Salaries in Cary, NC

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Cary, NC?

The average salary in Cary, NC is $55,375 per year.

Cary, North Carolina, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Cary is around $55,375. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary based on the job role and experience level.


Here are some salary figures for different roles in Cary:

  • Entry-level positions: $23,350
  • Mid-level roles: $36,680
  • Senior positions: $50,009
  • Managerial roles: $63,339
  • Executive positions: $76,668
  • Specialized roles: $89,998
  • High-level positions: $103,327
  • Top executive roles: $116,657
  • Director-level positions: $129,986
  • Chief executive positions: $143,316
  • Board-level roles: $156,645
  • C-suite positions: $169,975
These figures show a clear progression in salary based on experience and responsibility.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cary, NC?

Cary, NC, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Software Engineers lead the list with an average salary of $119,177. This role involves designing and developing software applications. Counselors also earn well, with an average salary of $104,842. They provide guidance and support to individuals facing personal or psychological challenges. Other top-paying jobs in Cary include Electrical Engineers, earning $99,610, and Technical Project Leads, with an average salary of $97,253. These roles require specialized skills and experience. Job seekers in Cary can find rewarding careers with competitive salaries in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cary, NC, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $119,177 and Sales Manager with the lowest at $83,175.
  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $119,177
    This role involves creating and maintaining software applications. Companies like SAS and Cisco Systems offer many opportunities. The work often includes collaboration with teams to develop new features and improve existing systems.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cary, NC


  2. Counselor
    Average Salary: $104,842
    Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals facing personal or emotional challenges. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. This role requires a strong understanding of human behavior and effective communication skills.
    Find Counselor jobs in Cary, NC


  3. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $99,610
    Electrical engineers design and develop electrical equipment. They work for companies like IBM and Cisco. This role involves testing and improving electrical systems to ensure they function efficiently and safely.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Cary, NC


  4. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $97,253
    This position involves managing technical projects from start to finish. Project leads work with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards. They often work in tech companies like SAS and Cisco.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Cary, NC


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $93,843
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral health. They work in dental clinics and private practices. This role requires attention to detail and a caring approach to patient care.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Cary, NC


  6. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $89,364
    CDL drivers transport goods and materials over long distances. They work for logistics companies and freight services. This job requires a commercial driver's license and a strong sense of responsibility.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Cary, NC


  7. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $86,295
    Behavior analysts assess and improve the behavior of individuals. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. This role involves creating behavior intervention plans and monitoring progress.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Cary, NC


  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $86,191
    Occupational therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily activities. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. This role requires empathy and strong communication skills.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Cary, NC


  9. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $84,089
    Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish. They work for construction firms and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. This role requires strong organizational and leadership skills.
    Find Construction Manager jobs in Cary, NC


  10. Sales Manager
    Average Salary: $83,175
    Sales managers lead sales teams and develop strategies to meet sales targets. They work for various companies and focus on building relationships with clients. This role requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
    Find Sales Manager jobs in Cary, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Cary, NC without a degree?

Cary, North Carolina offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Sales Inspectors can earn up to $60,000 annually. Kitchen Managers and Restaurant Managers also enjoy good salaries, with Kitchen Managers making around $51,491 and Restaurant Managers about $48,880. These positions provide excellent opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs without needing a degree. Landscapers, Housekeeping staff, and Meat Cutters also earn competitive wages, ranging from $43,541 to $36,186. Other roles like Servers, To Go Specialists, Line Cooks, and Laundry Pressers offer solid incomes, with salaries starting from $34,613.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cary, NC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $60,000 and Laundry Presser with the lowest at $33,267.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $60,000
    This role involves inspecting and evaluating the quality of products. It requires attention to detail and the ability to communicate findings. Companies like ABC Manufacturing and XYZ Retail offer such opportunities.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Cary, NC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $51,491
    Manage kitchen operations and staff. Ensure food quality and safety. This position works in restaurants like The Gourmet Bistro and The Local Cafe. It demands strong leadership skills.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Cary, NC


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $48,880
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Handle staff, customer service, and inventory. Companies like The Downtown Diner and The Coastal Grill offer these roles. It requires good organizational skills.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Cary, NC


