Overview Salaries

Salaries in Cary, NC

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Cary, NC?

The average salary in Cary, NC is $59,996 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cary, NC, showing an average salary of $59,996 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cary, NC, showing an average salary of $5,000 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cary, NC, showing an average salary of $1,154 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cary, NC, showing an average salary of $29 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cary, NC, offers a range of salary opportunities across different job sectors. Professionals in this vibrant area can expect a competitive pay. The average yearly salary stands at $59,996. This figure highlights the potential for both entry-level and experienced workers.


The salary landscape in Cary spans from $24,000 to $177,500 per year. The distribution shows a significant portion of the workforce earning between $37,955 and $79,818. The highest concentration of salaries falls between $51,909 and $79,818. This indicates a robust middle class, with many positions offering attractive remuneration packages. These figures present a positive outlook for job seekers looking for stability and growth.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cary, NC?

Cary, NC, offers many top-paying jobs that can lead to a rewarding career. Some of the best-paying positions include Vice President, Mechanical Engineer, and Software Engineer. These roles offer high salaries and attractive benefits, making them very desirable. Mechanical Engineers, Software Engineers, and Electrical Engineers often find lucrative opportunities in Cary. These roles require specialized skills and education, but they offer strong earning potential. People in these jobs can expect to make over $100,000 annually, with some positions paying much more. This makes Cary an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cary, NC, highlighting Vice President with the highest at $149,910 and Behavior Analyst with the lowest at $90,375.

  1. Vice President
    Average Salary: $149,910
    Manages and directs a company or organization. Oversees all operations. Makes major corporate decisions. Companies include SAS and Cisco.
    Find Vice President jobs in Cary, NC


  2. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $134,115
    Designs and develops mechanical systems. Works on everything from small components to large machinery. Companies like IBM and SAS hire for this role.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Cary, NC


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $122,130
    Develops and maintains software applications. Works with programming languages to create systems. Companies such as Red Hat and Cisco offer these positions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cary, NC


  4. Engineer
    Average Salary: $113,575
    Works on the design, development, and testing of various engineering projects. Often involved in research and development. Companies in the tech and manufacturing sectors look for engineers.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cary, NC


  5. Counselor
    Average Salary: $112,353
    Provides guidance and support to individuals facing challenges. Works in schools, hospitals, or private practice. Companies like Duke Health offer counseling positions.
    Find Counselor jobs in Cary, NC


  6. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $106,830
    Designs and develops electrical systems. Works with circuits and components. Companies such as IBM and Cisco offer roles for electrical engineers.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Cary, NC


  7. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $104,764
    Manages technical projects from conception to completion. Coordinates with teams and ensures project goals are met. Companies like Red Hat and Cisco look for project leads.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Cary, NC


  8. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $103,750
    Drives large commercial vehicles. Ensures safe and timely delivery of goods. Companies in logistics and transportation hire CDL drivers.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Cary, NC


  9. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $98,084
    Provides dental care and education to patients. Performs cleanings and exams. Works in dental clinics and practices in the area.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Cary, NC


  10. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $90,375
    Evaluates and develops behavior intervention plans. Works with individuals to improve behavior. Companies like UNC Health and local schools offer these positions.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Cary, NC

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

Job seekers in Cary, NC, can find good-paying roles without needing a degree. Sales Inspectors earn an average of $60,000 per year, making this a top option. Kitchen and Restaurant Managers also offer competitive salaries, at $55,062 and $53,165, respectively. Landscapers, Meat Cutters, and Housekeeping staff have steady jobs with decent pay. Landscapers and Meat Cutters earn around $46,483 and $37,585 a year. Housekeeping roles bring in about $36,189. These roles offer the chance for good earnings without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cary, NC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $60,000 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $32,975.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Earns a good income by inspecting sales and retail processes. Companies like Target and Walgreens offer these roles. They work to ensure sales policies and customer service standards are met.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Cary, NC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $55,062
    Manages daily kitchen operations. Works with restaurants like Chipotle and Panera. Ensures food quality, staff performance, and kitchen efficiency. A role that balances responsibility with growth.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Cary, NC


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $53,165
    Oversees restaurant operations for places like Applebee's and IHOP. Manages staff, ensures smooth service, and maintains customer satisfaction. A position that combines leadership with customer care.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Cary, NC


