Picture a situation where you can have a blooming career in a state. Like many other states, North Carolina is the one with such sort of potential, and besides, the job market is quite thriving in general and many sectors generate very good jobs.
No matter who you are in terms of your age or career stage, simply knowing about the highest paying jobs in North Carolina can benefit you a lot. The jobs in question are not only paying good amounts but are also boosting the quality of life of people in those positions.
Linked with the latter, the features of the state include some astonishing natural landscapes, such as mountains and beaches, some very well established and beautiful cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, and a highly productive economy with many new enterprises being formed under the sunshine.
Here we will observe the presently most financially rewarding occupations in the field of labor for North Carolina in 2025. We bet on the sources that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides us with and also the data from the job postings and our own research to compile this list of jobs that are reliable, and the list stays very much in touch with the current situation of the workforce in the region.
One of the ways the type of jobs showcased in North Carolina’s economy is through the following diverse types of jobs, and that only serves to show how North Carolina’s economy is quite strong. If you want to be aware of the highest paying jobs in North Carolina, then, in this publication, there is every possible way of getting the minimum information you will have to have so as to succeed in performing the duties of those roles by consulting the list.
That way we can tell you what jobs are stable, there is a good future for them, and we’re not just talking about the money.
Criteria for Selection
The criteria we referred to while making the list of the highest paying jobs in North Carolina include the below-mentioned parameters:
- Average Salaries: We used the most recent data from movement reports and job advertisements.
- Job Demand: We pinpointed the jobs that are currently hot and in much greater demand than ever before.
- Qualifications Required: In selecting the posts, we reached out to professions who held advanced degrees or had peculiar skills.
- Industry Diversity: Employment in different sectors like health care, technology and finance was part of the chosen jobs.
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10 Best Highest Paying Jobs in North Carolina
First off, let’s look into the 10 best highest paying jobs in the state of North Carolina in 2025. These jobs will not only pay a lot but also give you a great chance of growing.
1. Consultant and Sales Representative
What They Do:
As it is visible from the job title, a Consultant and Sales Representative is in charge of the promotion and increment of the company’s sales. They accomplish this task by looking for new customers, negotiating, and crafting and delivering the solution. They, therefore, act as change agents and orchestrators of new product or service adoption.
Key Responsibilities:
Of course, the basic function of a Consultant and Sales Representative is the creation and sustenance of the relationships between their company and the customers. The following activities are mainly to be completed by professionals in the field of marketing and sales:
- Build client relationships
- Develop sales strategies
- Conduct market research
- Present products or services
- Negotiate contracts
- Provide technical advice
Why It’s Attractive:
- The profession is a great source of high income (earners can make from $163,000 to $338,000 per year).
- The job has a very diverse set of activities every day.
- People going with this career are encouraged to climb the ladder of success.
Education Needed:
- They usually require a four-year degree in a related field of business or marketing.
- Certifications in sales strategies can be helpful.
Challenges:
- Rejection can be tough to handle for some.
- They also help a lot to meet up with the sales target.
- Trying to balance consulting and sales tasks.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
A significant increase of the job openings is expected in North Carolina due to the increased economic growth of the state. Regional urban centers, particularly Charlotte and Raleigh, are witnessing a high average level of economic growth. This function brings both financial rewards and a long-term job perspective.
2. Finance Services Director
What They Do:
A money manager or Finance service director (or departmental director) of a company is a person that runs the company’s finances and ensures the company’s sound financial condition. The tasks they are charged with are: the preparation of the company’s budget, forecasting future economic trends, the management of risks as well as the establishment of the policies to increase the company’s profits.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise a budget and its utilization.
- Forecast future financial trends of the company.
- They keep the company compliant with financial laws and regulations.
- Create such reports that consist of information necessary for the management for making sound judgments.
- Administrate (sic) accountants and finance staff teams.
Why It’s Important:
This position is responsible for the financial health of the corporation and\’s the sustainable growth of the company and at the same time protects the company against various potential financial risks. This occupation is particularly of great significance in North Carolina, especially in such financial centers as Charlotte.
Education Needed:
- In Finance, one can pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting.
- Another indispensable requirement is the experience of handling finances and leading the team.
Challenges:
- Being the person who accounts for the financial condition of the company.
