396 Jobs That Pay Over $50K in North Carolina (2024)

There are 396 occupations in North Carolina with a median salary above $50K per year. The highest-paying is Family Medicine Physicians at $229,620/year. Based on 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

$50K+ $75K+ $100K+ $150K+

396
Jobs Over $50K

$229,620

#1: Family Medicine Physicians

$80,408

Avg of Qualifying Jobs

1,973,020

Workers in These Jobs

All 396 Jobs Paying Over $50K in North Carolina

Ranked by median annual salary. Click any job to see the full salary breakdown.

#	Occupation	Median Salary	Mean Salary	Workers
1	Family Medicine Physicians	$229,620	$225,170	2,280
2	Physicians, All Other	$226,910	$218,010	13,340
3	Nurse Anesthetists	$221,520	$222,560	2,680
4	Psychiatrists	$216,000	$183,000	510
5	Pediatricians, General	$215,340	$215,700	1,020
6	Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric	$212,490	$190,170	180
7	Dentists, All Other Specialists	$209,290	$198,280	100
8	Podiatrists	$200,000	$207,300	240
9	Dentists, General	$177,420	$204,980	4,120
10	Physicists	$164,950	$146,250	240
11	Computer and Information Systems Managers	$164,210	$176,210	21,660
12	Natural Sciences Managers	$163,910	$177,420	6,240
13	Optometrists	$154,560	$171,170	1,310
14	Architectural and Engineering Managers	$152,360	$159,870	5,780
15	Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates	$152,170	$152,170	50
16	Financial Managers	$146,860	$168,610	21,870
17	Marketing Managers	$143,800	$157,960	10,400
18	Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers	$142,360	$143,140	N/A
19	Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other	$139,400	$124,800	90
20	Medical Dosimetrists	$135,670	$124,140	130
21	Pharmacists	$135,370	$134,600	10,800
22	Advertising and Promotions Managers	$133,690	$147,600	170
23	Lawyers	$133,130	$165,410	16,080
24	Emergency Medicine Physicians	$131,620	$154,150	40
25	Computer Hardware Engineers	$131,010	$140,650	1,450
26	Software Developers	$130,620	$130,970	58,620
27	Actuaries	$130,190	$140,040	590
28	Human Resources Managers	$129,960	$141,540	6,760
29	Purchasing Managers	$129,140	$137,200	2,880
30	Public Relations Managers	$127,180	$148,380	1,370
31	Data Scientists	$126,940	$125,950	6,640
32	Physician Assistants	$126,480	$123,860	8,180
33	Compensation and Benefits Managers	$126,290	$141,300	780
34	Information Security Analysts	$125,930	$128,720	7,330
35	Database Architects	$125,860	$122,460	3,330
36	Sales Managers	$125,270	$150,130	14,480
37	Veterinarians	$124,290	$126,700	2,740
38	Managers, All Other	$124,110	$134,260	19,010
39	Psychologists, All Other	$123,120	$111,190	480
40	Nurse Practitioners	$121,450	$121,590	7,640
41	Computer Network Architects	$120,660	$125,700	8,360
42	Nuclear Power Reactor Operators	$120,300	$120,840	350
43	Aerospace Engineers	$120,270	$115,000	740
44	Nurse Midwives	$120,100	$118,660	300
45	Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors	$116,310	$117,820	290
46	Nuclear Engineers	$116,020	$117,640	640
47	Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers	$114,900	$119,670	220
48	Training and Development Managers	$114,180	$128,170	1,770
49	Sociologists	$113,960	$118,700	270
50	Industrial Production Managers	$112,960	$123,710	8,360
51	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products	$112,120	$119,860	13,590
52	Statisticians	$109,950	$119,280	1,790
53	Economics Teachers, Postsecondary	$109,760	$128,080	500
54	Financial Risk Specialists	$109,270	$121,710	2,060
55	Materials Scientists	$108,890	$102,660	160
56	Commercial Pilots	$108,680	$108,890	1,270
57	Nuclear Technicians	$107,380	$100,750	340
58	Sales Engineers	$106,950	$119,120	1,990
59	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	$106,130	$149,600	10,920
60	Engineers, All Other	$105,860	$109,530	2,890
61	Computer Systems Analysts	$105,770	$111,580	26,220
62	Law Teachers, Postsecondary	$105,660	$137,350	500
63	Medical and Health Services Managers	$105,640	$127,620	14,720
64	Computer and Information Research Scientists	$105,180	$122,750	370
65	Database Administrators	$104,990	$104,480	2,480
66	General and Operations Managers	$104,570	$132,590	71,340
67	Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary	$104,250	$114,000	1,260
68	Fundraising Managers	$103,630	$121,180	1,080
69	Physical Scientists, All Other	$103,400	$105,770	620
70	Personal Financial Advisors	$102,920	$137,240	14,500
71	Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$102,810	$112,020	80
72	Life Scientists, All Other	$102,720	$110,590	800
73	Atmospheric and Space Scientists	$102,150	$101,450	140
74	Chemical Engineers	$101,900	$108,620	600
75	Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$101,880	$99,610	380
76	Computer Programmers	$101,700	$103,100	3,390
77	Environmental Engineers	$101,660	$105,310	690
78	Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$101,490	$104,470	300
79	Construction Managers	$101,400	$112,760	21,520
80	Operations Research Analysts	$101,190	$99,020	2,270
81	Electrical Engineers	$101,170	$107,940	5,260
