Chief Executive Officer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$314,290
$151.10/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
+47.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$114K – $625K
2K employed in North Carolina
Discover the earning potential for a Chief Executive Officer salary in North Carolina, where the median annual income stands at $314,290. This figure represents the midpoint for experienced professionals in the state, falling significantly above the national average by 48%. Currently, approximately 1,930 individuals hold these leadership positions across North Carolina.
Several factors influence the Chief Executive Officer salary in North Carolina. Experience level, the size and profitability of the company, and the specific industry all play a crucial role. Geographic location within North Carolina, whether a major metropolitan area or a smaller town, can also impact compensation due to varying market demands and cost of living.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $114,210 |
| 25th percentile | $182,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $314,290 |
| 75th percentile | $442,080 |
| 90th percentile | $624,990 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $314,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $323,719 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $314,290 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $323,719 | $218,998 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $182,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $314,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $442,080 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $624,990 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Chief Executive Officer ($314,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager in NC | $165,480 | -47.3% | $79.56/hr |
| Sales Manager in NC | $150,470 | -52.1% | $72.34/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in NC | $142,990 | -54.5% | $68.75/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in NC | $138,710 | -55.9% | $66.69/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in NC | $132,280 | -57.9% | $63.60/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in NC | $126,200 | -59.8% | $60.67/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in NC | $125,940 | -59.9% | $60.55/hr |
| Construction Manager in NC | $106,640 | -66.1% | $51.27/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in NC | $105,630 | -66.4% | $50.78/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in NC | $101,950 | -67.6% | $49.01/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in NC | $100,820 | -67.9% | $48.47/hr |
| Management Analyst in NC | $98,560 | -68.6% | $47.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chief Executive Officer make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in North Carolina is $314,290 per year, which translates to about $151 per hour. The salary range for this role typically falls between $114,210 and $624,990 annually.
What is the average salary for a CEO in North Carolina compared to the national average?
- CEOs in North Carolina earn significantly more than the national average, with their median salary being 47.8% higher. This means that while the national median might be lower, North Carolina offers a more lucrative landscape for this executive position.
How many Chief Executive Officers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,930 Chief Executive Officers employed in North Carolina. This indicates a substantial market for this high-level executive role within the state.
What is the typical salary range for a CEO in North Carolina?
- The salary for a Chief Executive Officer in North Carolina can vary widely, with the reported range spanning from $114,210 to $624,990 annually. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle at $314,290 per year.