Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
65 Highest Paying Jobs in Charlotte, NC (2026)
The highest-paying job in Charlotte, NC, North Carolina is Obstetrician/Gynecologist with a median salary of $353,740 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 65 tracked occupations the average median is $112,870, with 37 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Charlotte, NC has a cost-of-living index of 96.7 (national average = 100), so a $112,870 nominal salary equals $116,722 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 65 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Charlotte, NC, NC, from BLS OEWS data. Charlotte, NC's cost-of-living index runs 96.7 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Charlotte, NC, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Charlotte, NC
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Charlotte, NC's cost-of-living index of 96.7 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $353,740 · 10th–90th $116,840–$637,800 · 160 jobs in metro
Obstetrician/Gynecologists in Charlotte, NC earn $353,740 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $637,800.
Median $269,270 · 10th–90th $107,990–$363,240 · 280 jobs in metro
Family Medicine Physicians in Charlotte, NC earn $269,270 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $363,240.
Median $217,670 · 10th–90th $98,790–$329,020 · 170 jobs in metro
Pediatricians in Charlotte, NC earn $217,670 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $329,020.
Median $189,220 · 10th–90th $103,490–$312,000 · 1,140 jobs in metro
Dentists in Charlotte, NC earn $189,220 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $312,000.
Median $176,840 · 10th–90th $119,750–$305,560 · 8,120 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Charlotte, NC earn $176,840 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $305,560.
Median $172,760 · 10th–90th $111,000–$329,110 · 9,290 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Charlotte, NC earn $172,760 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $329,110.
Median $166,200 · 10th–90th $94,240–$268,360 · 3,830 jobs in metro
Marketing Managers in Charlotte, NC earn $166,200 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $268,360.
Median $162,000 · 10th–90th $76,540–$311,420 · 5,930 jobs in metro
Sales Managers in Charlotte, NC earn $162,000 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $311,420.
Median $158,930 · 10th–90th $99,310–$292,290 · 2,310 jobs in metro
Human Resources Managers in Charlotte, NC earn $158,930 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $292,290.
Median $157,210 · 10th–90th $39,280–$209,790 · 260 jobs in metro
Optometrists in Charlotte, NC earn $157,210 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $209,790.
Full Ranking (65 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obstetrician/Gynecologist | Healthcare | $353,740 | $116,840–$637,800 | $365,812 | 160 |
| 2 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $269,270 | $107,990–$363,240 | $278,459 | 280 |
| 3 | Pediatrician | Healthcare | $217,670 | $98,790–$329,020 | $225,098 | 170 |
| 4 | Dentist | Healthcare | $189,220 | $103,490–$312,000 | $195,677 | 1,140 |
| 5 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $176,840 | $119,750–$305,560 | $182,875 | 8,120 |
| 6 | Financial Manager | Finance | $172,760 | $111,000–$329,110 | $178,656 | 9,290 |
| 7 | Marketing Manager | Management | $166,200 | $94,240–$268,360 | $171,872 | 3,830 |
| 8 | Sales Manager | Management | $162,000 | $76,540–$311,420 | $167,528 | 5,930 |
| 9 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $158,930 | $99,310–$292,290 | $164,354 | 2,310 |
| 10 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $157,210 | $39,280–$209,790 | $162,575 | 260 |
| 11 | Lawyer | Legal | $157,180 | $61,830–$371,170 | $162,544 | 5,380 |
| 12 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $150,580 | $91,770–$173,930 | $155,719 | 2,530 |
| 13 | Software Developer | Technology | $135,920 | $93,690–$172,360 | $140,558 | 20,820 |
| 14 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $134,410 | $95,280–$173,800 | $138,997 | 2,350 |
| 15 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $133,140 | $99,610–$169,220 | $137,684 | 1,680 |
| 16 | Data Scientist | Technology | $132,460 | $70,790–$171,200 | $136,980 | 4,420 |
| 17 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $131,440 | $81,430–$192,300 | $135,926 | 2,640 |
| 18 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $130,310 | $107,350–$170,490 | $134,757 | 1,970 |
| 19 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $129,080 | $78,940–$214,370 | $133,485 | 750 |
| 20 | Statistician | Technology | $126,350 | $66,190–$170,080 | $130,662 | 100 |
| 21 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $118,230 | $72,140–$167,750 | $122,265 | 1,030 |
| 22 | Database Architect | Technology | $113,890 | $64,770–$164,220 | $117,777 | 550 |
| 23 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $112,730 | $55,750–$274,620 | $116,577 | 18,380 |
| 24 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $111,080 | $71,840–$216,300 | $114,871 | 3,630 |
| 25 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $110,790 | $76,360–$168,660 | $114,571 | 7,870 |
| 26 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $110,790 | $43,330–$170,580 | $114,571 | 3,290 |
| 27 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $106,510 | $65,540–$172,310 | $110,145 | 6,790 |
