Top Growth Industries & High-Paying Jobs in Charlotte, NC

North Carolina has been enjoying rapid economic growth in Charlotte in recent years thanks to a number of factors. An attractive location along the Eastern seaboard, consistent public and private investment, and relatively low cost of living have all turned the city into an economic powerhouse that’s been difficult to disrupt.

It’s no wonder, then, that the city is regularly featured in lists of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S., as these statistics make clear:

• Over the past decade, Charlotte’s population has swelled by more than 923,164 individuals.
• As of 2024, the city is number 15 among the fastest-growing big cities in the U.S., with a growth rate of 1.7% from 2022 to 2023.
• Between 2023 and 2024, Charlotte was ranked in the top 10 for American cities to start a career after college.

All of this growth has had a direct impact on the city: Driving unemployment rates down to record lows and wages up as companies compete to attract the most qualified talent for open positions.

For students and upcoming graduates in Charlotte, this is the perfect time to launch a career in one of the city’s thriving industries.

Top industries in Charlotte, NC

North Carolina’s economy thrives on three main sectors: information, science, and technology; health care and life sciences; and financial services and business.

Together, they highlight the diverse and robust economic landscape of North Carolina, setting the stage for long-term growth and development. Below, we explore some of these industries, the best-paying jobs in Charlotte, and the most in-demand career paths to help you find the best job for you. We also offer some tips and advice that can help you advance in your career or transition to a new industry altogether.

Highest-paying jobs in Charlotte, NC

1. Information, science, and technology

While it may not be as recognizable a name on the tech scene as Seattle, the Bay Area, or New York City, Charlotte has a thriving technology industry. In fact, according to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, technology talent in Charlotte has grown by more than 77% between 2011 and 2016—one of the fastest-growing rates in the country.

There are more than 45,000 technology workers in Charlotte, working at established companies like Microsoft, IBM, HP Enterprise Services, Oracle, and Cisco, as well as a vast number of startups. Though these workers are spread across all industries, Financial Technology (FinTech) is an important one in Charlotte. Other important industries within the technology sector include consulting, manufacturing, and healthcare.

According to LinkedIn, these are the highest-paying information, science, and technology-focused jobs in Charlotte:

• Network Architect: $154,141
• Software Engineer: $153,542
• Software Architect: $128,919
• Machine Learning Engineer: $125,449
• Full Stack Developer: $102,235

2. Healthcare and life sciences

One in ten workers in the Charlotte area—more than 137,000 individuals—work in health care or the life sciences, making the industry an integral part of the region’s economy to the tune of $13.4 billion.

While many of these professionals work at primary care facilities, hospitals, and private practice, it’s also important to note that Charlotte has a growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Statewide, the industry has expanded 31% since 2001 and now consists of more than 600 companies, many of which call the Charlotte area home.

While it might seem obvious for clinical roles—surgeons, physicians, and general practitioners—to top the charts with some of the highest salaries out of all industries and sectors, even those working in non-clinical roles can net high salaries in the Charlotte area.

Here’s an overview of some healthcare roles and the salary you can expect in the Charlotte area:

• Nurse Practitioner: $125,738
• Physician Assistant: $113,133
• Physical Therapist: $89,209
• Health Specialties Teacher (Postsecondary): $76,763
• Occupational Therapist: $87,086

Those interested in working in a patient-facing role will find it necessary to earn a relevant degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Those interested in a more research-focused role may wish to advance their education even further by earning an advanced degree in health informatics or regulatory affairs.

3. Financial services and business

Charlotte is the third-largest banking center in the United States, with more than $2.3 trillion of assets held in the region’s banks. In total, the city’s financial services industry employs more than 82,000 workers, including two times the national average for financial analysts and three times the national average for financial examiners and credit analysts. Beyond this, there are more than 1,000 international firms located in the Charlotte region from at least 45 different countries, which together employ more than 66,000 workers.

With such a large concentration of financial institutions and international businesses, the demand for leadership talent runs high. As might be expected, job titles in this sector boast some of the highest salaries in the entire Charlotte metro area, including:

• Chief Executives: $132,050
• Financial Managers: $131,783
• Sales Managers: $89,164
• Compensation and Benefits Managers: $119,459
• Marketing Managers: $78,331

Standing out in Charlotte’s competitive job market

If you’re based in the Charlotte area and on the job hunt, it’s important to keep in mind that tightening the labor pool has led to increased competition for the most coveted jobs.

This, of course, means that it can be more challenging than ever to cut through the noise, impress a hiring manager, and advance further in the application process. Northeastern University in Charlotte’s academic programs are specifically tailored to meet the growing needs of Charlotte’s industries, equipping you with the skills to succeed.

Our challenging curriculum, hands-on experiential learning opportunities, and faculty with real-world industry experience uniquely prepare you to meet and exceed the demands of Charlotte’s top employers.