82	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists	$100,610	$117,030	3,470
83	Management Analysts	$100,570	$109,220	21,490
84	Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers	$100,490	$97,090	760
85	Education Administrators, Postsecondary	$100,480	$112,680	5,850
86	Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	$100,420	$86,020	330
87	Financial and Investment Analysts	$99,990	$104,610	10,490
88	Administrative Services Managers	$99,690	$108,740	7,150
89	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	$99,320	$100,100	8,360
90	Electronics Engineers, Except Computer	$98,630	$106,840	1,560
91	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	$98,520	$108,960	6,430
92	Project Management Specialists	$98,380	$103,310	26,530
93	Facilities Managers	$98,110	$105,160	3,520
94	Financial Examiners	$97,870	$96,920	2,810
95	Mechanical Engineers	$95,490	$97,590	7,500
96	Economists	$95,360	$109,770	N/A
97	Biological Scientists, All Other	$95,070	$103,150	3,760
98	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers	$95,050	$110,820	9,790
99	Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other	$94,910	$110,480	970
100	Physical Therapists	$94,830	$95,150	7,080
101	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$94,120	$100,070	10,230
102	Industrial Engineers	$94,040	$96,600	10,200
103	Materials Engineers	$92,570	$95,990	470
104	Real Estate Brokers	$91,220	$91,460	3,870
105	Occupational Therapists	$91,100	$88,510	4,250
106	Art Directors	$90,790	$102,930	860
107	Credit Analysts	$89,710	$99,730	3,390
108	Labor Relations Specialists	$88,810	$89,760	730
109	Postmasters and Mail Superintendents	$88,740	$90,470	480
110	Radiation Therapists	$87,280	$104,100	520
111	Education Administrators, All Other	$86,920	$90,070	1,690
112	Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other	$86,800	$91,990	1,410
113	Civil Engineers	$86,620	$94,880	11,380
114	Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other	$86,280	$88,840	150
115	Microbiologists	$85,870	$90,040	860
116	Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers	$85,660	$91,730	150
117	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	$85,200	$97,680	390
118	Genetic Counselors	$84,500	$86,950	90
119	Computer Occupations, All Other	$83,840	$91,150	8,770
120	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary	$83,520	$94,530	930
121	Power Plant Operators	$83,220	$84,590	610
122	Web and Digital Interface Designers	$83,040	$90,280	3,070
123	Technical Writers	$82,590	$87,990	1,680
124	Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$82,160	$97,850	200
125	Locomotive Engineers	$81,830	$85,610	370
126	Survey Researchers	$81,720	$89,540	150
127	Audiologists	$81,700	$83,920	370
128	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	$81,500	$81,390	3,370
129	Geography Teachers, Postsecondary	$81,340	$87,820	190
130	Dental Hygienists	$81,230	$82,780	6,470
131	Industrial-Organizational Psychologists	$81,160	$86,400	40
132	Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists	$81,140	$79,970	1,020
133	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$80,900	$97,070	520
134	Speech-Language Pathologists	$80,680	$84,650	4,810
135	Nuclear Medicine Technologists	$80,580	$80,500	550
136	Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers	$80,500	$87,980	590
137	Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary	$80,330	$85,600	9,490
138	Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians	$80,140	$75,820	130
139	Accountants and Auditors	$79,920	$90,870	43,100
140	Architects, Except Landscape and Naval	$79,760	$88,270	3,260
141	Historians	$79,760	$85,070	70
142	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$79,650	$88,800	1,870
143	Registered Nurses	$79,580	$82,530	104,380
144	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	$79,500	$81,800	4,440
145	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists	$79,500	$82,800	3,370
146	Chemists	$79,450	$86,920	4,920
147	Chiropractors	$79,350	$85,320	890
148	Budget Analysts	$79,320	$81,210	1,650
149	Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$79,220	$78,710	210
150	Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers	$79,050	$68,890	130
151	Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary	$79,040	$82,660	700
152	Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$78,810	$86,270	580
153	Emergency Management Directors	$78,640	$84,650	410
154	Clinical and Counseling Psychologists	$78,630	$91,390	2,260
155	Funeral Home Managers	$78,620	$85,980	300
156	Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	$78,490	$73,420	480
157	Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling	$78,450	$81,270	590
158	Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers	$78,090	$84,580	60
159	Financial Specialists, All Other	$78,010	$87,210	3,040
160	Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary	$77,670	$84,440	140
161	Computer Network Support Specialists	$77,540	$82,170	3,670
162	Orthotists and Prosthetists	$77,220	$74,980	560
163	Epidemiologists	$77,170	$110,410	150
164	Acupuncturists	$76,960	$70,040	270
