BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Retail Salespersons in North Carolina

$34,230 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$16.46 per hour

▼ 8.3% below U.S. average41st of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$34,230per year
Median$31,370per year
Hourly$16.46per hour
10th – 90th percentile$23,040 – $46,070per year

Retail Salespersons Pay Range in North Carolina

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$23,040
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$27,720
  • 50th Percentile — Median$31,370
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$36,930
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$46,070

Half of Retail Salespersons in North Carolina earn more than $31,370. The top 10% make $46,070 or more, while entry-level workers start around $23,040.

Retail Salespersons in North Carolina: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • North Carolina ranks 41st of 51 states for Retail Salespersons pay, at $34,230 per year (8.3% below the U.S. average of $37,310).
  • 127,540 people work as Retail Salespersons in North Carolina — 3.3% of all U.S. Retail Salespersons jobs.
  • Location quotient 1.03: Retail Salespersons jobs are more concentrated in North Carolina than in the U.S. overall.
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $23,040; the top 10% earn over $46,070.
  • Hourly equivalent: $16.46 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Washington at $43,530.
  • Among sales jobs in North Carolina, Securities Commodities Financial Services Sales pays the most ($96,990).

Retail Salespersons Job Market in North Carolina

Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina's key industries are Technology, Finance, Agriculture, and its job market is rated strong. Retail Salespersons here earn $34,230 on average, placing the state 41st nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.91 (U.S. = 1.00), a North Carolina salary of $34,230 is roughly equivalent to $37,615 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Kansas ($34,970), Ohio ($34,580), Pennsylvania ($34,530) are the closest alternatives for Retail Salespersons weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Retail Salespersons salary in North Carolina?

The average Retail Salespersons salary in North Carolina is $34,230 per year (median $31,370), which is 8.3% below the national average of $37,310.

How does North Carolina rank for Retail Salespersons pay?

North Carolina ranks 41st out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Washington ($43,530/yr).

How much do entry-level Retail Salespersons make in North Carolina?

The lowest-paid 10% of Retail Salespersons in North Carolina earn about $23,040 per year and the 25th percentile is $27,720.

How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in North Carolina?

About $16.46 per hour, based on the $34,230 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

How many Retail Salespersons work in North Carolina?

BLS counts 127,540 Retail Salespersons jobs in North Carolina (OEWS May 2025).

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