Average Salary in North Carolina
Average wage, unemployment, and how North Carolina ranks — from official BLS data.
The average worker in North Carolina earns about $73,268 a year across all industries — about $6,329 above the national average. Roughly 4,991,060 jobs are covered in the state.
How it works
The average annual wage for North Carolina is the BLS QCEW average weekly wage across all covered industries, annualized (2025 Q4). The unemployment rate is the seasonally adjusted state figure from BLS LAUS. These are averages — a typical (median) worker usually earns less than the average, which is pulled up by high earners.
Good to know
- Average wage is employer-reported and covers ~95% of US jobs; it runs higher than the median.
- Weigh North Carolina's wage against its cost of living and rent before comparing states.
- Figures refresh as BLS releases new quarters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in North Carolina?
The average annual wage in North Carolina is about $73,268, based on the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (2025 Q4) — the average across all covered industries.
What is the unemployment rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.7% (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics).
How does North Carolina rank for pay?
North Carolina ranks #26 of 51 states (and DC) by average wage.