165	Designers, All Other	$76,950	$70,910	120
166	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$76,820	$97,370	2,920
167	Business Operations Specialists, All Other	$76,790	$82,930	35,170
168	Web Developers	$76,530	$82,110	1,660
169	Special Effects Artists and Animators	$76,390	$76,200	350
170	Commercial and Industrial Designers	$76,250	$88,100	920
171	Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators	$76,200	$75,250	9,620
172	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	$75,850	$68,910	60
173	Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$75,440	$77,010	330
174	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$75,220	$72,750	5,420
175	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$75,140	$84,030	1,470
176	Logisticians	$75,100	$79,820	7,680
177	Artists and Related Workers, All Other	$75,030	$78,630	50
178	Choreographers	$74,970	$68,120	50
179	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$74,910	$82,950	28,020
180	Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators	$74,320	$73,730	140
181	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$73,950	$77,840	1,240
182	Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage	$73,830	$72,640	500
183	History Teachers, Postsecondary	$73,520	$77,850	820
184	Transportation Inspectors	$73,200	$82,890	380
185	Power Distributors and Dispatchers	$73,180	$79,160	140
186	Insurance Underwriters	$73,000	$82,930	3,840
187	Urban and Regional Planners	$72,990	$75,800	1,660
188	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	$72,010	$74,760	20,590
189	Calibration Technologists and Technicians	$71,880	$73,800	280
190	Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	$71,780	$76,970	2,380
191	Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other	$71,610	$61,020	60
192	Wind Turbine Service Technicians	$71,460	$72,400	100
193	Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other	$71,030	$70,360	1,530
194	Occupational Therapy Assistants	$70,750	$69,500	1,470
195	Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary	$70,740	$81,360	1,120
196	Compliance Officers	$70,190	$77,530	8,480
197	Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary	$69,820	$82,160	260
198	Occupational Therapy Aides	$69,420	$62,030	170
199	Anthropologists and Archeologists	$69,170	$70,990	120
200	Soil and Plant Scientists	$69,100	$75,670	1,100
201	Gas Plant Operators	$69,070	$72,590	230
202	Respiratory Therapists	$69,070	$72,600	4,070
203	Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other	$68,800	$80,720	510
204	Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$68,590	$69,820	1,920
205	Legal Support Workers, All Other	$68,450	$85,110	810
206	Hydrologists	$68,390	$74,830	130
207	Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	$68,050	$71,260	630
208	Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary	$68,050	$80,710	510
209	Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers	$68,040	$71,190	120
210	Social and Community Service Managers	$67,910	$75,100	3,600
211	School Psychologists	$67,530	$69,060	1,370
212	Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$67,500	$71,160	2,510
213	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	$67,380	$75,410	3,940
214	Loan Officers	$67,240	$82,350	14,790
215	Electrical and Electronics Drafters	$67,030	$62,790	550
216	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$66,830	$64,880	1,580
217	Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$66,660	$80,390	1,850
218	Personal Service Managers, All Other	$66,650	$68,120	110
219	Therapists, All Other	$66,510	$76,580	390
220	Communications Teachers, Postsecondary	$66,310	$72,300	1,010
221	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,910	$71,400	3,080
222	Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	$65,910	$94,570	19,250
223	Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,900	$70,090	850
224	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers	$65,690	$69,700	32,840
225	Food Service Managers	$65,560	$71,020	9,060
226	Cost Estimators	$65,220	$68,920	6,900
227	Radiologic Technologists and Technicians	$65,210	$67,500	7,370
228	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$65,160	$67,530	110
229	Landscape Architects	$64,970	$75,600	770
230	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$64,880	$69,580	5,220
231	Human Resources Specialists	$64,880	$73,010	29,990
232	Editors	$64,840	$70,450	2,220
233	Surveyors	$64,800	$67,670	1,720
234	Fashion Designers	$64,750	$78,370	410
235	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants	$64,710	$66,920	10,100
236	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$64,690	$65,080	260
237	Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other	$64,650	$67,770	1,570
238	Writers and Authors	$64,520	$68,100	2,300
239	Fire Inspectors and Investigators	$64,350	$64,700	520
240	Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists	$64,290	$72,590	2,970
241	Buyers and Purchasing Agents	$64,110	$72,950	16,290
242	Food Scientists and Technologists	$64,040	$63,180	240
