Cost of living

Cost of living in North Carolina: what jobs pay vs rent

Typical rent in North Carolina is about $1,147/mo (population-weighted Census gross rent, utilities included). Here's how 300 common jobs' estimated take-home pay compares.

JobEst. take-homeRent share
Chief Executive$15,548/mo7%
Family Physician$14,925/mo8%
Nurse Anesthetist$14,399/mo8%
Dentist$11,532/mo10%
IT Manager$10,674/mo11%
Natural Sciences Manager$10,654/mo11%
Optometrist$10,046/mo11%
Architectural and Engineering Manager$9,903/mo12%
Financial Manager$9,546/mo12%
Marketing Manager$9,347/mo12%
Pharmacist$8,799/mo13%
Lawyer$8,653/mo13%
Computer Hardware Engineer$8,516/mo13%
Software Developer$8,490/mo14%
Actuary$8,462/mo14%
Human Resources Manager$8,447/mo14%
Purchasing Manager$8,394/mo14%
Public Relations Manager$8,267/mo14%
Data Scientist$8,251/mo14%
Physician Assistant$8,221/mo14%
Information Security Analyst$8,185/mo14%
Sales Manager$8,143/mo14%
Veterinarian$8,079/mo14%
Nurse Practitioner$7,894/mo15%
Network Architect$7,843/mo15%
Industrial Production Manager$7,342/mo16%
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product$7,288/mo16%
Systems Analyst$6,875/mo17%
Healthcare Manager$6,867/mo17%
Database Administrator$6,824/mo17%
Operations Manager$6,797/mo17%
Financial Advisor$6,690/mo17%
Computer Programmer$6,611/mo17%
Construction Manager$6,591/mo17%
Operations Research Analyst$6,577/mo17%
Electrical Engineer$6,576/mo17%
Medical Scientist$6,540/mo18%
Management Consultant$6,537/mo18%
Financial Analyst$6,499/mo18%
Administrative Services Manager$6,480/mo18%
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester$6,456/mo18%
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager$6,404/mo18%
Project Management Specialist$6,395/mo18%
Facilities Manager$6,377/mo18%
Financial Examiner$6,362/mo18%
Mechanical Engineer$6,207/mo18%
Non-Retail Sales Worker$6,178/mo19%
Physical Therapist$6,164/mo19%
Network Administrator$6,118/mo19%
Industrial Engineer$6,113/mo19%
Occupational Therapist$5,922/mo19%
Credit Analyst$5,831/mo20%
Labor Relations Specialist$5,773/mo20%
Civil Engineer$5,630/mo20%
Web and Digital Interface Designer$5,398/mo21%
Sonographer$5,298/mo22%
Dental Hygienist$5,280/mo22%
Speech Pathologist$5,244/mo22%
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$5,221/mo22%
Accountant$5,195/mo22%
Architect$5,184/mo22%
Registered Nurse$5,173/mo22%
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$5,168/mo22%
Police and Detective$5,168/mo22%
Chemist$5,164/mo22%
Chiropractor$5,158/mo22%
Psychologist$5,111/mo22%
Computer Network Support Specialist$5,040/mo23%
Web Developer$4,974/mo23%
Claims Adjuster$4,953/mo23%
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairer$4,889/mo23%
Logistician$4,882/mo23%
Market Research Analyst$4,869/mo24%
Insurance Underwriter$4,745/mo24%
Mechanics, Installers, and Repairer$4,681/mo25%
Compliance Officer$4,562/mo25%
Respiratory Therapist$4,490/mo26%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,458/mo26%
Social and Community Service Manager$4,414/mo26%
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$4,380/mo26%
Loan Officer$4,371/mo26%
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent$4,284/mo27%
Construction Supervisor$4,270/mo27%
Food Service Manager$4,261/mo27%
Cost Estimator$4,239/mo27%
Radiologic Technologist$4,239/mo27%
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician$4,217/mo27%
HR Specialist$4,217/mo27%
Editor$4,215/mo27%
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistant$4,206/mo27%
Writer$4,194/mo27%
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist$4,179/mo27%
Buyers and Purchasing Agent$4,167/mo28%
Construction and Building Inspector$4,133/mo28%
Production and Operating Worker$4,131/mo28%
Firefighting and Prevention Worker$4,111/mo28%
Physical Therapist Assistant$4,106/mo28%
Dietitian$4,096/mo28%
Medical Equipment Repairer$4,083/mo28%
Healthcare Social Worker$4,051/mo28%
Public Relations Specialist$4,036/mo28%
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,033/mo28%
Instructional Coordinator$4,033/mo28%
Postal Service Clerk$4,005/mo29%
Massage Therapist$4,002/mo29%
Detectives and Criminal Investigator$3,986/mo29%
