Salary & Cost of Living in Burlington, NC
Burlington, NC: $43,012 median salary, cost of living index 94.4, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$43,012
$21/hr
Cost of Living
94.4
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
4.2%
rate
Burlington, NC Overview
Population
57,303
Median Salary
$43,012
Average Salary
$48,173
Avg Commute
17 min
Median Home Price
$273,000
Median Rent
$1,121/mo
Job Growth
+1.6%
Sales Tax
4.75%
Burlington is located in North Carolina with a population of 57,303. The median household salary is $43,012 per year ($21/hour), which is $16,372 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.6%.
Burlington Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Burlington, NC based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $43,012 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $26,667 | $12.82/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $43,012 | $20.68/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $61,077 | $29.37/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $76,561 | $36.81/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Burlington Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Burlington, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$34,663
$2,888.59/month · $1,333.20/biweekly · Effective Rate: 19.4%
Gross Pay
$43,012
Federal Tax
-$3,123
State Tax
-$1,936
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,290
Net Pay
$34,663
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,584.33 | $43,012.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$260.24 | -$3,122.94 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.5%) | -$161.30 | -$1,935.54 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$222.23 | -$2,666.74 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$51.97 | -$623.67 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,888.59 | $34,663.10 |
Salary Comparison: Burlington vs Other Cities
See how Burlington's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, NC | $43,012 | 94.4 | $45,564 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Midwest City, OK | $43,012 | 91.1 | $47,214 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $43,000 | 80 | $53,750 |
| Mount Juliet, TN | $42,986 | 91.9 | $46,775 |
| Wildwood, MO | $42,979 | 78.7 | $54,611 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Burlington
Burlington's cost of living index is 94.4 (national average = 100). Living in Burlington is 5.599999999999994% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$273,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,121
Annual Rent Cost
$13,452
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $34,663 annual take-home pay in Burlington has the purchasing power of approximately $36,719 in an average-cost US area. Your $43,012 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Burlington
Burlington's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $43,012.
Salary Tips for Burlington Workers
- Research top industries. Burlington's top industries include Banking, Technology, Biotech. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $43,012 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Burlington, NC?
The median salary in Burlington, NC is $43,012 per year, or $21 per hour. The average salary is $48,173. This is $16,372 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Burlington, NC?
Burlington's cost of living index is 94.4 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5.599999999999994% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $273,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,121.
What are the best industries in Burlington?
The top industries in Burlington, NC include Banking, Technology, Biotech. The city has a job growth rate of 1.6% and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $43,012.
How does Burlington's salary compare to other cities?
Burlington's median salary of $43,012 is 27.6% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 94.4), the real purchasing power is approximately $45,564.
What is the minimum wage in Burlington, NC?
The minimum wage in Burlington, NC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.