- Having the complex take-make or take-break decisions dealing with the risk levels scale for the company.
- Requirements for one to be updated with the changing financial laws.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
Charlotte, as a strong financial center, sees a big need for Finance Services Directors. The high average salary of around $300,000 per year makes it a very lucrative career with great stability.
3. Primary Care Pediatrician
What They Do:
As a doctor of paediatrics, a primary care paediatrician is responsible for looking after the health of children. Such a practice includes regular check-ups, disease diagnosis, medical interventions for injuries, vaccinations, and health education of parents. In addition to this, primary care paediatricians refer children to the specialists when required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor children’s growth and development.
- Diagnose and treat common illnesses like colds or infections.
- Administer vaccines to prevent diseases.
- Advise parents on diet, hygiene, and exercise.
- Refer kids with serious conditions to specialists.
Why It’s Important:
Children require special care because their bodies are in the process of developing. Pediatricians assist in keeping them healthy and they guide them through their growth.
Education Needed:
- Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.
- Medical school (MD or DO).
- 3 years of pediatric residency training.
- Passing a licensing exam to practice.
Challenges:
- Emotional stress from treating sick kids.
- Difficulty understanding those symptoms that come from young patients.
- High responsibility for making accurate decisions.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
North Carolina is experiencing a rise in the number of children’s medical practitioners owing to population growth and the strong healthcare sector of North Carolina. The average salary exceeds $250,000 per year, which means the job is of great financial support and gives certainty mainly in the urban areas such as Charlotte and Raleigh.
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4. President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
A Chief Executive Officer is the highest ranking executive and leader of an organization. He/she/they decide the direction the company should take, make main decisions and ensure the company is profitable. They are responsible for everything, from strategy to daily operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Carry out necessary research to develop strategies that drive the company’s growth.
- Responsible for managing the executive team to achieve the goals.
- Make decisions on the allocation of resources and plan the future performance of the company.
- Coordinate with the stakeholders like investors and also the employees.
- Identify, assess, and manage the company’s risks, ensure compliance with laws and ethics.
Why It’s Important:
The CEOs bear the responsibility for the whole company as their decision impacts the company itself along with its employees and customers. In North Carolina, where the business field is progressing, the presence of a strong leadership is a must.
Education Required:
- Bachelors in Business or a financial/related field is usually enough.
- A higher Master of Business Administration (MBA) is often desired by big companies. An MBA is generally the preferred choice for managers in large companies.
- Leadership experience is necessary in order to get the job. Duh! coming from Proven leadership experience is vital.
Challenges:
- One of the major challenges is the high level of responsibility for the success of the company.
- Deciding between right and wrong is not so easy for CEOs.
- Another major challenge is to see different stakeholders
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
With the economy in North Carolina on the upswing, the demand for skilled CEOs is increasing. The average salary of $764,823 annually shows how important and how skilled the person in this position is at his or her work.
5. Vice President, Field Operations
What They Do:
A Vice President of Field Operations is in charge of overseeing and enhancing the activities of all the remote sites. They see to it that the processes are working efficiently, are uniform, and are meeting the high set standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Formulate procedures to facilitate operations.
- Supervise regional managers and staff.
- Actively cut costs and augment efficiency.
- Develop and steer high-achieving teams.
- Monitor KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to spot the pain points.
Why It’s Important:
This function is indispensable in a business that is expanding. Expansion of the company ensures efficiency of operations which are still in line with the company’s stated objectives.
Education Needed:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business or Operation Management
- An MBA is often the preference for important positions.
- Demonstrated experience in leadership is an indispensable requirement.
Challenges:
- Frequent trips to different locations.
- The delicate balance between efficient and strategic growth.
- Leadership of various teams in multiple locations.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
With the rise of companies in North Carolina, this position becomes steadily more prominent. The average salary of $300,000+ annually represents the essentiality and the possibility of growth for the career of the expert.
6. Pain Management Physician
What They Do:
Pain Management Physicians are specialists who are trained to manage chronic pain. They make use of various methods to identify and control pain, thus enhancing the quality of life of the patients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Find out the reason behind the chronic pain.
- Devise a customized treatment plan.
- Carry out procedures such as injections or nerve blocks.
- Give out medications sensibly.
- Work together with other healthcare professionals.