Property Manager$3,982/mo29%
Training and Development Specialist$3,977/mo29%
Sales Representative$3,970/mo29%
Librarian$3,968/mo29%
Producers and Director$3,938/mo29%
Industrial Machinery Mechanic$3,925/mo29%
Office and Administrative Support Worker$3,829/mo30%
Licensed Practical Nurse$3,808/mo30%
Architectural and Civil Drafter$3,804/mo30%
Security Worker$3,793/mo30%
Fundraiser$3,769/mo30%
Chef$3,766/mo30%
Insurance Agent$3,715/mo31%
IT Support Specialist$3,705/mo31%
Clergy$3,688/mo31%
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technician$3,681/mo31%
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$3,665/mo31%
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairer$3,665/mo31%
Postal Service Mail Carrier$3,661/mo31%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$3,606/mo32%
Journalist$3,562/mo32%
Interior Designer$3,532/mo32%
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technician$3,522/mo33%
Graphic Designer$3,491/mo33%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$3,459/mo33%
Special Ed Teacher$3,449/mo33%
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator$3,446/mo33%
Surgical Technologist$3,434/mo33%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist$3,419/mo34%
Diesel Mechanic$3,418/mo34%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner$3,411/mo34%
Police Officer$3,405/mo34%
Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Worker$3,389/mo34%
Paralegals and Legal Assistant$3,380/mo34%
School Counselor$3,375/mo34%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$3,366/mo34%
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$3,336/mo34%
High School Teacher$3,319/mo35%
Electrician$3,312/mo35%
Social Worker$3,303/mo35%
HVAC Technician$3,290/mo35%
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$3,281/mo35%
Loan Interviewers and Clerk$3,279/mo35%
Plumber$3,277/mo35%
Tax Preparer$3,275/mo35%
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender$3,269/mo35%
Elementary School Teacher$3,263/mo35%
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerk$3,258/mo35%
Advertising Sales Agent$3,253/mo35%
Machinist$3,244/mo35%
Sheet Metal Worker$3,231/mo35%
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk$3,199/mo36%
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk$3,195/mo36%
Truck Driver$3,191/mo36%
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer$3,186/mo36%
Automotive Body and Related Repairer$3,167/mo36%
Biological Technician$3,161/mo36%
Welder$3,160/mo36%
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$3,150/mo36%
Skincare Specialist$3,138/mo37%
Paramedic$3,131/mo37%
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer$3,102/mo37%
Opticians, Dispensing$3,090/mo37%
Equipment Operator$3,085/mo37%
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer$3,076/mo37%
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk$3,056/mo38%
Dental Assistant$3,055/mo38%
Roofer$3,037/mo38%
Auto Mechanic$3,026/mo38%
Correctional Officer$3,019/mo38%
Medical Records Specialist$3,019/mo38%
Carpenter$3,005/mo38%
Cement Masons and Concrete Finisher$3,000/mo38%
Fitness Trainer$2,997/mo38%
Retail Supervisor$2,995/mo38%
Bookkeeper$2,941/mo39%
Maintenance Worker$2,936/mo39%
Real Estate Agent$2,931/mo39%
Cargo and Freight Agent$2,928/mo39%
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,925/mo39%
Veterinary Technologists and Technician$2,924/mo39%
Library Technician$2,904/mo39%
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,894/mo40%
Highway Maintenance Worker$2,865/mo40%
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,854/mo40%
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,828/mo41%
Personal Service Worker$2,822/mo41%
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,809/mo41%
Bill and Account Collector$2,800/mo41%
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,792/mo41%
Billing and Posting Clerk$2,785/mo41%
Rehabilitation Counselor$2,779/mo41%
Court, Municipal, and License Clerk$2,766/mo41%
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Program$2,746/mo42%
Audio and Video Technician$2,745/mo42%
Admin Assistant$2,739/mo42%
Printing Press Operator$2,735/mo42%
Medical Equipment Preparer$2,698/mo43%
