Software Engineer Salary in North Carolina

How Much Does a Software Engineer Make in North Carolina?

The typical Software Engineer salary in North Carolina ranges from $77,000 to $143,000, with the national median at $110,000.

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems Your actual take-home pay as a Software Engineer in North Carolina depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• North Carolina state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Software Engineer in North Carolina

As a Software Engineer working in North Carolina, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Software Engineer professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

North Carolina State Income Tax

North Carolina has a state income tax that applies to all Software Engineer salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on North Carolina's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our North Carolina salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Software Engineer salary.

Cost of Living for Software Engineer in North Carolina

Your Software Engineer salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of North Carolina. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $110,000 Software Engineer salary in a low-cost area of North Carolina provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Software Engineer Salary Examples in North Carolina

Here's what different Software Engineer salary levels look like in North Carolina:

Entry-Level Software Engineer ($77,000)

• Gross annual salary: $77,000
• Federal tax: ~$9,240
• FICA: ~$5,891
• North Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $53,900

Median Software Engineer ($110,000)

• Gross annual salary: $110,000
• Federal tax: ~$17,600
• FICA: ~$8,415
• North Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $73,700

Experienced Software Engineer ($143,000)

• Gross annual salary: $143,000
• Federal tax: ~$31,460
• FICA: ~$10,940
• North Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $85,800

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our North Carolina salary calculator.

Compare Software Engineer Salaries Across States

The same Software Engineer salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $110,000 Software Engineer salary in California results in about $5,500 to $11,000 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Software Engineer salary in North Carolina?

The average Software Engineer salary in North Carolina varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $110,000, with typical North Carolina salaries ranging from $77,000 to $143,000.

How much does a Software Engineer make after taxes in North Carolina?

After federal taxes, FICA, North Carolina state tax, and typical deductions, a Software Engineer earning $110,000 in North Carolina takes home approximately $71,500 to $77,000 per year.

Is North Carolina a good state for Software Engineer professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider North Carolina's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Software Engineer take-home pay in North Carolina?

Use our North Carolina salary calculator →

Or compare Software Engineer salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.