Why It’s Important:
Those physicians are essential for the reduction of chronic pain and thus the enhancement of a patient’s activities. In North Carolina with an aging population, the trend is that more and more of their services will be sought after.
Education Needed:
- Get a medical degree (MD or DO).
- Go through a residency program that is related to the field.
- Unpack special training in the domain of pain management from a fellowship.
- Get a certificate as well from the authority of the United Council for Neurology & Neurosurgery, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Challenges:
- Understand and diagnose complex pain conditions.
- Find a way to maintain a balance between different kinds of treatments.
- Emotionally deal with the patients in pain.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
North Carolina has an increasing demand for Pain Management Physicians due to the growing elderly population. The average annual salary of this job of $350,000, together with the inner satisfaction it offers, makes it a lucrative affair.
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7. Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
What They Do:
A Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is a senior doctor who is in charge of the medical side of healthcare organizations. They are responsible for the smooth running of clinical operations, as well as setting policies that define and manage performance standards, thus, they ensure that patients’ interests are best served through the various policies in place.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise clinical services for the provision of quality care.
- Establish policies and protocols for the healthcare staff.
- Manage money and ensure compliance with the laws.
- Spearhead the move to enhance patient safety and care.
- Facilitate the dialogue between clinical staff and administrative leaders.
Why It’s Important:
CMOs play a critical role by not only managing business activities efficiently but also by ensuring consistent patient satisfaction through treatment.
Education Needed:
- A medical degree (MD or DO).
- Previous experience in healthcare administration leadership is required.
- An MBA or MHA degree is often desired for management skills.
Challenges:
- Juggling both medical and administrative duties is quite a challenge.
- Compliance with the new healthcare regulations and Standards is very tasking.
- Directing the changes in healthcare practices.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
The development of healthcare in North Carolina will lead to an increased number of CMOs being required. With an annual salary of $293,700 on average plus bonuses, this is a role that offers not just financial rewards but also the chance to bring a change into healthcare significantly.
8. Medical Consultant
What They Do:
Medical Consultants are professionals specialized in aiding healthcare facilities to improve patient care and to become more efficient. They do so by investigating the systems currently in use, looking for ways to do better, and putting in place a course of action to transfer good healthcare.
The Key Responsibilities are:
- Evaluate systems of medical care to locate places where there is room for improvements.
- Prepare plans to improve the patient care and operations.
- Work with healthcare teams to introduce new strategies.
- Make sure that all healthcare structures are in adherence to the stipulated regulations.
- Conduct data analysis to assess the positive effects of the changes.
Why It’s Important:
Medical Consultants are indispensable because they assist healthcare facilities in the optimization of services, cost savings from procedures by executing them more efficiently, and better patient outcomes.
Education Needed:
- A medical degree (MD or DO).
- Experience or training in healthcare consulting.
- Strong analytical skills.
Challenges:
- Dealing with intricate operational issues.
- Cooperation with various stakeholders.
- Keeping abreast of the latest health rules and policies.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
The state of North Carolina currently requires more Medical Consultants than what is currently available. Employees of the healthcare sector are desperately needed in this realm. While the demand for this insight, the ability to institutionalize a new business model, will grow, so will the supply.
In fact, the job pay range is much higher than any other in the healthcare profession, including $150K+ salaries that can be seen as both the economic rewards and the opportunity to make a visible impact on healthcare.
9. Executive Vice President (EVP) Marketing
What They Do:
An EVP of Marketing is a high-level manager who formulates strategies in order to expand a company’s brand shares and attract customers. They manage all marketing efforts, from planning to achievement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create and execute marketing strategies.
- Manage advertising and digital marketing campaigns.
- Be in charge of the marketing team and allocate funds.
- Study market trends and what the competitors do in the market.
- Carry out marketing activities aligned with business goals by working with other executives.
Why It’s Important:
EVPs of Marketing are the most important personnel who by shaping the corporate identity and creating the business’s positive image not only make the company the first choice on the market but also bring about the company’s prosperity.
Education Needed:
- Marketing or Business Bachelor’s degree.
- Usually an MBA degree is given more priority.
- Your proven marketing experience as a leader is the most important.
Challenges:
- Strong pressure that affects the result reality.
- Maintaining a high pace with the latest marketing trends.
- To make a diverse team get along and perform at their best.
