Secondary School Teacher Salary in North Carolina
Based on 29K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$57,650
$27.72/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
-18.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $64K
29K employed in North Carolina
The median Secondary School Teacher salary in North Carolina is $57,650 annually. This figure falls 18% below the national average, with most teachers in the state earning between $45,430 and $64,460 per year. Currently, approximately 28,620 individuals are employed as secondary school teachers in North Carolina.
Several factors can influence a Secondary School Teacher salary in North Carolina. These often include years of experience, the specific school district's funding, and the teacher's level of education or specialized certifications. The demand for educators in certain subjects or geographic areas can also play a role in salary negotiations and compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,430 |
| 25th percentile | $47,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,650 |
| 75th percentile | $60,740 |
| 90th percentile | $64,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary School Teachers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,980 |
| 2023 | $51,060 |
| 2024 | $54,890 |
| 2025 | $57,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,549 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,980 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $51,060 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $54,890 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $57,650 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,549 | $73,965 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $60,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $64,460 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Secondary School Teacher ($57,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in NC | $63,340 | +9.9% | $30.45/hr |
| Librarian in NC | $61,420 | +6.5% | $29.53/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | -0.0% | $27.71/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NC | $54,930 | -4.7% | $26.41/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NC | $53,180 | -7.8% | $25.57/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in NC | $52,010 | -9.8% | $25.00/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | -27.6% | $20.05/hr |
| Paralegal in NC | $57,500 | -0.3% | $27.64/hr |
| Social Worker in NC | $58,210 | +1.0% | $27.99/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | -1.0% | $27.44/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NC | $58,450 | +1.4% | $28.10/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | -1.5% | $27.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a secondary school teacher make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a secondary school teacher in North Carolina is $57,650 per year, which equates to approximately $28 per hour. The salary range for this profession typically falls between $45,430 and $64,460 annually.
What is the average salary for a high school teacher in NC compared to the rest of the US?
- Secondary school teachers in North Carolina earn 18.1% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $57,650 annually is significantly lower than the national median.
What is the typical salary range for secondary school teachers in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, secondary school teachers can expect to earn within a range of $45,430 to $64,460 per year. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle of this range at $57,650 annually.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 28,620 secondary school teachers employed in North Carolina. This figure reflects the significant number of educators in this role across the state.