THE MISSION OF NORTH CAROLINA OPERA IS TO ENHANCE THE CULTURAL LIFE IN THE TRIANGLE BY PRESENTING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY PROFESSIONAL OPERA PERFORMANCES, DEVELOPING AND INCREASING AN APPRECIATION OF THE OPERA ART FORM IN THE AREA, AND PROVIDING LOCAL ARTISTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR TALENT.
Executive compensation
Form 990 · Part VII & Schedule J · 1 reported individual · Filing year 2024
Percentile bands compare each position's total pay with the same role at Arts, Culture & Humanities organizations nationwide.
| Position | Total |
|---|---|
General Director Director (Operational) 75th to 90th percentile | $146k $155k |
Teal figures restate each filed amount in 2026 dollars.
Estimated with BLS CPI-U for the South region, restating filed pay into May 2026 dollars. A restatement of past pay, not current or projected pay.
Plus 23 unpaid individuals.
Top pay as a share of expenses
In 2024, the highest total compensation at NORTH CAROLINA OPERA equaled 8% of the organization's total expenses. The median for arts, culture & humanities organizations is 11%.
Based on 17,098 arts, culture & humanities organizations, each measured at its most recent filing year with reported expenses and compensation.
Funded by
Private foundations whose Form 990-PF Part XV grants matched this organization.
Climbed 6%
over 2 years
From $137k in 2022 to $146k in 2024.
Estimated with BLS CPI-U for the South region, restating filed pay into May 2026 dollars. A restatement of past pay, not current or projected pay.
Director (Operational) pay rose 6% from 2022 to 2024, while revenue rose 11%.
Pay for the position itself, not any one person. The officeholder may have changed between 2022 and 2024.
Among peers
Revenue and top compensation, plotted against similar organizations. This organization is highlighted in cyan.
Common questions about NORTH CAROLINA OPERA
What does the Director (Operational) of NORTH CAROLINA OPERA earn?
In 2024, the Director (Operational) of NORTH CAROLINA OPERA received $146,179 in total compensation. This pay is in the top quarter for Director (Operational) roles among Arts, Culture & Humanities organizations nationwide, though not the top 10% of comparable filings. Based on IRS Form 990 data.
How does Director (Operational) pay at NORTH CAROLINA OPERA compare with similar nonprofits?
Compared with the same role at Arts, Culture & Humanities organizations nationwide, the 2024 pay of the Director (Operational) at NORTH CAROLINA OPERA falls between the 75th and 90th percentiles. In 2024, the highest total compensation at NORTH CAROLINA OPERA equaled 8% of the organization's total expenses. The median for arts, culture & humanities organizations is 11%.
What are NORTH CAROLINA OPERA's revenue and expenses?
In 2024, NORTH CAROLINA OPERA reported $1.6M in total revenue and $1.8M in total expenses on its IRS Form 990.
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