Job Outlook in North Carolina:
With the economic development of North Carolina and the growing consumer base, there is an increase in the demand for marketing executives. The average salary of $265,000+ annually is not only financially rewarding but also provides the prospect of career development.
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10. Anesthesiologist
What Does an Anesthesiologist Do?
Anesthesia is the process of planning how to take care of a patient before, during, and after a surgery, while an anesthesiologist is a familiar figure throughout the surgical process who plays a very important role. His/Her professional responsibilities are:
i. Preoperative Evaluation: The anesthesiologist is in charge of history-taking and making the tentative anesthesia plan.
ii. Anesthesia Administration: He/she injects general or local anesthesia that allows the patient to be pain-free during surgery.
iii. Monitoring: The professional measures the patient’s vital signs like the pulse, the respiration rate, and the blood pressure continuously during the operation so that he or she reports nothing unusual.
iv. Controlling Pain: The doctors provide patients with medicines that would make them feel well and calm after and during surgery.
v. Postoperative Care: Preparing patients for the process of waking up from anesthesia and helping to cope with the discomfort that comes after the surgery.
Key Responsibilities
Among the tasks of an anesthesiologist are:
- Developing a plan for anesthesia tailored to an individual’s needs.
- Supervising the anesthetists’ and some other professionals’ work.
- Being ready to deal with a crisis situation during the operation.
- Doing a complete record of the drugs used for anesthesia and then the patient’s reactions to the same.
- Consulting with surgeons and other doctors for patient care planning at the hospital.
Why Is This Job Important?
Without an anesthesiologist, it is impossible to have a safe surgery. The role of pain management specialists is extremely important for pain-free surgery but also unmatched in the skills of responding to surgical patients. Furthermore, these professionals not only work in the operating room but also deal with chronic pain patients in the outpatient setting.
Educational Requirements
You have to possess these qualifications to be an anesthesiologist:
- A Medical Degree (MD or DO)
- A Residency Program in anesthesiology (4 years)
- Board Certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology
Challenges of the Role
This job, however, comes with difficulties like:
- Working under pressure and being required to make quick decisions.
- Performing surgery and being able to remain constantly with patients.
- Making difficult decisions according to the patient’s health condition and surgical needs.
And yet, the truth is that anesthesiologists, notwithstanding these challenges, do find it to be a fulfilling job in their participation in patient care.
Job Outlook in North Carolina
The surge in procedures and the expertise required encouraged in North Carolina pushes the demand for anesthesiologists. The annual salary is $350,500, thereby providing not only the financial but also the moral benefit of securing the patient from risks and ensuring them comfort and relief.
Key Tips on Jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina is a state with lots of high paying careers from various industries. Here are some of the main points:
1. Most likely it is the jobs in healthcare that are in the first place due to the increasing public needing the services of healthcare with the population growth and changing demographics.
2. Presidents of big companies (CEOs) and Vice Presidents are the second most earning along the line of workers, as they are the decision-makers and their contribution is of strategic importance.
3. The necessity for artificial but also essential additional specialization is a norm in these high octane salary jobs.
If you are to enter one of these highest paying jobs in North Carolina, you cannot go without putting your time and effort into your education as well as your skills.
Related: 15 Highest Paying Vocational Jobs: How to Apply
Conclusion
North Carolina is a fantastic place for professionals seeking high-paying careers. Its strong economy is supported by diverse industries ranging from healthcare to finance and technology.
Whether you’re already living here or considering relocation, pursuing one of these best highest paying jobs in North Carolina can lead to financial success while enjoying the state’s quality of life.
Those who would like to move their careers forward should think about educational programs or certifications that completely meet with their interests and let them deal with their roles properly.
By doing so, people will be able to thrive on their career path and for sure take advantage of all the great things that in this state of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the healthcare industry, there are such jobs as anesthesiologists and CMOs, where they receive the highest payments. Furthermore, if you are into the financial sector or have a keen interest in business and executive management, then these jobs also will get you high salaries.
Definitely! The majority of the well-paid jobs are the ones that need specific educational backgrounds such as medical degrees or MBAs.
Charlotte and Raleigh are two major places having accessible facilities and flourishing industries which have a large number of the most job vacancies.
Without a doubt! The state provides a combination of low living expenditures and high job prospects.
