49 | $35,160 | $26,560 | $48,570 | -4% |
| Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders | 1,510 | 2.33 | $35,980 | $27,230 | $77,980 | -20% |
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | 4,770 | 2.31 | $37,360 | $28,660 | $45,320 | -6% |
| Production Workers, All Other | 18,350 | 2.29 | $38,790 | $29,590 | $60,630 | -3% |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | 4,100 | 2.22 | $53,160 | $37,710 | $76,420 | -2% |
| Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 3,070 | 2.18 | $43,710 | $32,900 | $48,380 | +3% |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 3,100 | 2.17 | $43,770 | $34,470 | $59,830 | -6% |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 9,750 | 2.11 | $39,170 | $29,710 | $41,640 | +2% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 495 federal job postings open now in North Carolina (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
Open the North Carolina jobs →
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Veterans Health Administration | 101 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 45 |
| Military Treatment Facilities under DHA | 30 |
| Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System | 22 |
| Army National Guard Units | 21 |
| Indian Health Service | 20 |
| U.S. Marine Corps | 16 |
| Naval Air Systems Command | 16 |
| U.S. Special Operations Command (Army) | 15 |
| Department of War Education Activity | 14 |
| United States Army Installation Management Command | 13 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 11 |
| Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service | 11 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 10 |
| U.S. Army Medical Command | 9 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Medical Officer | 48 |
| Miscellaneous Administration And Program | 22 |
| Aviation Safety | 22 |
| Information Technology Management | 18 |
| Nurse | 18 |
| Health Aid And Technician | 17 |
| Aircraft Mechanic | 13 |
| General Business And Industry | 11 |
| Criminal Investigation | 9 |
| Police | 8 |
| Social Work | 8 |
| Attorney | 8 |
| General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series | 8 |
| Miscellaneous Transportation/Mobile Equipment Maintenance | 7 |
| Compliance Inspection And Support | 6 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $76,463 (416 postings).
The median wage in North Carolina is $47,970 a year ($23.06 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (-6%). The 10th percentile earns $28,580 and the 90th $119,640.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 536,920 | 108.6 | 0.95 | $45,450 | $31,200 | $66,960 | -4% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 452,410 | 91.5 | 1.04 | $29,820 | $21,400 | $48,570 | -15% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 450,010 | 91.1 | 1.04 | $39,040 | $29,010 | $61,420 | -12% |
| Sales and Related | 483,760 | 97.9 | 1.13 | $37,380 | $24,560 | $102,080 | -3% |
| Management | 303,040 | 61.3 | 0.86 | $124,390 | $60,360 | $233,410 | -2% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 356,580 | 72.2 | 1.06 | $80,230 | $48,020 | $143,040 | -3% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 327,500 | 66.3 | 1.05 | $81,270 | $44,370 | $159,990 | -6% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 277,370 | 56.1 | 0.96 | $49,410 | $29,710 | $79,780 | -18% |
| Production | 318,440 | 64.4 | 1.17 | $44,120 | $30,550 | $66,350 | -6% |
| Healthcare Support | 188,740 | 38.2 | 0.75 | $37,800 | $28,330 | $51,750 | -1% |
| Construction and Extraction | 196,760 | 39.8 | 0.96 | $49,390 | $36,590 | $78,910 | -17% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 202,630 | 41.0 | 1.05 | $56,550 | $35,660 | $86,740 | -5% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 195,720 | 39.6 | 1.17 | $107,600 | $54,270 | $168,930 | -2% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 137,290 | 27.8 | 0.95 | $36,070 | $27,310 | $48,730 | -4% |
| Protective Service | 115,740 | 23.4 | 0.96 | $46,300 | $29,680 | $78,930 | -8% |
| Personal Care and Service | 94,100 | 19.0 | 0.91 | $33,670 | $22,510 | $60,990 | -8% |
| Community and Social Service | 70,470 | 14.3 | 0.83 | $54,530 | $36,440 | $77,910 | -6% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 79,670 | 16.1 | 0.96 | $91,360 | $53,250 | $153,470 | -8% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 61,150 | 12.4 | 0.94 | $55,650 | $30,890 | $107,160 | -11% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 54,090 | 10.9 | 1.16 | $78,850 | $49,030 | $136,690 | -4% |
| Legal | 32,500 | 6.6 | 0.78 | $77,950 | $44,870 | $227,520 | -24% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 6,940 | 1.4 | 0.50 | $37,770 | $28,060 | $61,890 | +3% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In North Carolina ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $7.25 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | Flat 3.99% |
| Right-to-work state | Yes |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 94.3 |
| Median gross rent per month | $1,228 |
| Median home value | $288,900 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 66.6% |
| Poverty rate | 13.0% |
| Drive alone to work | 71.5% |
| Public transit to work | 0.7% |
| Work from home | 16.4% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 13.9% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
9.1% of residents of North Carolina were born abroad (973,248 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 231,035 |
| India | 90,458 |
| Honduras | 54,462 |
| El Salvador | 38,631 |
| Guatemala | 30,995 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 29,098 |
| Vietnam | 27,225 |
| Colombia | 25,728 |
| Philippines | 21,686 |
| Canada | 18,511 |
| Korea | 16,325 |
| Dominican Republic | 16,154 |
| Germany | 16,039 |
| Venezuela | 15,028 |
| Jamaica | 13,263 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$7.25 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
Flat 3.99% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
3.4% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$72,388 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
495 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.