What is the average salary in Chapel Hill, NC?
Chapel Hill, North Carolina offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Chapel Hill is $56,305. This figure reflects the income of many professionals working in the area.
Different industries in Chapel Hill pay varying salaries. Jobs in the top-paying sectors can range from around $62,156 to over $125,000 per year. Some of the highest-paying jobs include roles in healthcare, education, and research. Job seekers should consider these figures when looking at career options in Chapel Hill.
What are the best paying jobs in Chapel Hill, NC?

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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $121,749
This role involves dispensing medications and providing advice on their use. You'll work in local pharmacies and research institutions. Strong knowledge of pharmaceuticals and patient care is essential.
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MRI Technologist
Average Salary: $105,531
Operate MRI machines to create detailed images of patients' bodies. You will work in hospitals and diagnostic centers. Attention to detail and technical skills are crucial for this job.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $99,078
Provide nursing care in various locations. You might work in hospitals or clinics. Flexibility and adaptability are key. This role offers the chance to explore different areas.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $92,381
Help individuals improve their behaviors through analysis. You’ll work in schools and treatment centers. This job requires strong communication skills and empathy.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $91,679
Lead technical projects in tech companies. You'll coordinate teams and manage project timelines. Strong leadership and technical skills are important.
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Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $90,915
Care for critically ill patients in ICU settings. You'll work in hospitals, providing life-saving care. Quick thinking and strong medical skills are essential.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $90,643
Help patients regain independence through therapy. You’ll work in rehabilitation centers. This job requires patience and strong interpersonal skills.
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Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $88,602
Provide treatment for patients with breathing issues. You'll work in hospitals and clinics. This role requires technical skills and compassion.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $85,853
Help patients with communication and swallowing disorders. You'll work in schools and hospitals. Strong communication skills and empathy are needed.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $85,145
Perform cleanings and exams in dental offices. You’ll help patients maintain oral health. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chapel Hill, NC without a degree?

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Canvasser
Average Salary: $47,557
Promote products and services by engaging with locals. This role involves walking neighborhoods and speaking to residents. Companies like campaign firms often hire canvassers for election seasons.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $44,292
Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Managers handle staff, inventory, and customer service. Working at popular spots like local diners allows for a dynamic work environment.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $36,677
Maintain outdoor areas, such as lawns and gardens. Tasks involve mowing, planting, and cleaning. Working with landscape firms, landscapers often have flexible hours.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $35,146
Clean and organize rooms in hotels or residential buildings. This job requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Housekeeping staff often work with hotels, ensuring guest satisfaction.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,494
Prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Line cooks work in busy settings like cafes and restaurants. They must follow recipes precisely and work well under pressure.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $33,721
Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, or residential areas. This job involves tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and cleaning up debris. Groundskeepers ensure outdoor spaces remain neat and attractive.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,586
Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Servers work in restaurants and cafes. They must provide good service and remember orders quickly.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $32,981
Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This role takes place in the back of restaurants and cafes. Dishwashers ensure the kitchen is ready for the next service.
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Barista
Average Salary: $32,206
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Baristas work in coffee shops, where they interact with customers and create specialty drinks. This role requires a friendly attitude and attention to detail.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $31,005
Help servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. This position is found in restaurants, where assistants support the main server. They must be quick and efficient to keep the service flowing smoothly.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Chapel Hill, NC?

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Seven Resourcing
Average Salary: $120,214
Seven Resourcing is known for their competitive salaries. They place professionals in various fields with a focus on technology and engineering.
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HC Solutions Group
Average Salary: $108,127
HC Solutions Group offers high salaries and supports professionals in healthcare management and services.
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Therapy Smarts Inc
Average Salary: $84,492
Therapy Smarts Inc pays well and works with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $74,621
Amedisys provides home health, hospice, and palliative care. They offer a solid salary and benefits.
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Piedmont Health Services
Average Salary: $70,895
Piedmont Health Services is dedicated to community health and offers good compensation for their employees.
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UNC Health
Average Salary: $63,993
UNC Health is part of a large healthcare system. They provide a range of medical services and offer fair salaries.
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Piedmont Health Services, Inc.
Average Salary: $58,239
Another branch of Piedmont Health Services, they focus on community health with competitive pay.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Average Salary: $56,863
UNC Chapel Hill offers a variety of roles in education and research. Their salaries are competitive for the academic field.
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Town of Chapel Hill
Average Salary: $54,214
The Town of Chapel Hill provides municipal services and offers a stable salary with good benefits.
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North Carolina State University
Average Salary: $53,997
NC State offers positions in education and research. Their salaries are fair for the academic setting.
How does the cost of living in Chapel Hill, NC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Chapel Hill, NC, is notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. One of the most significant differences appears in housing costs, where Chapel Hill has an index of 130. This means housing expenses are 30% higher than the national average. Such a discrepancy can have a substantial impact on potential residents’ budgets, especially if they are used to lower costs elsewhere.
In addition to housing, other areas also show increased costs. For example, groceries in Chapel Hill have a cost of living index of 105, which is 5% higher than the average. Utilities and transportation show slightly below-average costs at 95 and 110, respectively. Healthcare costs remain at par with the national average at 100, but miscellaneous expenses are 15% higher at 115. These factors combine to show that Chapel Hill has a higher overall cost of living compared to the national average, which can be a crucial consideration for job seekers and families relocating to the area.



