Healthcare North Carolina (NC) Rank #30 of 50

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in North Carolina

The median emergency medicine physician salary in North Carolina is $285,200 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $310,000.

Median Salary
$285,200
vs National
$-24,800
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #30 out of 50 states for emergency medicine physician compensation. Emergency Medicine Physician salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $285,200 per year, emergency medicine physicians in North Carolina earn $24,800 less than the national median of $310,000.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $285,200 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $310,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: emergency medicine physicians at the 10th percentile earn $165,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $437,000 — a $271,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $303,800.

Nationally, emergency medicine physician employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for emergency medicine physicians across the country.

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level emergency medicine physician earns around $170,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $423,200 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$170,200
$-14,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$289,800
$-25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$423,200
$-36,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $165,600
25th Percentile $220,800
Median (50th) $285,200
75th Percentile $368,000
90th Percentile $437,000

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for emergency medicine physicians in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Emergency Medicine Physician in North Carolina

Education

Most emergency medicine physician positions require a doctoral degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineTrauma CareTriageCritical CareProceduresDecision Making

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, emergency medicine physician employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Emergency Medicine Physician make in North Carolina? ▼
The median emergency medicine physician salary in North Carolina is $285,200 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $310,000. Salaries range from $165,600 (10th percentile) to $437,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Emergency Medicine Physician make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $285,200, a emergency medicine physician in North Carolina earns approximately $137 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for emergency medicine physicians? ▼
North Carolina ranks #30 out of 50 states for emergency medicine physician pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level emergency medicine physicians earn $170,200, while senior professionals earn $423,200.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for emergency medicine physician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for emergency medicine physicians is Hawaii at $551,800. North Carolina's median of $285,200 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($288,300) and Idaho ($285,200).
What is the entry-level emergency medicine physician salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level emergency medicine physician in North Carolina earns approximately $170,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $289,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $423,200.
What city in North Carolina pays emergency medicine physicians the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for emergency medicine physicians, with a median salary of $303,800. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.