Sam SmithRaleigh, North Carolina — the heart of the Research Triangle — has evolved into one of America’s most dynamic and high-paying metropolitan economies. Powered by a unique combination of world-class universities, tech innovation, and biotech leadership, the Raleigh-Cary metro area attracts both startups and multinational corporations. Major employers like Red Hat, Cisco, Biogen, Fidelity Investments, and Lenovo drive robust demand for highly skilled professionals across technology, healthcare, life sciences, and finance.
This guide explores the biggest-paying jobs in Raleigh, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), North Carolina Department of Commerce, and leading salary aggregators such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary. Figures represent estimated annual gross salaries (USD) for 2025, tailored to reflect compensation trends across Raleigh, Cary, and the broader Research Triangle region.
Highest-paying Jobs in Raleigh-Cary, NC, and Why they Command Top Money
Executive & C-Suite Level ($180,000 – $500,000+)
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs in Raleigh lead major corporations, tech startups, and biotech firms driving the Research Triangle economy. They oversee operations, corporate strategy, and investor relations, ensuring profitability and growth. With constant innovation across technology, healthcare, and finance, top executives earn high compensation reflecting both leadership demands and the fierce competition for proven strategic talent in a fast-evolving market.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs manage financial strategy, risk assessment, and budgeting for rapidly scaling companies in Raleigh’s tech and biotech sectors. They oversee accounting teams, analyze cash flow, and make investment decisions crucial for sustainable growth. Their expertise in compliance, M&A, and capital management makes them indispensable to firms expanding within North Carolina’s innovation-driven economy.
3. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
CTOs in Raleigh command high salaries due to the region’s booming tech ecosystem. They lead product innovation, oversee software and hardware development, and implement emerging technologies such as AI and cloud computing. As companies like Red Hat and Cisco expand operations, experienced technology executives capable of managing large development teams and long-term digital strategy are in very high demand.
4. Chief Information Officer (CIO)
CIOs guide enterprise IT infrastructure and digital transformation. In Raleigh’s tech-intensive market, they secure networks, modernize legacy systems, and manage data strategy across corporate operations. With rising cybersecurity risks and reliance on cloud systems, CIOs earn top pay for ensuring that technology aligns with business goals and remains resilient against disruption.
5. Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
Chief Medical Officers in Raleigh oversee clinical operations for hospitals, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies. They coordinate medical policy, ensure quality assurance, and guide research ethics. The area’s concentration of major healthcare systems and life-science institutions keeps demand strong for physicians with both clinical expertise and executive management experience.
6. Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
Raleigh’s biotech and pharmaceutical boom drives strong demand for CSOs, who lead scientific research and development initiatives. They design experimental strategies, oversee laboratories, and ensure product innovation. With the Research Triangle Park hosting global pharmaceutical companies, salaries remain high for those capable of managing large-scale R&D operations and securing federal or private research funding.
7. Chief Operating Officer (COO)
COOs ensure smooth company operations, balancing daily management with long-term growth. In Raleigh, they coordinate departments across manufacturing, healthcare, or technology firms. Their analytical and leadership skills are vital to scaling complex operations. As startups mature into mid-sized firms, COOs with experience in process optimization and workforce management are extremely valuable.
8. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
CMOs in the Raleigh-Durham area spearhead branding, advertising, and digital strategy for major tech and biotech brands. They oversee marketing teams that build national campaigns, manage product launches, and interpret market data to drive revenue growth. Strong communication skills and proven success in brand expansion translate into top-tier compensation.
9. Vice President (VP) of Engineering
Engineering VPs lead large technical teams, oversee product lifecycles, and ensure that innovations move efficiently from concept to production. With Raleigh’s strong emphasis on software, hardware, and biotech engineering, VPs who blend deep technical expertise with leadership abilities are among the most highly compensated professionals in the area.
10. Vice President (VP) of Research & Development
VPR&Ds oversee innovation pipelines for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and advanced technologies. They guide scientists and engineers, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. In Raleigh’s thriving biotech corridor, their expertise in product development and cross-functional management ensures breakthrough innovations, earning them high salaries and strategic influence.
