Business administrators salaries and cost of living in North Carolina
Beginning a business administration career in North Carolina offers a unique blend of professional growth and a vibrant living environment. This guide explores the dynamic landscape of CEO, entrepreneur, operations and general managers and supply chain managers in the Tar Heel State.
Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we delve into specific places that hire the most, median salaries, the economic climate, cost of living, healthcare, professional associations, labor laws, fair compensation, educational requirements and state business administration universities.
Snapshot of business administration salaries in North Carolina
There are roughly 71,340 people employed as general and operations managers in North Carolina says the BLS. The median wage per hour in NC is $48 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 5.8%.
Understanding the state of the economy is crucial for business professionals in North Carolina. The state's diverse economy includes sectors like manufacturing, finance and technology. Here is an overview and some specific companies that employ different business administrator roles in North Carolina:
CEOs and leadership:
Major corporations in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham are prime hubs for CEOs.
Major employers:
Bank of America: Charlotte, NC. Bank of America is a multinational investment bank and financial services company.
Duke Energy: Charlotte, NC. Duke Energy is a large electric power holding company, serving millions of customers across the Carolinas, providing electric and gas services.
Red Hat: Raleigh, NC. Red Hat is a global software company known for its open-source solutions.
Entrepreneurs:
Cities like Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, known as the Research Triangle, foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Co-working spaces, incubators and accelerators in these areas attract innovative startups.
Major employers:
Epic Games: Cary, NC. Epic Games is a video game and software developer. The company is known for creating popular games like Fortnite and provides gaming-related software and services.
SAS Institute: Cary, NC. SAS Institute is a software analytics company, offering solutions for data management, advanced analytics and business intelligence.
Operations and general managers:
Charlotte, as a major financial hub, hosts opportunities in banking and finance.
Major employers:
Wells Fargo: Charlotte, NC. Wells Fargo is a major financial institution providing a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage and consumer financial services.
Hanesbrand: Winston-Salem, NC. Hanesbrands is a leading apparel company, known for its brands like Hanes, Champion and Playtex.
Supply chain managers:
With a robust manufacturing sector, cities such as Greensboro and Winston-Salem have a demand for supply chain expertise.
Major employers:
Volvo Group North America: Greensboro, NC. Volvo Group is a global manufacturer of trucks, buses and construction equipment. The North American branch, located in Greensboro, plays a key role in supply chain management for the company.
Lenovo: Morrisville, NC. Lenovo is a multinational technology company specializing in the manufacture of computers, laptops and electronic devices. The Morrisville location is involved in supply chain management and operations.
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Business administration salaries in NC: A quick look
While the median salary for business administration professionals—a category that includes careers in management, sales, marketing and a number of other business fields—is just over $76,850 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Drawing on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Salaries for different business administrator roles in North Carolina
Entrepreneurs:
Salaries vary widely based on business success.
Leadership roles:
Top executives, such as CEOs and CFOs, enjoy substantial salaries. CEOs in NC have a median annual wage of .
Operations and general managers:
Professionals overseeing day-to-day operations earn a median annual wage of $99,190 in NC says the BLS.
Supply chain managers:
In North Carolina, supply chain managers can expect a median annual wage of $100,490.
Median business administration salary in North Carolina
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in NC is $99,190 cites the BLS. That wage is slightly higher than the national median for the country.
General and Operations Managers
10%$46,290
25%$64,450
50%$99,190Median
75%$158,460
90%$230,080
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth5.8%
Total Employment72,250
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
$120,240
$53,760
N/A
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
$108,600
$51,990
N/A
Raleigh-Cary, NC
$107,570
$54,430
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
$99,110
$48,580
$217,990
Greensboro-High Point, NC
$97,150
$40,760
$229,990
Burlington, NC
$94,050
$45,050
$218,140
Fayetteville, NC
$92,220
$43,790
$184,970
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
$91,450
$43,450
$206,910
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
$91,030
$36,400
$220,930
Rocky Mount, NC
$90,760
$45,300
$204,960
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
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Salary range for a business administration career in NC
The salary range for general and operations professionals in North Carolina typically spans from $46,290 to over $158,460 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within North Carolina
Your salary may depend upon where you live within NC. For example, Chapel Hill and Durham may pay better than rural or less populated areas because the cost of living is higher in these cities. If your city is an industry center, like Charlotte, which is a top financial hub, pay may be more competitive. Here are top metro areas for general and operations managers per the BLS. As you can see, North Carolina doesn't rank in the top 10 for salary in its metro areas.
