15 Best Paying Jobs in North Carolina in 2023 | Full Requirements

What does the future of the workforce look like in North Carolina? Are there the best paying jobs in North Carolina? If yes, what are the chances of getting any of the highest-paying jobs in NC?

This article has answers to these questions.

There are hundreds of jobs in North Carolina that pay well. According to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of these high-paying jobs are in STEM fields—specifically, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics field. 

Not just that, they provide high incomes and job security to those who choose them as their careers. 

So if you are interested in working in North Carolina but don’t know the career to go into, this article will help. In this article, we have listed the relevant best paying jobs in North Carolina. 

Why Choose a Job in North Carolina?

Among the United States of America states, North Carolina is among the best places anyone can work.  

North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. South Carolina borders the state to the south, Virginia to the north, and Tennessee to the west. 

The state is home to over 10 million people, making it the 9th most populous state in the nation. The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte. 

One of the benefits of working in North Carolina is that the state offers its residents an excellent quality of life.

The state is home to beautiful beaches, mountains, and forests. It also has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities.

Another perk of working in N.C. is its excellent quality of life and job opportunities. Also, it is ranked by WalletHub as the 8th best state to work in.

The study looked at various factors, including median annual income, job satisfaction, and employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the cost of living in North Carolina is relatively low compared to other states in the U.S., with an average cost-of-living index of 93.4. Housing costs are also relatively low, with a median home price of $170,000. 

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15 Best Paying Jobs in North Carolina 

Here are the highest paying jobs in North Carolina:

1. Chief Executive
2. Family Medicine Physician
3. Ophthalmologists (except pediatrics)
4. Nurse Anesthetists
5. Psychiatrists
6. General Dentists
7. Podiatrists
8. Anesthesiologists
9. Postsecondary Law Teachers
10. Natural Sciences Managers
11. Financial Managers
12. General Pediatricians
13. Computer and Information Systems Managers
14. Optometrists
15. Marketing Managers

1. Chief Executive

First on our list of highest paying jobs in North Carolina is Chief Executive. This profession is a demanding and highly responsible one that is rewarding. 

The chief executive handles a company or organization’s overall operation and performance. 

This includes setting goals and objectives, developing strategies, deciding, and ensuring that all processes run smoothly. 

The chief executive must communicate effectively with other organization members, shareholders, customers, and clients.

To be successful in this role, one must have excellent leadership skills and be able to motivate and inspire others. They must also be able to think strategically and make sound decisions quickly.

According to BLS, the average salary of a chief executive is $204,790. And for an entry-level position, the pay is about $106,250.

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2. Family Medicine Physician

According to BLS, family medicine physician is next on our list of the highest paying jobs in North Carolina, with an average salary of $2023,030 and entry pay of $128,910. 

Basically, family medicine physicians are responsible for providing comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. 

They also ensure that all community members have access to quality healthcare. Additionally, they provide preventive services, such as immunizations and screenings, and diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses.

To become a family medicine physician, you must complete an accredited medical school program and earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. 

You must also pass a rigorous board certification exam administered by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).

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3. Ophthalmologists (except pediatrics)

For someone interested in building a medical profession in North Carolina with high pay, consider making a career as an ophthalmologist. 

Ophthalmologists (except pediatrics) are among the best-paying jobs in N.C. worth going for.

Ophthalmologists are physicians who provide medical and surgical care for people with eye disorders. However, they examine patients’ eyes, diagnose and treat conditions, and prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. In most cases, they perform surgery to correct vision problems.

As an ophthalmologist, you can work in private practices, hospitals, or clinics for long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Most ophthalmologists complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program and a four-year doctor of medicine (M.D.) program. 

After completing an internship and residency, they must obtain a license to practice medicine. Some ophthalmologists complete a two- to three-year fellowship in a subspecialty area such as pediatric ophthalmology or glaucoma.

According to BLS, ophthalmologists make an average salary of $199,310 annually. At the entry-level, they make up to $61,690 annually. 

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4. Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists are in high demand in North Carolina and across the country. These professionals provide vital services to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. 

