Overview Salaries

Salaries in Charlotte, NC

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Charlotte, NC?

The average salary in Charlotte, NC is $70,696 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $70,696 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $5,891 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $1,360 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Charlotte, NC, showing an average salary of $34 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Charlotte, NC, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for workers in Charlotte is $70,696. This average reflects the diverse industries present in the city, from finance to technology. Many people find good-paying jobs in these sectors.

Here are some common job types and their average salaries:

  • Retail salesperson: $24,370
  • Office clerk: $41,477
  • Registered nurse: $58,585
  • Elementary school teacher: $75,692
  • Software developer: $92,799
  • Accountant: $109,906
  • Dentist: $127,014
  • Physician: $144,121
  • Pharmacist: $161,228
  • Lawyer: $178,335
  • Surgeon: $195,443
  • Anesthesiologist: $212,550
View jobs in Charlotte, NC
View all jobs in Charlotte, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Charlotte, NC?

Charlotte, NC offers many high-paying jobs that attract top talent. Among the top earners are owner-operators, general dentists, and physicians. These careers provide excellent opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications. Charlotte's tech and finance industries also pay very well. Roles like principal engineers, investment bankers, and enterprise architects offer competitive salaries. These positions often require specialized knowledge and experience, but they offer rewarding career paths. Job seekers in Charlotte can find many well-paying opportunities across various sectors.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charlotte, NC, highlighting Owner Operator with the highest at $326,416 and Primary Care Physician with the lowest at $153,508.

  1. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $326,416
    Aspiring to lead your own trucking business? In Charlotte, NC, a thriving hub for logistics, you can drive your own fleet and provide essential transport services. Companies like XPO Logistics and Old Dominion Freight Line offer great opportunities for owner operators.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Charlotte, NC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $271,488
    Looking for a stable and rewarding career in healthcare? In Charlotte, NC, dental practices, such as Carolinas Dental Group, need skilled dentists. This role allows you to improve patients' oral health and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Charlotte, NC


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $227,430
    Commit to a fulfilling career in medicine. Physicians in Charlotte, NC, can find opportunities at top healthcare providers like Atrium Health and Novant Health. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on community health.
    Find Physician jobs in Charlotte, NC


  4. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $191,131
    In tech-driven Charlotte, NC, a Principal Engineer at companies like LendingTree or IBM leads software development teams. This role requires strong technical skills and the ability to innovate and drive projects forward.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC


  5. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $181,820
    Legal professionals in Charlotte, NC, play a crucial role in corporate governance. Working for firms like Truist Financial or Duke Energy, general counsels ensure compliance and manage legal risks for the organization.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Charlotte, NC


  6. Investment Banker
    Average Salary: $163,980
    Looking to thrive in the financial sector? In Charlotte, known as the banking capital, investment bankers at firms like Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo help companies raise capital and navigate mergers.
    Find Investment Banker jobs in Charlotte, NC


  7. Enterprise Architect
    Average Salary: $160,901
    Focus on designing robust IT systems. Enterprise architects in Charlotte, NC, work for companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy. This role involves creating and maintaining enterprise-level solutions to meet business needs.
    Find Enterprise Architect jobs in Charlotte, NC


  8. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $157,368
    Join a growing industry by selling solar energy solutions. In Charlotte, NC, companies like SunPower and Vivint Solar need sales representatives who can educate customers on renewable energy benefits.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charlotte, NC


  9. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $155,637
    In tech companies such as IBM and SAS Institute, solutions architects in Charlotte, NC, design complex IT solutions. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to translate business needs into technical strategies.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Charlotte, NC


  10. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $153,508
    Primary care physicians in Charlotte, NC, work with practices like Carolinas Healthcare System. They provide essential medical care, manage chronic conditions, and promote wellness among patients.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Charlotte, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Charlotte, NC without a degree?

Charlotte, NC, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. With dedication and experience, you can earn a good income in these roles. An Equipment Manager can make nearly $92,000 per year, overseeing company equipment and ensuring it runs well. A Sales Inspector earns around $70,000 annually, inspecting and evaluating products for quality and compliance. Additionally, a Dry Cleaner can make about $64,000, cleaning and maintaining clothes and fabrics. A Canvasser brings in around $54,000 per year, promoting products and services. Roles like Recreation Assistant and Concrete Finisher offer salaries ranging from $46,000 to nearly $50,000. These jobs provide good pay without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charlotte, NC without a degree, highlighting Equipment Manager with the highest at $91,543 and Terminal Operator with the lowest at $44,550.