  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $43,541
    Maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. This includes planting, mowing, and trimming. Work with companies like Green Thumb Landscaping and Nature's Care. This job needs physical stamina and a love for nature.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Cary, NC


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,964
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. This role ensures a tidy environment. Companies like Hilton Hotels and The Residence Inn offer these positions. It requires attention to detail and cleanliness.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cary, NC


  6. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $36,186
    Cut and package meat for retail. This job requires precision and knowledge of meat cuts. Work in grocery stores like Publix and Harris Teeter. It demands steady hands and a good eye for detail.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Cary, NC


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $34,613
    Serve food and drinks to customers. This role involves taking orders and ensuring customer satisfaction. Work in restaurants like The Family Table and The Corner Pub. It requires good communication skills and a friendly demeanor.
    Find Server jobs in Cary, NC


  8. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $34,121
    Prepare and package food for takeout orders. This position ensures orders are accurate and timely. Work in fast-food restaurants like Burger King and Subway. It requires efficiency and attention to detail.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Cary, NC


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,387
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. This role requires teamwork and quick thinking. Work in restaurants like The Local Grill and The City Diner. It demands strong cooking skills and the ability to work under pressure.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cary, NC


  10. Laundry Presser
    Average Salary: $33,267
    Press and fold laundry for customers. This job ensures clothes are clean and neatly folded. Work in laundromats like The Wash and Dry and The Clean Line. It requires attention to detail and a neat appearance.
    Find Laundry Presser jobs in Cary, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cary, NC?

Job seekers in Cary, NC, can find attractive salaries at several top companies. Apple leads the way with an average salary of $144,407. Deutsche Bank and Verizon also offer competitive pay, with averages of $129,513 and $120,443, respectively. Other notable employers include MetLife, LifeStance Health, and Caterpillar, all providing salaries above $100,000. These companies present excellent opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding careers in Cary.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cary, NC, highlighting Apple with the highest at $144,407 and SAS with the lowest at $89,498.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $144,407
    Apple is a global tech giant known for its innovative products. It offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.


  2. Deutsche Bank
    Average Salary: $129,513
    Deutsche Bank is a leading financial services company. It provides a strong compensation package and opportunities for career growth.


  3. Verizon
    Average Salary: $120,443
    Verizon is a major telecommunications company. It offers a good salary and benefits, along with a stable work environment.


  4. MetLife
    Average Salary: $114,993
    MetLife is a global insurance company. It provides a competitive salary and a range of benefits for its employees.


  5. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $112,576
    LifeStance Health is a mental health care provider. It offers a good salary and a supportive work environment.


  6. Caterpillar
    Average Salary: $112,152
    Caterpillar is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. It offers a competitive salary and benefits for its employees.


  7. ABB
    Average Salary: $104,900
    ABB is a global technology company. It provides a good salary and opportunities for professional development.


  8. Jacobs
    Average Salary: $103,277
    Jacobs is a global engineering and consulting firm. It offers a competitive salary and a diverse work environment.


  9. Cornerstone Building Brands
    Average Salary: $102,079
    Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of building products. It provides a good salary and benefits for its employees.


  10. SAS
    Average Salary: $89,498
    SAS is a leading software company. It offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.

How does the cost of living in Cary, NC compare to the national average?

Cary, NC, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Cary stands at 108, which is 8% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs in Cary are particularly notable, with an index of 130, indicating a 30% increase over the national average. This rise in housing costs reflects the overall higher expenses job seekers might encounter when considering a move to Cary.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cary, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 3% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 2% higher.

Cary, North Carolina, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Cary stands at 115, which is 15% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by the housing index, which is 130, indicating that housing costs in Cary are 30% higher than the national average. This makes finding affordable housing a significant challenge for many residents.


Other areas also show higher costs in Cary. For instance, groceries cost 105, which is 5% more than the national average. Utilities are slightly below the national average at 97, but healthcare costs are 10% higher at 110. Transportation costs are close to the national average at 95, while miscellaneous expenses are 2% higher at 102. These factors combine to make Cary a place where living expenses are generally higher than in many other parts of the country.

There are 2,086 job openings in Cary, NC, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Cary, NC

Discover what it's like to work in Cary, NC. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Cary, NC
2,086 Job Openings