They work closely with surgeons and other medical personnel to ensure that patients receive the best care. Additionally, they administer anesthesia to patients, monitor their vital signs, and provide post-operative care.

As a nurse anesthetist, you can work in hospitals, pain clinics, trauma or surgical centers, plastic surgery clinics, podiatry clinics, or dental clinics.

To become a nurse anesthetist, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and be a licensed registered nurse. In addition, you must complete a master’s degree program in nurse anesthesia and pass a national certification exam. 

According to BLS, nurse anesthetists make an average salary of $195,250 annually. At the entry level, they make up to $154,640 annually.  

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5. Psychiatrists

Among the professions in North Carolina, Psychiatrists are another career that made it to our list of highest paying jobs in N.C. This is because of the high salary they earn. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychiatrists make $191,120 on average.

Aside from the pay, they are ranked the because of their duties, which are relevant in the medical world. 

In the medical world, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. 

Most psychiatrists work in private practices, but some also work in hospitals or clinics. They often work with other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and social workers, to provide comprehensive patient care.

To be a professional psychiatrist, you must have a four-year residency in psychiatry, a Board of Psychiatry certification, and a state license. Aside from that, you must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, superior listening ability, and emotional intelligence.

In most cases, psychiatrists typically see patients for 30-minute to one-hour sessions. During these sessions, they may talk with patients about their symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. 

They may also order laboratory tests or prescribe medications to treat their patients’ conditions.

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6. General Dentists

Average Salary: $167,600

Next on our list of best-paying jobs in North Carolina is a dentist job, with an average salary of $167,600. 

Dentists’ primary function is to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay. Aside from that, they are also responsible for diagnosing and treating oral health problems and providing preventive care.

In other words, they are responsible for checking teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth, along with X-rays and tests, to diagnose dental problems.

To become a dentist, you must have a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Also, you must have different experiences, certifications, licenses, and formal training. In addition to completing formal training, you must pass both written and clinical exams before being licensed to practice. 

As a dentist, you can get the opportunity to work in private practices, hospitals, or clinics. 

As a professional dentist, you can work full time, although some work part-time or evenings to accommodate their patients’ schedules. Dentists usually work independently, although they may have one or more dental assistants or hygienists working with them.

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7. Podiatrists

Average Salary: $162,730

With an average salary of $162,730 and an entry-level pay of $80,290, Podiatrists are among the highest paying jobs in North Carolina. Podiatrists are health professionals that specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems. 

In most organizations, they are often the first point of contact for patients with foot and ankle problems. 

As a podiatrist, you will also be responsible for treating common conditions such as bunions, heel pain, and ingrown nails. They can also perform surgeries to correct more severe issues.

And then provide comprehensive patient care, including medical and surgical interventions. 

That said, podiatrists must complete a four-year doctoral program in podiatric medicine. In addition to their medical training, podiatrists must complete a residency program that lasts two to three years. After training, podiatrists must pass a state licensure exam to practice.

Other required skills that can help anyone be exceptional in this career include compassion, critical-thinking skills, and interpersonal skills.

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8. Anesthesiologists

Average Salary: $154,540

Another job that pays well in North Carolina is the job of Anesthesiologists. 

Anesthesiologists are known as medical doctors that specialize in anesthesia and perioperative medicine. These medical professionals work closely with surgeons and other medical staff to ensure that patients are safe and comfortable during surgery. 

Anesthesiologists work with the surgical team as they are responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring patients’ vital signs during surgery. They also work with patients before surgery to assess their health and determine the best type of anesthesia.

To become an anesthesiologist, you need a strong understanding of human physiology and pharmacology and excellent communication and problem-solving skills. 

Aside from that, you must complete four years of medical school and a four-year residency program in anesthesiology. According to BLS, anesthesiologists make an average salary of $154,540, with an entry-level pay of $100,660 annually.

9. Postsecondary Law Teachers

Average Salary: $154,400

In North Carolina, postsecondary law teachers are among the highest-paid professionals. They make an average of $154,400 per year. The entry-level employee makes more than $61,800 per year. 