243	Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$64,010	$70,360	600
244	Construction and Building Inspectors	$63,590	$63,680	5,220
245	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	$63,560	$67,290	22,980
246	Farm and Home Management Educators	$63,480	$60,960	690
247	First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers	$63,250	$67,970	3,700
248	Physical Therapist Assistants	$63,170	$65,770	3,220
249	Continuous Mining Machine Operators	$63,010	$59,050	60
250	Dietitians and Nutritionists	$63,010	$64,910	2,220
251	Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other	$62,860	$65,360	450
252	Medical Equipment Repairers	$62,820	$67,670	3,090
253	Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	$62,680	$67,450	840
254	Directors, Religious Activities and Education	$62,640	$70,580	240
255	First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers	$62,590	$64,120	1,400
256	First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	$62,540	$68,280	500
257	Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels	$62,480	$67,460	410
258	Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film	$62,420	$68,070	360
259	Surgical Assistants	$62,400	$55,490	460
260	Healthcare Social Workers	$62,320	$64,590	4,210
261	Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters	$62,280	$70,420	60
262	Foresters	$62,250	$67,590	260
263	Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel	$62,150	$79,100	41,260
264	Public Relations Specialists	$62,090	$70,440	8,260
265	English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,060	$67,750	2,260
266	Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$62,050	$63,250	2,340
267	Instructional Coordinators	$62,050	$65,030	7,660
268	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	$62,010	$63,040	1,420
269	Crane and Tower Operators	$61,950	$62,030	1,090
270	Boilermakers	$61,790	$56,380	110
271	Lodging Managers	$61,750	$75,470	630
272	Postal Service Clerks	$61,610	$61,690	2,130
273	Massage Therapists	$61,570	$66,580	2,330
274	Flight Attendants	$61,450	$67,230	3,890
275	Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$61,320	$71,870	3,170
276	Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers	$61,260	$88,870	7,890
277	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	$61,190	$69,370	330
278	Training and Development Specialists	$61,180	$65,980	16,840
279	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	$61,080	$81,920	50,030
280	Librarians and Media Collections Specialists	$61,050	$61,970	4,200
281	Private Detectives and Investigators	$60,940	$66,820	840
282	Property Appraisers and Assessors	$60,610	$65,730	2,410
283	Producers and Directors	$60,590	$72,250	3,010
284	Mechanical Drafters	$60,400	$62,670	850
285	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$60,380	$60,030	15,250
286	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$60,290	$62,300	1,530
287	Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$60,290	$58,750	110
288	Avionics Technicians	$60,090	$60,940	550
289	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$59,950	$57,710	7,910
290	Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners	$59,760	$65,090	170
291	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers	$59,590	$62,300	960
292	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	$59,520	$58,530	1,490
293	First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other	$59,510	$59,930	430
294	Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents	$59,510	$65,560	1,200
295	Social Workers, All Other	$59,320	$68,270	1,550
296	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$59,240	$61,360	840
297	Plant and System Operators, All Other	$59,070	$61,970	160
298	Millwrights	$58,990	$56,680	740
299	Financial Clerks, All Other	$58,960	$62,180	790
300	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	$58,900	$62,100	41,170
301	Ship Engineers	$58,700	$65,270	90
302	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$58,700	$60,680	5,540
303	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other	$58,660	$76,110	510
304	Tool and Die Makers	$58,610	$58,910	1,320
305	Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses	$58,590	$57,760	16,430
306	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$58,540	$60,510	19,710
307	Architectural and Civil Drafters	$58,530	$62,140	3,290
308	First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers	$58,360	$58,910	2,110
309	Tire Builders	$58,360	$58,750	3,010
310	Fundraisers	$57,990	$61,610	2,920
311	Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers	$57,980	$54,920	1,010
312	Chefs and Head Cooks	$57,940	$61,300	3,310
313	Brokerage Clerks	$57,750	$54,910	1,610
314	Correspondence Clerks	$57,650	$51,360	40
315	Hearing Aid Specialists	$57,470	$58,490	130
316	Lighting Technicians	$57,300	$64,120	110
317	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers	$57,170	$56,810	380
318	Insurance Sales Agents	$57,160	$74,870	17,720
319	Computer User Support Specialists	$57,000	$61,850	22,730
320	Conservation Scientists	$56,840	$64,620	500
