Computer Programmer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 4K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$81,070
$38.98/hr
vs National Average
$96,002
-15.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$26K – $135K
4K employed in North Carolina
The median salary for Computer Programmers in North Carolina is $81,070 annually, or $39 per hour. This figure is 15.6% lower than the national average, reflecting a competitive but somewhat lower earning landscape within the state. With 4,120 individuals employed in this role, the market offers significant opportunities.
Several factors influence a Computer Programmer salary in North Carolina, including experience level, specific programming languages mastered, and the industry or company employing them. Location within the state, such as major tech hubs versus smaller towns, can also impact earnings, with a broad salary range from $26,170 to $134,780.
Salary Distribution — Computer Programmer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,170 |
| 25th percentile | $44,030 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,070 |
| 75th percentile | $105,370 |
| 90th percentile | $134,780 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer Programmer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer Programmers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer Programmers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $129,150 | 450 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | 170 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $111,290 | 860 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $108,410 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $107,950 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Programmer in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $81,070 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,502 |
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 | $81,070 | $96,002 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,502 | $98,882 |
Computer Programmer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,030 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,070 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $105,370 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,780 |
Computer Programmer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Programmer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Computer Programmer ($81,070 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Programmer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in NC | $172,860 | +113.2% | $83.11/hr |
| Software Developer in NC | $134,710 | +66.2% | $64.76/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in NC | $134,670 | +66.1% | $64.75/hr |
| Database Administrator in NC | $134,630 | +66.1% | $64.73/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in NC | $131,540 | +62.3% | $63.24/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in NC | $128,370 | +58.3% | $61.72/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in NC | $127,320 | +57.0% | $61.21/hr |
| Data Scientist in NC | $119,090 | +46.9% | $57.25/hr |
| Statistician in NC | $115,690 | +42.7% | $55.62/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in NC | $106,850 | +31.8% | $51.37/hr |
| Software Engineer in NC | $104,850 | +29.3% | $50.41/hr |
| Data Analyst in NC | $101,850 | +25.6% | $48.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a Computer Programmer in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Computer Programmer in North Carolina is $81,070 per year, which equates to approximately $39 per hour. This median indicates that half of all Computer Programmers in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How much does a Computer Programmer in North Carolina make compared to the national average?
- A Computer Programmer in North Carolina earns 15.6% less than the national average. The median salary of $81,070 is significantly below the national median, suggesting a different market dynamic within the state.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers in North Carolina?
- The salary range for Computer Programmers in North Carolina is quite broad, spanning from $26,170 at the lower end to $134,780 for top earners. This wide spectrum highlights how experience and specialized skills can greatly affect compensation.
How many Computer Programmers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are an estimated 4,120 Computer Programmers employed in North Carolina. This number indicates a solid presence of the profession within the state's workforce.