This profession is expected to grow at a rate of 9.4% from 2016 to 20236. This is faster than the average for all occupations. 

The demand for law teachers will be driven by an increasing need for higher education and the growing popularity of online education.

Postsecondary law teachers typically have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and several years of experience practicing law before they can begin teaching at a college or university level.

To qualify for a position as a postsecondary law teacher in North Carolina, you must have a Juris Doctor degree. This degree must be from an accredited law school. You must also be licensed to practice law in North Carolina. 

In addition, most employers will prefer candidates with previous teaching experience, either adjunct faculty or full-time professors.

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10. Natural Sciences Managers

Average Salary: $152,220

Natural Sciences Managers are responsible for directing and coordinating the work of scientists in fields such as research and development, forestry, agriculture, and food production. They also develop budgets, schedules, and objectives for scientific programs. 

Most Natural Sciences Managers have a bachelor’s degree in a natural sciences field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Some managers may have a master’s degree or higher. 

Many managers have experience working in the field they will be managing. For example, a forestry program manager may have worked as a forest Ranger before becoming a manager.

The average salary for Natural Sciences Managers is $152,220. The entry-level employee makes more than $95,660 per year. Natural Sciences Managers are among the highest-paid professionals in North Carolina.

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11. Financial Managers

Average Salary: $151,440

In North Carolina, Financial manager is among the high-paying jobs worth going for. Basically, financial managers play a vital role in any organization. They handle the company’s financial health and must maintain accurate records of all financial transactions. 

To get this job, you must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, and many have a master’s degree. 

Apart from that, you must be able to analyze complex financial data and make sound decisions that will benefit the company. 

Also, you must be able to communicate effectively with other members of management and the board of directors.

The most exciting thing about this job is that its job outlook is good, with an expected job growth of 7% through 20236.1. Financial managers are among the best-paying jobs in North Carolina, with a median annual salary of $151,440.

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12. General Pediatricians

Average Salary: $150,740

As one of the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina, a career as a general pediatrician can be financially and emotionally rewarding. Pediatricians are essential to the healthcare team to provide comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents. 

While the job role and requirements vary depending on the specific setting, most general pediatricians provide preventive care, diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses, and coordinate care with specialists when needed. 

They also serve as a resource for parents, guiding everything from nutrition to development milestones.

To become a pediatrician, you must complete four years of medical school and three years of residency training in pediatrics. Board certification is also required. While it is a lot of work, the rewards can be significant.

According to BLS, general Pediatricians make an average salary of $150,740. And for entry-level employees, you can make up to $102,980.

13. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Average Salary: $143,150

The next job that pays well in North Carolina is Computer and information systems manager’s job. The computer and information systems manager’s role is to plan, direct, and coordinate computer systems operations for organizations. 

To be a computer and information system manager, one must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or a related field. Many employers also require several years of experience working in a related occupation. 

Computer and information systems managers typically work full-time in an office setting. 

However, because they may need to coordinate with staff in other locations or work off-hours to solve problems, some managers may work more than 40 hours per week.

14. Optometrists

Average Salary: $130,070

According to the North Carolina Optometric Society, optometrists are one of the highest-paid professions in N.C. 

Optometrists play an essential role in providing primary eye care. They are responsible for eye exams, prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and diagnosing and treating common eye problems.

To become an optometrist, one must complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year professional doctorate. 

After completing their education, optometrists must pass a national and state examination to obtain a license. Once licensed, optometrists can begin practicing. 

Most optometrists work in private practices, but some also work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.

According to BLS, optometrists’ average salary is $130,070. 

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15. Marketing Managers

Average Salary: $129,570

Finally, on our list of best-paying jobs in North Carolina is marketing manager. 

Marketing managers are vital in any company as they create and execute marketing strategies.

The job requires creativity, analytical skills, and business acumen. Aside from the skills, marketing managers need to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field. 

They should also have experience in sales, customer service, and market research. The average salary for marketing managers in North Carolina is $129,570 per year.

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FAQs

Reference

• Usawage.com – High paying jobs in North Carolina
• Bureau Labour Statistics

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