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393 Jobs That Pay Over $50K in North Carolina (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

There are 393 occupations in North Carolina with a median salary above $50K per year. The highest-paying is Dermatologists at $367,350/year. Based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025

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

Average Salary by State

Average salaries across all 50 states. Click a state to see its $50K+ jobs.

Click for full breakdown →
AK AL AR AZ CA CO FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NM NV NY OH OK OR PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WA WI WV WY VT NH MA RI CT NJ DE MD DC
$57,873
$89,679

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS 2025 Annual

393
Jobs Over $50K
$367,350
#1: Dermatologists
$86,327
Avg of Qualifying Jobs
2,116,950
Workers in These Jobs

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

North Carolina High-Salary Insights

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

57.5% of all tracked occupations in NC earn a median salary above $50K. The entry point for this group is $50,030/year (Interpreters and Translators), while the top earner makes $367,350/year.

North Carolina ranks #26 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 2025 BLS data, there are 393 occupations in North Carolina with a median annual salary above $50K. This represents 57.5% of all tracked occupations in NC.
What is the highest paying job in North Carolina?
The highest paying occupation in North Carolina is Dermatologists with a median salary of $367,350 per year based on 2025 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 $50,030/year (Interpreters and Translators). 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 393 occupations that pay over $50K in North Carolina is $86,327 per year (2025 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.

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

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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

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 2025 estimates. See our Methodology page for details.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics