North Carolina Salaries 2025
Research Triangle innovation meets Charlotte banking power
Median Household Income
North Carolina Salary Overview 2025
North Carolina has emerged as one of America's premier growth states, combining Research Triangle's tech and biotech ecosystem with Charlotte's status as the nation's second-largest banking center. The state's median household income of $64,000 sits below the national average, but NC's cost of living (94 index) and flat 4.5% income tax create excellent value.
The Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) hosts Duke, UNC, and NC State universities, creating a talent pipeline for tech giants (Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Cisco) and biotech companies. Charlotte is home to Bank of America and Truist, making it second only to NYC in U.S. banking assets.
North Carolina's population growth has been among the nation's fastest, driven by corporate relocations, remote workers, and retirees. This growth has pushed housing costs higher but the state remains more affordable than most East Coast metros. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
North Carolina Salary Snapshot
| Metric | North Carolina | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,000 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $85,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $35,000 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $7.25/hr (federal) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% flat | Varies |
Salaries by North Carolina Region
Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill)
Median Household Income: $78,000
The Triangle is NC's tech and biotech engine. Apple is building a $1B+ campus; Google, Meta, IBM, and Cisco maintain major operations. Biotech thrives with Biogen, IQVIA, and hundreds of smaller companies near Research Triangle Park. Software engineers $95,000-$160,000, biotech scientists $80,000-$150,000, data scientists $90,000-$145,000.
Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State create education employment and talent pipeline. Housing has risen significantly ($420,000 median in Raleigh) but remains below comparable tech hubs.
Charlotte Metro – Banking Capital
Median Household Income: $72,000
Charlotte is America's second-largest banking center by assets. Bank of America and Truist are headquartered here; Wells Fargo maintains major operations. Finance professionals $70,000-$200,000+, tech workers $85,000-$150,000. The city has diversified into fintech, healthcare, and energy (Duke Energy HQ). Housing ($380,000 median) offers value for a major metro.
Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point)
Median Household Income: $55,000
The Triad has transitioned from tobacco and textiles to healthcare, logistics, and education. Wake Forest University and several health systems provide employment. More affordable ($260,000 median) than Triangle or Charlotte.
Asheville – Mountain City
Median Household Income: $55,000
Asheville offers mountain lifestyle, arts scene, and craft beer culture. Tourism, healthcare, and remote workers drive the economy. Housing expensive for wages ($450,000 median) due to lifestyle demand. Limited professional opportunities outside healthcare and hospitality.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Triangle | $78,000 | $420,000 | Tech, Biotech, Education |
| Charlotte | $72,000 | $380,000 | Banking, Finance, Energy |
| Triad | $55,000 | $260,000 | Healthcare, Logistics |
| Asheville | $55,000 | $450,000 | Tourism, Healthcare |
Top Paying Industries in North Carolina
Technology
The Triangle's tech ecosystem rivals Austin and Denver. Apple's new campus will employ 3,000+. Google, Meta, IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat (IBM) create major employment. Software engineers $90,000-$165,000, product managers $100,000-$170,000, data scientists $95,000-$150,000. Salaries approach coastal levels while costs remain lower.
Banking & Finance
Charlotte's banking concentration is unmatched outside NYC. Bank of America ($3T+ assets), Truist, and Wells Fargo employ tens of thousands. Investment banking $100,000-$300,000+, commercial banking $60,000-$150,000, fintech $80,000-$160,000. The city has become a fintech hub.
Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Research Triangle Park (RTP) hosts dense biotech cluster. Biogen, IQVIA, PPD (Thermo Fisher), and hundreds of smaller companies create life sciences employment. Scientists $80,000-$160,000, clinical research $65,000-$120,000, regulatory $70,000-$130,000.
Healthcare
Duke Health, UNC Health, Atrium Health (Charlotte), and Novant provide substantial employment. Physicians $270,000-$450,000+, nurses $60,000-$85,000. Academic medical centers offer research opportunities.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | $80,000 | $120,000 | $170,000+ |
| Banking/Finance | $65,000 | $110,000 | $200,000+ |
| Biotech Research | $70,000 | $110,000 | $165,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $270,000 | $350,000 | $450,000+ |
North Carolina Tax Analysis
Flat 4.5% Income Tax
NC's flat rate is competitive and continues to decline from previous levels:
| Salary | NC Tax (4.5%) | VA Tax | SC Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $3,375 | ~$4,100 | ~$4,200 |
| $100,000 | $4,500 | ~$5,500 | ~$5,700 |
| $150,000 | $6,750 | ~$8,200 | ~$8,600 |
NC's tax is lower than Virginia and South Carolina, making it attractive for high earners.
Property Tax: NC property taxes average 0.80%—below national average.
Sales Tax: 4.75% state + local = 6.75-7.5% typical.
Highest Paying Jobs in North Carolina 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $290,000 | $450,000+ |
| IT Directors | $155,000 | $205,000+ |
| Software Architects | $150,000 | $195,000+ |
| Investment Bankers | $180,000 | $350,000+ |
| Biotech Directors | $165,000 | $230,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $120,000 | $145,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Triangle vs. Charlotte?
Triangle for tech, biotech, and academia. Charlotte for banking, finance, and corporate. Both growing rapidly with strong job markets. Triangle has more tech startup energy; Charlotte has more established corporate culture. Housing costs are similar.
Is NC still affordable?
Compared to California, Northeast, or Colorado—yes. Compared to five years ago—less so. Rapid growth has pushed housing costs significantly higher in Triangle and Charlotte. Still offers good value relative to coastal metros, particularly for tech salaries.
How's the tech job market?
Excellent and growing. Apple, Google, Meta expansions create momentum. Strong biotech adds diversity. Salaries have risen to near-coastal levels in many roles while costs remain 20-30% lower. One of the best value propositions for tech careers.