| 28 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $105,240 | $67,200–$167,690 | $108,831 | 1,670 |
| 29 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $105,180 | $62,100–$131,730 | $108,769 | 1,360 |
| 30 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $103,360 | $65,140–$213,210 | $106,887 | 1,770 |
| 31 | Management Analyst | Management | $102,920 | $49,990–$169,820 | $106,432 | 8,000 |
| 32 | Software Quality Assurance Analyst | Technology | $102,630 | $80,080–$172,430 | $106,132 | 110 |
| 33 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $102,370 | $73,790–$164,990 | $105,863 | 3,730 |
| 34 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $102,090 | $75,670–$140,000 | $105,574 | 2,680 |
| 35 | Web Designer | Technology | $101,980 | $61,790–$152,890 | $105,460 | 510 |
| 36 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $101,950 | $74,530–$157,120 | $105,429 | 2,470 |
| 37 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $101,060 | $80,840–$126,180 | $104,509 | 1,680 |
| 38 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $99,440 | $49,760–$222,260 | $102,834 | 4,850 |
| 39 | Architect | Engineering | $98,620 | $65,690–$165,210 | $101,986 | 1,340 |
| 40 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $98,450 | $63,710–$121,090 | $101,810 | 1,140 |
| 41 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $98,390 | $92,120–$103,760 | $101,748 | 1,910 |
| 42 | Web Developer | Technology | $94,290 | $43,800–$162,420 | $97,508 | 1,070 |
| 43 | Accountant | Finance | $92,910 | $59,200–$167,330 | $96,081 | 16,820 |
| 44 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $90,960 | $59,230–$125,380 | $94,064 | 1,260 |
| 45 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $90,620 | $69,680–$110,020 | $93,713 | 27,010 |
| 46 | Network Architect | Technology | $89,990 | $23,700–$136,870 | $93,061 | 4,180 |
| 47 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $89,190 | $81,510–$107,990 | $92,234 | 60 |
| 48 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $84,720 | $48,110–$143,140 | $87,611 | 670 |
| 49 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $82,930 | $47,960–$160,460 | $85,760 | 9,500 |
| 50 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $81,990 | $64,990–$133,940 | $84,788 | 3,900 |
| 51 | Loan Officer | Finance | $78,200 | $39,350–$137,900 | $80,869 | 4,080 |
| 52 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $75,420 | $48,610–$117,160 | $77,994 | 1,110 |
| 53 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $75,190 | $43,920–$149,990 | $77,756 | 2,470 |
| 54 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $74,530 | $29,410–$184,120 | $77,073 | 440 |
| 55 | Writer/Author | Creative | $63,720 | $43,960–$129,470 | $65,895 | 420 |
| 56 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $62,360 | $41,240–$91,880 | $64,488 | 2,020 |
| 57 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $60,300 | $47,270–$75,520 | $62,358 | 8,500 |
| 58 | Paralegal | Legal | $59,870 | $43,160–$99,530 | $61,913 | 4,140 |
| 59 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $59,810 | $39,380–$95,380 | $61,851 | 1,640 |
| 60 | Electrician | Trades | $59,080 | $43,770–$76,310 | $61,096 | 5,250 |
| 61 | Plumber | Trades | $58,690 | $42,320–$76,010 | $60,693 | 3,840 |
| 62 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $58,680 | $47,280–$75,510 | $60,683 | 10,770 |
| 63 | Welder | Trades | $56,070 | $41,060–$75,910 | $57,983 | 3,370 |
| 64 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $53,660 | $34,470–$88,130 | $55,491 | 7,990 |
| 65 | Carpenter | Trades | $50,960 | $38,240–$65,640 | $52,699 | 3,730 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC is a major banking center (Bank of America, Truist) with strong financial-services pay across mid- and upper percentiles. Cost of living below the national average makes nominal pay translate well.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Charlotte, NC's cost-of-living index of 96.7 runs 3% below the U.S. national average. Lower nominal pay here often translates to comparable or better purchasing power than higher headline numbers in coastal hubs — see the COL-Adjusted column for the apples-to-apples figure.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Obstetrician/Gynecologist with five-plus years of experience in Charlotte, NC should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($495,770) or 90th percentile ($637,800), not the $353,740 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $354K Obstetrician/Gynecologist salary in Charlotte, NC (COL 96.7) translates to $366K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Charlotte, NC page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Charlotte, NC is Obstetrician/Gynecologist with a median salary of $353,740 and a 90th-percentile reading of $637,800. The role employs roughly 160 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
37 of the 65 BLS-tracked occupations in Charlotte, NC have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 65 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Charlotte, NC is $112,870. The cost-of-living index is 96.7, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $116,722 in equivalent purchasing power.
Charlotte, NC has a cost-of-living index of 96.7, below the national average. Nominal pay translates better than face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Family Medicine Physician, Pediatrician occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.