N.C. Gen. Stat. § 126A-4-2: Agency flexibility for compensation.

(a) Each agency shall set employee salaries for positions subject to this Article in accordance with the compensation system established by the Commission in accordance with G.S. 126A-4-1. Each agency may set an employee's salary at any point within the salary range for the position classification established by the Commission.

(b) Each agency with an exempt policymaking position or an exempt managerial position may set the salary for that position within the salary range established by the Commission plus thirty percent (30%).

(c) Nothing in this section limits the Commission or Director's ability to enforce corrective actions against an agency setting compensation beyond the scope of the flexibility provided in this section. (2026-40, ss. 1, 5.9(l).)