Housekeeping and Janitorial Worker$2,678/mo43%
Sports Coach$2,663/mo43%
Public Safety Telecommunicator$2,631/mo44%
Ophthalmic Medical Technician$2,621/mo44%
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher$2,620/mo44%
Medical Assistant$2,612/mo44%
Phlebotomist$2,549/mo45%
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator$2,547/mo45%
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tender$2,547/mo45%
Self-Enrichment Teacher$2,544/mo45%
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$2,538/mo45%
Psychiatric Technician$2,536/mo45%
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,526/mo45%
EMT$2,516/mo46%
Pharmacy Technician$2,516/mo46%
Construction Laborer$2,506/mo46%
Food Service Supervisor$2,502/mo46%
Tutor$2,501/mo46%
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector$2,497/mo46%
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,490/mo46%
Customer Service Rep$2,487/mo46%
Painter$2,485/mo46%
Social and Human Service Assistant$2,480/mo46%
Teller$2,473/mo46%
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,452/mo47%
Photographer$2,452/mo47%
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk$2,439/mo47%
Delivery Driver$2,433/mo47%
Pest Control Worker$2,415/mo47%
File Clerk$2,412/mo48%
Office Clerk$2,412/mo48%
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenter$2,410/mo48%
Counter and Rental Clerk$2,403/mo48%
Slaughterers and Meat Packer$2,401/mo48%
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmer$2,381/mo48%
Butchers and Meat Cutter$2,372/mo48%
Data Entry Keyer$2,360/mo49%
Hairdresser$2,341/mo49%
Nursing Assistant$2,341/mo49%
Food Batchmaker$2,334/mo49%
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker$2,331/mo49%
Landscaper$2,319/mo49%
Firefighter$2,317/mo50%
Bus Drivers, School$2,278/mo50%
Order Clerk$2,275/mo50%
Couriers and Messenger$2,261/mo51%
Receptionist$2,258/mo51%
Warehouse Worker$2,257/mo51%
Tire Repairers and Changer$2,228/mo51%
Residential Advisor$2,224/mo52%
Restaurant Cook$2,211/mo52%
Preschool Teacher$2,209/mo52%
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$2,186/mo52%
Security Guard$2,181/mo53%
Parts Salesperson$2,170/mo53%
Stockers and Order Filler$2,170/mo53%
Bartender$2,155/mo53%
Sewing Machine Operator$2,154/mo53%
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmer$2,104/mo55%
Crossing Guards and Flagger$2,058/mo56%
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$2,022/mo57%
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$2,020/mo57%
Packers and Packagers, Hand$2,020/mo57%
School Bus Monitor$1,999/mo57%
Recreation Worker$1,988/mo58%
Library Assistants, Clerical$1,960/mo59%
Telemarketer$1,957/mo59%
Retail Salesperson$1,944/mo59%
Parking Attendant$1,938/mo59%
Janitor$1,936/mo59%
Manicurists and Pedicurist$1,924/mo60%
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner$1,914/mo60%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$1,913/mo60%
Childcare Worker$1,892/mo61%
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk$1,890/mo61%
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$1,886/mo61%
Animal Caretaker$1,879/mo61%
Home Health Aide$1,867/mo61%
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant$1,853/mo62%
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeur$1,846/mo62%
Baker$1,834/mo63%
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker$1,824/mo63%
Fast Food and Counter Worker$1,820/mo63%
Dishwasher$1,811/mo63%
Food Preparation Worker$1,808/mo63%
Teaching Assistant$1,788/mo64%
Cashier$1,758/mo65%
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker$1,736/mo66%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker$1,695/mo68%
Cooks, Short Order$1,613/mo71%
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$1,522/mo75%
Cooks, Fast Food$1,520/mo75%
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper$1,513/mo76%
Amusement and Recreation Attendant$1,489/mo77%
Server$1,369/mo84%
Driver/Sales Worker$1,352/mo85%

Pay is BLS OEWS 2023 state median wages after a rough ~22% tax estimate — a ballpark, not a real paycheck. It doesn't include state taxes, insurance, transport, or the cost of moving.

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