  1. Equipment Manager
    Average Salary: $91,543
    Works for businesses needing machinery care. Manages equipment maintenance and repairs. Operates in industrial and manufacturing sectors.
    Find Equipment Manager jobs in Charlotte, NC


  2. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $69,676
    Inspects sales activities to ensure compliance. Works in retail and distribution. Companies like big-box stores often employ inspectors.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Charlotte, NC


  3. Dry Cleaner
    Average Salary: $64,059
    Handles laundry and garment care. Works in local shops and self-service facilities. Requires attention to detail and customer service skills.
    Find Dry Cleaner jobs in Charlotte, NC


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $53,631
    Collects payments on behalf of companies. Visits homes and businesses. Common in collection agencies and utility companies.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Charlotte, NC


  5. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $52,002
    Plans and leads recreational activities. Works in community centers and parks. Engages with diverse groups to promote health and wellness.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Charlotte, NC


  6. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $48,767
    Spreads and levels concrete for construction. Works on-site at building projects. Requires physical strength and attention to safety.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charlotte, NC


  7. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $48,198
    Manages daily operations of a restaurant. Oversees staff and customer service. Requires strong leadership and hospitality skills.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charlotte, NC


  8. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $47,565
    Prune and care for trees. Work involves climbing and tree maintenance. Operates in forestry and urban green spaces.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Charlotte, NC


  9. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $46,255
    Installs and maintains irrigation systems. Works on agricultural, commercial, and residential properties. Requires knowledge of water systems.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charlotte, NC


  10. Terminal Operator
    Average Salary: $44,550
    Operates machinery at transportation terminals. Handles loading and unloading goods. Requires precision and coordination skills.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Charlotte, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charlotte, NC?

Charlotte, NC, offers several companies with competitive salaries. Empire National leads with an average salary of nearly $278,132. PwC, Accenture, and EY follow closely behind, with average salaries exceeding $150,000. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making them excellent choices for job seekers. Job seekers in Charlotte can find well-paying opportunities at major firms. Microsoft and Citi offer salaries around $157,195 and $154,604, respectively. Synchrony, Wells Fargo, and USAA also provide strong salaries, making them desirable employers in the region. These companies ensure job seekers can pursue rewarding careers with good financial benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charlotte, NC, highlighting Empire National with the highest at $278,132 and USAA with the lowest at $150,448.

  1. Empire National
    Average Salary: $278,132
    Empire National is a leading company that offers insurance and financial services. It is known for its strong commitment to customer service.


  2. PwC
    Average Salary: $177,659
    PwC is a global network of professional services firms. It provides audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services to businesses.


  3. Accenture
    Average Salary: $160,609
    Accenture is a consulting firm. It helps companies improve their performance through strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations.


  4. EY
    Average Salary: $160,555
    EY is a multinational professional services network. It offers assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services to businesses.


  5. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $157,195
    Microsoft is a leading tech company. It creates software, devices, and services for businesses and consumers.


  6. Citi
    Average Salary: $154,604
    Citi is a global financial services corporation. It offers banking, credit, and financial services to individuals and businesses.


  7. KPMG
    Average Salary: $152,873
    KPMG is an international professional services firm. It provides audit, tax, and advisory services.


  8. synchrony
    Average Salary: $152,745
    synchrony is a consumer financial services company. It offers financing solutions and banking services to consumers.


  9. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $151,740
    Wells Fargo is a financial services company. It offers banking, investment, and mortgage services to individuals and businesses.


  10. USAA
    Average Salary: $150,448
    USAA is a financial services group. It provides banking, insurance, and investment services to military members and their families.

How does the cost of living in Charlotte, NC compare to the national average?

Charlotte, NC, shows a cost of living slightly above the nationwide average, with housing being the highest at 118%. This means housing costs are 18% more than the national average. Other categories, like groceries and utilities, are close to the national average, while healthcare is slightly lower at 89%. Comparing the cost of living index in Charlotte to the national average of 100 reveals that residents may face higher expenses, particularly in housing. Other expenses such as groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous items are relatively comparable to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charlotte, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 18% higher, groceries 6% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 0% lower, healthcare 11% lower, miscellaneous 5% lower.

Charlotte, North Carolina, exhibits a cost of living that is notably above the nationwide average in several key areas. The housing index stands at 118, which is 18% higher than the national average of 100. This indicates that job seekers can expect housing costs to be significantly more in Charlotte compared to the rest of the country. Groceries in Charlotte cost 94 on the index, which is 4% less than the average, offering some relief for those budgeting for food.


Utilities in Charlotte are slightly above the average, with an index of 97, which translates to a modest 3% increase. Transportation costs in Charlotte match the national average, presenting no additional burden in this category. Healthcare services, however, show a cost of 89 on the index, which is 11% lower than the national average, suggesting potential savings in this area for residents. Miscellaneous costs are also slightly below average, with an index of 95, providing a 5% reduction compared to the national average. Overall, while Charlotte has higher costs in certain areas like housing, it also offers some advantages, particularly in healthcare and groceries.

There are 10,614 job openings in Charlotte, NC, today!

View Jobs in Charlotte, NC

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Charlotte, NC

Discover what it's like to work in Charlotte, NC. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Charlotte, NC
10,614 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire