Healthcare · North Carolina

Anesthesiologist Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Median Anesthesiologist salary in North Carolina is approximately $329,000/year — about 6.0% below the national average.

Annual salary breakdown

$329,000
median annual salary in North Carolina
Hourly (40 hr/week, 52 wk)
2,080 hours/year
$158
Weekly
$6,327
Biweekly (26 paychecks)
$12,654
Monthly
$27,417
Annual (gross)
$329,000

After-tax estimate

$241,322
estimated take-home/year
Gross salary
$329,000
Federal income tax (est.)
~14% effective
−$46,060
FICA (7.65%)
−$25,169
North Carolina state tax (est.)
Approximate effective rate
−$16,450
Estimated take-home
$241,322
Monthly take-home
$20,110
For exact take-home, use our North Carolina Paycheck Calculator.
Anesthesiologist salary by similar state (cost-of-living adjusted)
StateEstimated annualvs North Carolina
Georgia$329,000+$0
Idaho$325,500-$3,500
Michigan$325,500-$3,500
Montana$325,500-$3,500

Anesthesiologist salaries in North Carolina, explained

The estimated median Anesthesiologist salary in North Carolina is $329,000/year, which is about 6.0% below the US national median of $350,000. That works out to roughly $158/hour at a standard 40-hour week, $6,327/week, $12,654/biweekly, or $27,417/month before taxes.

North Carolina ranks 28 of 51 US states (including DC) on a cost-of-living-adjusted compensation basis. The state multiplier of 0.94× reflects how typical wages adjust to local prices — higher in places like California, New York, and Massachusetts; lower in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.

North Carolina spotlight: economy and Anesthesiologist role context

Charlotte banking hub and Research Triangle biotech corridor. Economically, banking and biotech dominate. From a cost-of-living standpoint, this is a mid-cost state near the national average, which directly informs how regional employers price Anesthesiologist roles — higher COL areas adjust salaries upward to remain competitive in the labor market.

Charlotte banking hub and Research Triangle biotech corridor, with significant biotech sector employment. Notable area employers include Bank of America, Lowe's, Duke Energy, which often pay above the state median for Anesthesiologists working in the industry.

State income tax in this region tends to be moderate (typically 4–6% effective at this income), and combined with relatively low cost of living, real after-tax purchasing power often exceeds higher-paying coastal states. Pair this estimate with our paycheck calculator for exact figures.

What affects your actual salary

  • Experience level: entry-level often 25–35% below median, senior roles 40–60%+ above.
  • Metro area within North Carolina: major metros pay more than rural areas. Bay Area vs Central Valley California is a 30%+ swing.
  • Employer size: large companies typically pay 10–20% more than small businesses for the same role.
  • Industry: a Software Engineer at a tech company makes more than at a non-tech employer; a Marketing Manager at a top brand earns more than at a startup.
  • Education and credentials: degrees and certifications can shift compensation by 15–30%.
  • Negotiation: simply asking for more and negotiating can move offers 5–15%.

Take-home pay in North Carolina

Of the gross $329,000, you take home roughly $241,322 after federal income tax (~14% effective at this income level), FICA (7.65%), and North Carolina's state income tax (roughly 5% effective). That's about $20,110/month after-tax.

For a precise after-tax calculation including 401(k) contributions, HSA, filing status, and state-specific brackets, use our North Carolina Paycheck Calculator. For comparisons across cities, see the Paycheck Calculator with city-specific tax data.

Where this number comes from

Our estimate combines: (1) US national median for Anesthesiologist based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, and (2) North Carolina's cost-of-living multiplier derived from BEA Regional Price Parities. The multiplier captures average wage adjustment to local prices — useful for budgeting and offer comparisons.

For more precise numbers specific to your role and metro: BLS OES (bls.gov/oes), Glassdoor, Levels.fyi (tech roles), salary.com, or LinkedIn Salary Insights. Cross-reference 2-3 sources before negotiation.

Related tools

Salary Calculator — convert hourly to annual. North Carolina Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home. Income Tax Calculator — federal tax with brackets. North Carolina Mortgage Calculator — what you can afford. Investment Calculator — long-term growth from this income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Anesthesiologist salary in North Carolina?
The estimated median Anesthesiologist salary in North Carolina is $329,000 per year, or approximately $158/hour at 40 hours per week. Real-world salaries vary by experience (entry-level often 30% lower, senior 40-60% higher), employer, and metro area within North Carolina.
How does this compare to the national Anesthesiologist salary?
The US national median for Anesthesiologist is approximately $350,000. North Carolina comes in at 6.0% below the national average, ranking 28 of 51 by cost-of-living-adjusted compensation.
What's the hourly equivalent for $329,000/year?
$329,000/year ÷ 2,080 hours = approximately $158/hour at standard full-time (40 hours × 52 weeks). Adjust for unpaid time off, overtime, or different schedules.
What's the after-tax take-home for Anesthesiologist in North Carolina?
Estimate: $241,322/year after federal income tax (~14% effective at this income), FICA (7.65%), and North Carolina state tax. Use our Paycheck Calculator for state-specific accuracy with your actual deductions, 401(k), and filing status.
How accurate are these salary estimates?
These are population-level estimates based on national medians adjusted for North Carolina's cost-of-living index. Real salaries depend on metro area (Bay Area vs rural California is 30%+ difference), employer size, years of experience, and specific role. For precise data, check Bureau of Labor Statistics OES, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or salary.com.