Source: SalaryDr salary data for in North Carolina (N=35 verified submissions, updated June 24, 2026, data as of 2026-06-24). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Physician Salary in North Carolina (2026)
The average physician salary in North Carolina is $601,161 across all specialties, based on 35 verified submissions on SalaryDr. The median is $483,000, with a typical range of $310,000–$700,000.
Source: SalaryDr verified data • Updated Jun 2026
Cost of Living in North Carolina
The cost of living in North Carolina is near the national average (index: 0.95x). Physician salaries here generally reflect national norms when adjusted for local expenses.
Physician Salaries by Specialty in North Carolina
| Specialty | Median Salary | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmology | $3,050,360 | $1,735,680 | 2 |
| Cardiology | $1,100,890 | $1,050,445 | 2 |
| Dermatology | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | 1 |
| Urology | $900,000 | $800,000 | 2 |
| General Surgery | $670,000 | $531,250 | 4 |
| Otolaryngology | $621,100 | $621,100 | 1 |
| Plastic Surgery | $600,000 | $600,000 | 1 |
| Radiology | $595,000 | $701,667 | 3 |
| Vascular Surgery | $585,000 | $585,000 | 1 |
| Critical Care | $585,000 | $585,000 | 1 |
| Anesthesiology | $500,000 | $429,500 | 2 |
| Emergency Medicine | $483,000 | $392,545 | 4 |
| Gastroenterology | $475,000 | $475,000 | 1 |
| Pulmonology | $397,118 | $397,118 | 1 |
| Hematology/Oncology | $322,000 | $307,000 | 2 |
| Psychiatry | $315,000 | $437,333 | 3 |
| Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | $300,000 | $300,000 | 1 |
| Family Medicine | $300,000 | $260,000 | 2 |
| Sports Medicine | $200,000 | $200,000 | 1 |
Top Cities for Physicians in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Salary in North Carolina
What is the average physician salary in North Carolina?
The average physician salary in North Carolina is $601,161, with a median of $483,000, based on 35 verified submissions on SalaryDr.
Which medical specialty pays the most in North Carolina?
Based on SalaryDr data, Ophthalmology has the highest median salary in North Carolina at $3,050,360.
How does the cost of living in North Carolina affect physician pay?
The cost of living in North Carolina is near the national average. Physicians should factor in housing, taxes, and everyday expenses when evaluating offers.
What cities in North Carolina pay physicians the most?
Top cities for physician employment in North Carolina include Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte, Gastonia. Urban areas tend to offer higher salaries but also higher living costs.
How many physicians report salary data in North Carolina?
SalaryDr currently has 35 verified physician salary submissions from North Carolina.
Explore Other States
Practice in North Carolina?
Share your salary anonymously and help physicians make informed decisions about opportunities in North Carolina. It takes less than 2 minutes.