Psychologist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 3K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$92,130
$44.29/hr
vs National Average
$97,188
-5.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $213K
3K employed in North Carolina
The median Psychologist salary in North Carolina is approximately $92,130 per year, which translates to about $44 per hour. This figure is 5.2% lower than the national average for the profession. Currently, there are around 2,770 employed psychologists across the state.
Several factors can influence a Psychologist salary in North Carolina. These include the specific type of psychology practiced, the level of education and experience an individual possesses, and the geographic location within North Carolina. Higher demand roles and specialized skills often command a higher salary within the established range.
Salary Distribution — Psychologist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,890 |
| 25th percentile | $74,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $92,130 |
| 75th percentile | $122,440 |
| 90th percentile | $213,160 |
Top-Paying Industries for Psychologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Psychologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Psychologists in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $131,040 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $112,010 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,960 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $99,770 | 63K |
| Educational Services | $91,550 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Psychologist in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $92,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,894 |
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 | $92,130 | $97,188 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,894 | $100,104 |
Psychologist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $74,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $92,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $213,160 |
Psychologist Salary in Other States
Related Psychologist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Psychologist ($92,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in NC | $174,180 | +89.1% | $83.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in NC | $102,980 | +11.8% | $49.51/hr |
| Geoscientist in NC | $95,260 | +3.4% | $45.80/hr |
| Chemist in NC | $82,620 | -10.3% | $39.72/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NC | $82,220 | -10.8% | $39.53/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NC | $81,230 | -11.8% | $39.05/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NC | $74,130 | -19.5% | $35.64/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in NC | $92,940 | +0.9% | $44.68/hr |
| Art Director in NC | $90,000 | -2.3% | $43.27/hr |
| Credit Analyst in NC | $94,570 | +2.6% | $45.47/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in NC | $94,790 | +2.9% | $45.57/hr |
| Network Administrator in NC | $95,230 | +3.4% | $45.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Psychologist in North Carolina?
- The salary range for a Psychologist in North Carolina generally falls between $52,890 and $213,160 annually. This wide spectrum reflects the varying levels of experience, specialization, and employment settings.
How does the average Psychologist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- The average Psychologist salary in North Carolina is 5.2% lower than the national average. While the median is $92,130 annually, the national median may be higher, indicating a slightly lower earning potential in the state.
What is the median annual and hourly pay for a Psychologist in North Carolina?
- The median annual salary for a Psychologist in North Carolina is $92,130. This breaks down to an hourly rate of approximately $44, providing a good benchmark for expected earnings.
How many Psychologists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 2,770 employed Psychologists in North Carolina. This number indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state's workforce.