321	Clergy	$56,740	$56,470	1,450
322	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$56,630	$56,680	2,790
323	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$56,530	$56,860	3,950
324	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School	$56,390	$56,130	4,050
325	Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	$56,390	$59,490	N/A
326	Engine and Other Machine Assemblers	$56,340	$67,490	1,930
327	Postal Service Mail Carriers	$56,330	$59,160	11,020
328	Pourers and Casters, Metal	$55,870	$50,570	90
329	Occupational Health and Safety Technicians	$55,640	$60,950	490
330	Rail Car Repairers	$55,500	$58,700	310
331	Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	$55,500	$54,700	410
332	Special Education Teachers, Middle School	$55,480	$55,670	1,970
333	Chemical Technicians	$54,910	$59,240	1,480
334	News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	$54,800	$64,200	860
335	Fish and Game Wardens	$54,660	$57,090	180
336	Interior Designers	$54,340	$59,130	1,960
337	Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	$54,180	$56,990	13,020
338	Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas	$54,150	$56,730	420
339	Teachers and Instructors, All Other	$54,040	$61,200	1,390
340	Rock Splitters, Quarry	$53,790	$54,180	60
341	Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians	$53,750	$53,380	270
342	Graphic Designers	$53,710	$59,810	7,360
343	Health Education Specialists	$53,690	$65,110	1,450
344	Chemical Plant and System Operators	$53,350	$55,110	480
345	Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers	$53,300	$50,750	30
346	Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	$53,220	$52,640	1,820
347	Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other	$53,130	$60,910	4,060
348	Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School	$53,060	$54,620	4,690
349	Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators	$53,020	$55,000	3,880
350	Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors	$52,930	$54,370	3,940
351	Surgical Technologists	$52,830	$54,660	3,550
352	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School	$52,810	$54,480	870
353	Agricultural Workers, All Other	$52,730	$52,310	110
354	Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$52,600	$53,470	3,060
355	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$52,590	$54,240	9,920
356	Archivists	$52,580	$57,200	110
357	Media and Communication Workers, All Other	$52,580	$59,920	150
358	Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers	$52,520	$51,930	450
359	Social Science Research Assistants	$52,490	$56,960	3,240
360	Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners	$52,480	$57,810	3,430
361	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	$52,380	$56,250	21,300
362	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers	$52,140	$53,590	4,760
363	Embalmers	$52,000	$55,740	30
364	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$52,000	$57,860	12,160
365	Riggers	$52,000	$58,920	400
366	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors	$51,920	$53,320	9,190
367	Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$51,790	$56,510	9,980
368	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	$51,390	$53,360	2,960
369	Special Education Teachers, Secondary School	$51,330	$53,330	4,200
370	Structural Iron and Steel Workers	$51,330	$55,350	1,380
371	Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders	$51,220	$55,500	600
372	Exercise Physiologists	$51,160	$54,830	320
373	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$51,060	$53,920	31,600
374	Electricians	$50,950	$53,610	21,900
375	Music Directors and Composers	$50,940	$53,030	230
376	Child, Family, and School Social Workers	$50,820	$53,630	14,350
377	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$50,820	$52,830	16,900
378	Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	$50,760	$55,010	670
379	Athletic Trainers	$50,750	$52,700	1,110
380	Etchers and Engravers	$50,680	$42,220	120
381	Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers	$50,670	$51,950	400
382	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic	$50,660	$52,240	50
383	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$50,610	$52,960	13,320
384	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators	$50,470	$54,140	3,990
385	Loan Interviewers and Clerks	$50,450	$50,010	5,160
386	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$50,420	$53,140	15,120
387	Special Education Teachers, Preschool	$50,400	$53,960	410
388	Tax Preparers	$50,380	$58,200	2,220
389	Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders	$50,290	$54,380	5,050
390	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education	$50,200	$52,560	43,470
391	Drafters, All Other	$50,170	$53,500	320
392	Curators	$50,130	$57,450	510
393	Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks	$50,120	$50,820	4,980
394	Counselors, All Other	$50,070	$50,880	500
395	Advertising Sales Agents	$50,040	$63,840	2,880
396	Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	$50,040	$52,090	2,910