Medicine & Healthcare ($150,000 – $400,000+)
11. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are among Raleigh’s highest-earning physicians, providing pain management and anesthesia for surgeries across Duke, UNC, and WakeMed systems. Their precision and high-risk responsibilities, combined with years of medical training, justify top pay. With ongoing demand in surgical and outpatient centers, anesthesiology remains one of the region’s most lucrative specialties.
12. Surgeon
Surgeons command premium salaries due to their advanced skills and critical role in healthcare outcomes. Raleigh’s hospitals employ specialists in cardiovascular, orthopedic, and neurosurgery who perform complex operations daily. High procedural demand, coupled with rigorous training requirements, ensures that experienced surgeons remain among the area’s best-compensated professionals.
13. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists in Raleigh treat mental health disorders through therapy and medication management. As awareness and demand for mental healthcare rise, their expertise becomes increasingly valuable. Working in private practice, hospitals, or telemedicine platforms, psychiatrists combine medical training with psychological insight, earning substantial compensation for specialized care.
14. Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
OB/GYNs provide women’s reproductive healthcare, pregnancy management, and surgical procedures. Raleigh’s growing population and strong hospital network create steady demand for these specialists. Their dual focus on preventive medicine and complex obstetrics justifies high earnings, particularly for those affiliated with large health systems or in private practice.
15. Orthodontist
Orthodontists in Raleigh earn impressive incomes by correcting dental alignment and improving oral health. With a steady flow of patients from the city’s expanding suburban families, private clinics thrive. High training standards, specialized skills, and aesthetic demand ensure orthodontists maintain strong earning potential within the metro’s healthcare landscape.
16. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
These surgeons perform complex facial and jaw procedures, often blending dentistry with advanced surgical techniques. Their work demands years of specialized training, high precision, and surgical expertise. In Raleigh’s well-developed medical network, their services are essential for trauma repair, reconstructive surgery, and dental implantology — leading to premium salaries.
17. Physician (General)
General physicians form the backbone of Raleigh’s healthcare system, offering primary care and chronic disease management. Their comprehensive medical knowledge and growing patient loads make them indispensable. With rising population and health insurance access, general practitioners benefit from stable, high salaries and consistent demand across hospitals and private practices.
18. Pediatrician
Pediatricians provide specialized healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. In family-oriented Raleigh suburbs, demand is constant. They diagnose, prevent, and treat illnesses while monitoring developmental milestones. Their compassionate approach and broad medical expertise make them trusted professionals — and well-compensated pillars of the region’s family healthcare sector.
19. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists deliver anesthesia and monitor patients before, during, and after surgery. Their advanced training allows them to perform many duties traditionally handled by physicians. With strong demand in Raleigh’s hospitals and surgical centers, CRNAs command six-figure salaries and play a vital role in modern medical care.
20. Podiatrist
Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle disorders, helping patients restore mobility and manage chronic conditions. In Raleigh’s active and aging population, their services are essential for both athletes and seniors. Specialized surgical training and consistent patient demand translate into excellent earning potential and professional independence.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in Raleigh–Cary, NC (Full List)
| # | Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Industry / Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $400,000 – $500,000+ | Executive / Corporate |
| 2 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | $300,000 – $420,000 | Finance / Corporate |
| 3 | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | $280,000 – $400,000 | Tech / Software |
| 4 | Chief Information Officer (CIO) | $250,000 – $380,000 | Tech / IT Infrastructure |
| 5 | Chief Medical Officer (CMO) | $260,000 – $420,000 | Healthcare / Biotech |
| 6 | Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) | $240,000 – $390,000 | Research / Biotech |
| 7 | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | $230,000 – $350,000 | Business / Corporate |
| 8 | Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) | $200,000 – $330,000 | Marketing / Corporate |
| 9 | Vice President (VP) of Engineering | $210,000 – $310,000 | Engineering / Tech |
| 10 | VP of Research & Development | $200,000 – $300,000 | Biotech / Pharma |
| 11 | Anesthesiologist | $350,000 – $420,000 | Healthcare |
| 12 | Surgeon | $300,000 – $400,000 | Healthcare |
| 13 | Psychiatrist | $250,000 – $320,000 | Healthcare |
| 14 | Obstetrician / Gynecologist | $240,000 – $300,000 | Healthcare |
| 15 | Orthodontist | $230,000 – $310,000 | Dental / Healthcare |
| 16 | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | $250,000 – $350,000 | Dental / Surgery |
| 17 | Physician (General) | $200,000 – $260,000 | Healthcare |
| 18 | Pediatrician | $190,000 – $240,000 | Healthcare |
| 19 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $180,000 – $220,000 | Healthcare |
| 20 | Podiatrist | $160,000 – $210,000 | Healthcare |
| 21 | Software Engineering Manager | $170,000 – $240,000 | Technology |
| 22 | IT Director | $160,000 – $220,000 | Tech / IT |
| 23 | Principal Software Engineer | $150,000 – $210,000 | Software Development |
| 24 | Data Science Manager | $160,000 – $230,000 | Technology / Data |
| 25 | Cloud Architect | $150,000 – $220,000 | IT / Cloud Computing |
| 26 | Cybersecurity Architect | $150,000 – $210,000 | Cybersecurity |
| 27 | DevOps Engineer (Lead) | $140,000 – $200,000 | IT / DevOps |
| 28 | Machine Learning Engineer | $150,000 – $230,000 | AI / Data Science |
| 29 | Solutions Architect | $140,000 – $200,000 | Technology |
| 30 | Network Architect | $130,000 – $190,000 | IT / Telecom |
| 31 | IT Program Manager | $130,000 – $180,000 | IT / Management |
| 32 | SRE (Site Reliability Engineer) Manager | $140,000 – $200,000 | Tech / Cloud |
| 33 | Mobile Development Manager | $130,000 – $190,000 | Technology |
| 34 | QA Director | $120,000 – $170,000 | Software / Tech |
| 35 | Blockchain Developer (Senior) | $120,000 – $200,000 | Fintech / Blockchain |
| 36 | R&D Director | $160,000 – $230,000 | Biotech / Pharma |
| 37 | Principal Scientist | $150,000 – $220,000 | Biotech / Research |
| 38 | Clinical Research Director | $140,000 – $210,000 | Pharma / Clinical |
| 39 | Medical Science Liaison | $130,000 – $200,000 | Biotech / Clinical |
| 40 | Bioinformatics Scientist | $130,000 – $200,000 | Data / Biotech |
| 41 | Process Development Director | $140,000 – $210,000 | Pharma / Manufacturing |
| 42 | Regulatory Affairs Director | $150,000 – $210,000 | Pharma / Legal |
| 43 | Pharmacologist (Senior) | $120,000 – $190,000 | Research / Pharma |
| 44 | Biostatistics Director | $140,000 – $200,000 | Biotech / Data |
| 45 | Toxicologist (Principal) | $120,000 – $180,000 | Biotech / Health |
| 46 | Law Firm Partner | $200,000 – $350,000 | Legal |
| 47 | General Counsel | $180,000 – $300,000 | Legal / Corporate |
| 48 | Patent Attorney | $160,000 – $270,000 | Legal / Intellectual Property |
| 49 | Intellectual Property Attorney | $150,000 – $250,000 | Legal / Tech |
| 50 | Corporate Lawyer | $140,000 – $230,000 | Legal / Business |
| 51 | VP of Finance | $160,000 – $250,000 | Finance / Corporate |
| 52 | Actuary (Fellow) | $140,000 – $220,000 | Finance / Insurance |
| 53 | Data Architect | $140,000 – $210,000 | Data / IT |
| 54 | Analytics Manager | $130,000 – $190,000 | Business / Tech |
| 55 | Management Consultant (Senior) | $130,000 – $200,000 | Consulting |
| 56 | Quantitative Analyst (Quant) | $140,000 – $210,000 | Finance / Data |
| 57 | FP&A Director | $130,000 – $200,000 | Finance |
| 58 | Risk Management Director | $130,000 – $190,000 | Finance / Corporate |
| 59 | Investment Manager | $140,000 – $210,000 | Finance |
| 60 | Engineering Manager | $140,000 – $200,000 | Engineering |
| 61 | Principal Engineer | $130,000 – $190,000 | Tech / Engineering |
| 62 | Hardware Engineer (Senior) | $130,000 – $180,000 | Hardware / Tech |
| 63 | Electrical Engineer (Lead) | $120,000 – $170,000 | Engineering |
| 64 | Chemical Engineer (Senior) | $120,000 – $180,000 | Chemical / Pharma |
| 65 | Mechanical Engineer (Principal) | $120,000 – $170,000 | Engineering |
| 66 | Systems Engineer (Architect Level) | $120,000 – $170,000 | Systems / Tech |
| 67 | Sales Director | $120,000 – $190,000 | Business / Sales |
| 68 | Marketing Director | $120,000 – $190,000 | Marketing |
| 69 | Supply Chain Director | $120,000 – $180,000 | Logistics |
| 70 | HR Director | $120,000 – $180,000 | Human Resources |
| 71 | Product Management Director | $130,000 – $200,000 | Tech / Product |
| 72 | Operations Director | $120,000 – $180,000 | Business |
| 73 | Construction Manager | $110,000 – $180,000 | Construction |
| 74 | Real Estate Development Director | $120,000 – $200,000 | Real Estate |
| 75 | Data Scientist (Senior) | $120,000 – $180,000 | Tech / Data |
| 76 | Physician Assistant (PA) | $120,000 – $160,000 | Healthcare |
| 77 | Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $115,000 – $150,000 | Healthcare |
| 78 | Dentist | $150,000 – $220,000 | Dental |
| 79 | Optometrist | $120,000 – $170,000 | Healthcare |
| 80 | Veterinarian (Owner/Specialist) | $120,000 – $180,000 | Veterinary |
| 81 | University Professor (Tenured) | $110,000 – $170,000 | Education |
| 82 | Economist | $110,000 – $160,000 | Research / Policy |
| 83 | Architectural Manager | $120,000 – $170,000 | Architecture |
| 84 | Power Plant Operator (Senior) | $100,000 – $150,000 | Energy / Utilities |
| 85 | Marketing Manager (Tech) | $110,000 – $160,000 | Marketing / Tech |
| 86 | Supply Chain Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Logistics |
| 87 | QA Manager (Pharma/Tech) | $110,000 – $150,000 | Quality Assurance |
| 88 | Clinical Data Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Biotech / Pharma |
| 89 | Pharmacist (Manager) | $120,000 – $160,000 | Healthcare |
| 90 | Telecom Network Architect | $110,000 – $160,000 | Telecom / IT |
| 91 | Info Systems Security Manager | $120,000 – $170,000 | Cybersecurity |
| 92 | Database Administrator (Lead) | $110,000 – $150,000 | IT / Data |
| 93 | UX Design Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Design / Tech |
| 94 | Compensation & Benefits Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | HR / Corporate |
| 95 | Tax Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Finance / Accounting |
| 96 | Audit Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Accounting / Finance |
| 97 | Real Estate Broker (Top) | $110,000 – $200,000 | Real Estate |
| 98 | Commercial Loan Manager | $110,000 – $170,000 | Banking / Finance |
| 99 | EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) Manager | $100,000 – $150,000 | Manufacturing / Industrial |
| 100 | Senior Project Manager (IT/Construction/Eng.) | $110,000 – $170,000 | Project Management |
Closing
The Raleigh-Cary area continues to stand out as one of the fastest-growing, best-paying, and most livable cities in the United States. Its thriving economy blends the innovation of Silicon Valley with the affordability and quality of life found in the Southeast. Professionals in technology, life sciences, finance, and management can expect exceptional career advancement and long-term earning potential.
As the Research Triangle continues expanding with new tech campuses, biotech facilities, and research investments, Raleigh’s job market will only grow stronger. Whether you’re a senior executive, skilled technologist, or specialized healthcare professional, Raleigh remains one of the best cities in America to build a rewarding, high-paying career.