NC State University Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at NC State University in the United States is $88,065. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $42. Salaries at NC State University typically range from $76,955 to $100,856 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does NC State University Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at NC State University. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Program Director, with an annual salary of $123,258. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is NC State University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does NC State University's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
DP University $96,039
+9.1%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to DP University's sector.
Contact Keene State College $100,839
+14.5%
Supported by Contact Keene State College's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
NAU Graduate College $88,761
+0.8%
Confirms NAU Graduate College is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
University at Buffalo - Alumni $90,787
+3.1%
Data suggests University at Buffalo - Alumni's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+31.0%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at NC State University

Considering a career at NC State University? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Benefits are decent, and time off is respected. Work is steady, and communication is regular. Projects tend to follow a standard path with minimal innovation. Negotiated better vendor contracts without quality loss. Staff genuinely care and go the extra mile.
Coworkers are professional but mostly keep to themselves. Optimized our spending without sacrificing services. A welcoming culture and clearly defined values make this a great organization. Great benefits package including healthcare, pension, and tuition assistance. The company values employee input, providing frequent opportunities for feedback and professional growth. Organizational culture sup...
I’ve felt supported in my role through mentorship and a variety of learning opportunities. Top-tier research support. Work is done carefully, though there’s a tendency for updates to come later than expected.
It's inspiring to be part of such a large yet cohesive educational community. Still, the commitment to public service is evident. Reliable IT solutions. Diverse roles with long-term career potential. The staff is welcoming, and leadership is transparent about goals.

NC State University Overview

Website
www.textiles.ncsu.edu
Founded In
1976
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
231 E Cronly St Laurinburg North Carolina NC 28352
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 9195156640
Social Media

What Benefits Does NC State University Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. NC State University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Fayetteville?

Understanding the cost of living near Fayetteville is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at NC State University.
Fayetteville's Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.9 (19.1% less expensive than US average; 15.7% less than NC average). Near Fort Bragg, very affordable housing. FAST bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from NC State University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $800 - $1,200+ A significant portion of NC State University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $260 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $35 (FAST monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $540 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $580+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $340 - $630+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,005 - $3,215+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of NC State University

1. How much does a NC State University employee make?

NC State University pays its employees an average of $88,065 per year. The average salary at NC State University range from $76,955 to $100,856 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than NC State University?

The salary at NC State University is lesser than the similar company. The average annual salary at NC State University is $88,065, or an hourly wage of $42, in comparison to DP University which pays $96,039 per year or $46 per hour.

3. How much does a Program Director typically earn at NC State University?

A Program Director at NC State University typically earns an average annual base salary of around $123,258, with a general range of $97,802 to $159,628.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at NC State University?

In many roles at NC State University, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

5. How does the cost of living near Fayetteville affect the perceived value of a NC State University salary?

Fayetteville's Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.9 (19.1% less expensive than US average; 15.7% less than NC average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from NC State University based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Fayetteville" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does NC State University typically offer employees?

NC State University generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at NC State University" section on this page.