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$162,480
Trenton-Princeton, NJ
$160,460
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$152,090
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$151,420
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$149,260
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$141,280
Sioux Falls, SD-MN
$138,940
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
$135,210
Huntsville, AL
$133,750
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT
$132,880
Factors affecting business administrator salary in North Carolina
Several factors influence what your business administration salary may be in NC. These primary factors may include:
Experience level:
Experience is a key determinant of salary as it reflects expertise in navigating challenges and offering informed decisions.
Geographical location:
The specific area in NC where you work can influence salary. Urban centers like Charlotte or Greensboro may offer higher pay due to the concentration of major industries.
Industry specialization:
Professionals in sectors with higher demands or complexities often command higher compensation.
Company size:
The size of the employing company is a critical component. Larger corporations, particularly in technology or manufacturing, may offer higher salaries for management roles.
Economic conditions:
Keeping abreast of economic trends and industry developments ensures that business administrators are well-equipped to navigate any type of economic climate.
How can I know if my business administrator salary is fair in NC?
North Carolina labor laws cover areas such as minimum wage, overtime and workplace safety. To assess fair compensation, individuals can refer to the BLS, industry reports and networking platforms. If concerns arise, employees can seek guidance from the North Carolina Department of Labor.
Here are some steps to take if you feel you are being paid unfairly:
Research industry pay for your state and geographic area
Familiarize yourself with your company's policies on compensation and benefits.
Don't be afraid to ask your supervisor or HR manager to clarify pay packages and how they work.
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Education for business administrator roles in North Carolina
Education requirements differ across business administration roles in North Carolina. While a bachelor's degree may suffice for entry-level positions, pursuing an MBA or specialized certifications can enhance career prospects. Here are general education requirements for BA roles:
General and operations managers:
A bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field is often required. North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte are notable institutions.
Supply chain managers:
A bachelor's degree in supply chain management or a related field is typical. East Carolina University and Appalachian State University offer relevant programs.
Leadership roles:
Advanced degrees, such as an MBA, are common. Outstanding universities offering MBA programs include Duke University (Fuqua School of Business) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School).
Entrepreneurs:
Varied educational backgrounds are the norm. Universities like North Carolina State University offer programs supporting entrepreneurship.
Cost of living considerations for North Carolina
The cost of living in North Carolina is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
More specifically, North Carolina's cost of living is, on average 6% lower than the national average—with housing around 15% lower than the national average, says RentCafe.
RentCafe notes that most major cities in North Carolina except Chapel Hill and Durham have a lower cost of living than the national average. Take a look at places the cost of living is lowest:
City in NC
Cost of living percentage
Asheville
0% even
Chapel Hill
3% higher
Charlotte
2% lower
Durham
1% higher
Raleigh
3% lower
Winston-Salem
4% lower
North Carolina professional business associations
Professional associations have value for business administration professionals, especially those just beginning their careers, as they provide valuable networking opportunities and continuing education resources. Here are just a couple associations you may consider joining.
NC Tech Association: The group champions North Carolina's tech sector by providing resources to individuals and businesses in the industry.
North Carolina Healthcare Information and Communications Alliance (NCHICA): Dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the U.S. healthcare system through the use of information technology, informatics and analytics.
North Carolina Association of Manufacturers (NCAM): Represents and promotes the interests of manufacturing industries in North Carolina by working with state and local governments, among other goals.
Considering a business administration career in North Carolina may open doors to a rich professional landscape amidst a welcoming community. From the bustling cities to the scenic landscapes, the Tar Heel State provides a unique backdrop for success in CEO roles, entrepreneurial ventures, operations and general management and supply chain expertise. Aspiring professionals can find potential opportunities, supported by a robust economy and a high quality of life.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