Aiming for a $50K+ Career in North Carolina?

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North Carolina High-Salary Insights

The $50K+ jobs in North Carolina are concentrated in Healthcare Practitioners, Management, and Life & Physical Science fields.

52.9% of all tracked occupations in NC earn a median salary above $50K. The entry point for this group is $50,040/year (Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education), while the top earner makes $229,620/year.

North Carolina ranks #18 among all 50 states for the number of $50K+ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs pay over $50K a year in North Carolina?

According to 2024 BLS data, there are 396 occupations in North Carolina with a median annual salary above $50K. This represents 52.9% of all tracked occupations in NC.

What is the highest paying job in North Carolina?

The highest paying occupation in North Carolina is Family Medicine Physicians with a median salary of $229,620 per year based on 2024 BLS OEWS data.

What is the minimum salary to be on the $50K+ list in North Carolina?

The entry point for the $50K+ list in North Carolina is $50,040/year (Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education). Any occupation with a median salary above $50K qualifies for this list.

What is the average salary of $50K+ jobs in North Carolina?

The average median salary among all 396 occupations that pay over $50K in North Carolina is $80,408 per year (2024 data).

How can I get a job that pays over $50K in North Carolina?

High-paying jobs in North Carolina typically require specialized education, certifications, or significant experience. Common fields include healthcare, technology, management, and engineering. Investing in relevant skills through certifications and advanced degrees can help you reach the $50K+ salary range. Check individual job pages for specific requirements.

Jobs Over $50K in Other States

These are gross salaries. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is lower.

More Salary Data for North Carolina

Highest Paying Jobs in North Carolina · Average Salary in North Carolina · All North Carolina Jobs

Data Source & Methodology

This list includes all occupations with BLS-published state-level median salary data above $50K per year. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 estimates. See our Methodology page for details.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics