The average salary in Charlotte, NC is approximately $63,000 per year. This amount varies by industry, with tech and finance roles averaging above $80,000, while service-based roles like hospitality or retail average closer to $35,000. Cost of living in Charlotte remains moderate compared to other major U.S. cities.
What Salary To Expect In Salary in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte’s average salary is $63,000 per year, based on current labor statistics. Tech, finance, and healthcare jobs typically pay higher, while positions in retail, food service, and entertainment report lower annual earnings. The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area includes a mix of high-skill and support roles that influence average wages.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2023, the average hourly wage across all occupations in the Charlotte metro is $30.98, which aligns closely with the reported average annual income.
Average Salary Data from Different Sources
This table compares salary data from various trusted sources:
| Source | Average Annual Salary | Median Household Income | Average Hourly Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayScale | $79,000 | – | – | Based on reported salaries |
| BLS (May 2023) | – | – | $30.98 | All occupations, Charlotte metro |
| ZipRecruiter | $54,207 | – | $26.06 | Based on “hourly” job listings |
| Census/GoBankRates | – | $78,438 | – | Based on 2023 Census data |
Wages in Charlotte fall near the national average, with many roles slightly above due to Charlotte’s position as a financial and corporate hub.
Salary by Industry in Charlotte
High-paying sectors in Charlotte include finance, tech, and healthcare. These industries typically offer salaries above $80,000. Jobs in management, engineering, and IT often exceed $100,000.
Lower-paying industries like grounds cleaning, food prep, and social science services tend to offer hourly wages between $15–$18. Jobs in maintenance, physical labor, and material transportation also show strong demand but lower average pay.
Largest employment sectors in Charlotte:
- Administrative support and office jobs
- Transportation and material moving
- Sales and customer service
These sectors represent over 33% of total employment in the metro area.
Salary by Occupation and Job Title
Salaries in Charlotte vary widely by job title and required skill level. Below are common occupations with their average wages:
- Software developers: $105,000/year
- Registered nurses: $78,000/year
- Electricians: $52,000/year
- Grounds maintenance workers: $37,000/year
- Retail sales associates: $31,000/year
Occupations that require physical labor or specialized certifications (e.g., HVAC, fishing technicians, or sports trainers) offer variable pay depending on experience and department. Charlotte’s growing sports and entertainment industry also boosts demand in these areas.
Entry-Level vs. Experienced Salary Ranges
Entry-level jobs in Charlotte typically pay between $15.50 and $17.10 per hour. Common roles include food service, personal care, and child support workers. As experience grows, wages increase, especially in design, management, and technical occupations.
- Entry-level customer service: $16/hour
- Experienced IT professional: $42/hour
- Senior project manager: $55/hour
Workers can increase earnings through certification programs and job changes, particularly in tech and medical fields.
Charlotte Compared to Other Cities in NC and the Nation
Charlotte salaries are higher than average across North Carolina. Compared to Raleigh and Greensboro:
- Charlotte average salary: $63,000
- Raleigh: $61,500
- Greensboro: $57,000
Charlotte remains below some national metro areas like San Francisco or New York, but the lower cost of living gives individuals and families greater spending power.
Living in Charlotte: Income vs. Expenses
Wages in Charlotte increased 2.3% last quarter, while cost of living rose only 2%. This suggests income growth is outpacing expenses, which benefits most police officers, teachers, and service workers.
Transportation costs in Charlotte are 7% below the national average, making commuting more affordable. Childcare and housing remain manageable, especially for dual-income families.
Typical Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Are there more job opportunities in certain sectors in Charlotte?
Yes. Over 33% of Charlotte’s jobs are in office support, transportation/material moving, and sales, with continued growth in healthcare and IT.
Is wage growth in Charlotte keeping pace with the cost of living?
Yes. Wages grew 2.3% in the latest quarter, while the cost of living increased by 2%, meaning pay is currently rising faster than expenses.
How do Charlotte’s transportation costs compare to other cities?
Transportation costs are 7% lower than the national average. This makes daily commuting, fuel, and public transit more affordable for workers.
What is the wage range for entry-level positions in Charlotte?
Entry-level wages range from $15.50 to $17.10 per hour. Common jobs include food prep, personal care, and grounds cleaning.