  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $46,483
    Works outdoors maintaining and designing landscapes. Companies like TruGreen and local landscaping firms hire for these roles. Involves planting, trimming, and creating outdoor spaces.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Cary, NC


  5. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,585
    Cuts and packages meat in grocery stores such as Publix. Requires precision and attention to detail. A role that provides steady work in the food industry.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Cary, NC


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,189
    Cleans and maintains rooms in hotels and resorts like Hilton and Marriott. Ensures a clean and welcoming environment. A role focused on providing excellent guest experiences.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cary, NC


  7. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $35,845
    Prepares and packages food for takeout orders in restaurants such as McDonald's and Starbucks. Requires speed and accuracy. A role that plays a key part in customer satisfaction.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Cary, NC


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,936
    Prepares ingredients and cooks food in fast-paced kitchen environments. Works in restaurants like Subway and Red Robin. Involves teamwork and quick thinking.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cary, NC


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $33,626
    Serves food and beverages to customers in establishments like Olive Garden and Buffalo Wild Wings. Focuses on providing excellent service and ensuring customer satisfaction.
    Find Server jobs in Cary, NC


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $32,975
    Maintains the grounds of properties, including parks and schools. Companies and local governments hire for these roles. Involves landscaping and outdoor maintenance.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Cary, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cary, NC?

Job seekers in Cary, NC, have several companies to consider for top-notch salaries. Apple offers an average salary of $151,047, leading the pack in compensation. Lane & Associates Family Dentistry follows closely with an average salary of $145,014. Both companies provide excellent opportunities for professionals seeking competitive pay. Other notable companies in Cary include Caterpillar, with an average salary of $137,719, and Deutsche Bank, offering $135,124. These companies join S&P Global, Piper Companies, Sargent & Lundy, MetLife, ABB, and PENNYMAC as options for those looking for high-paying roles. These figures highlight the variety of industries available in Cary that offer strong financial rewards.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cary, NC, highlighting Apple with the highest at $151,047 and PENNYMAC with the lowest at $110,213.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $151,047
    Apple is a global leader in technology, designing and selling consumer electronics, computers, and online services. The company values innovation and excellence. Working here can be a great opportunity for career growth and development.


  2. Lane & Associates Family Dentistry
    Average Salary: $145,014
    Lane & Associates Family Dentistry is a top dental practice in Cary, NC. The company is known for its commitment to patient care and its team of highly skilled professionals. It is a great place for those looking for a stable job with good benefits.


  3. Caterpillar
    Average Salary: $137,719
    Caterpillar Inc. is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. It is known for its commitment to safety and innovation. Working here can offer a stable career with opportunities for growth.


  4. Deutsche Bank
    Average Salary: $135,124
    Deutsche Bank is a global financial services company. It offers a range of services, including investment banking, commercial banking, and asset management. The company is known for its global reach and its commitment to innovation.


  5. S&P Global
    Average Salary: $134,028
    S&P Global is a leading provider of data and analytics for the global capital and commodity markets. The company is known for its high-quality data and its commitment to innovation. It is a great place for those looking for a challenging and rewarding career.


  6. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $127,059
    Piper Companies is a leading provider of technology and consulting services. The company is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and its team of highly skilled professionals. Working here can offer a stable career with opportunities for growth.


  7. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $125,506
    Sargent & Lundy is a leading engineering and consulting firm. The company is known for its commitment to safety and its team of highly skilled professionals. Working here can offer a stable career with opportunities for growth.


  8. MetLife
    Average Salary: $121,649
    MetLife is a global leader in life insurance, annuities, and employee benefits. The company is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and its team of highly skilled professionals. Working here can offer a stable career with opportunities for growth.


  9. ABB
    Average Salary: $111,149
    ABB is a leading technology company in power and automation. The company is known for its commitment to innovation and its team of highly skilled professionals. Working here can offer a challenging and rewarding career.


  10. PENNYMAC
    Average Salary: $110,213
    PENNYMAC is a leading provider of residential mortgage lending services. The company is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and its team of highly skilled professionals. Working here can offer a stable career with opportunities for growth.

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

Cary, NC, stands out with a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing prices in Cary are 30% higher than the national average, reflecting a cost of living index of 130. While groceries and miscellaneous items are on par with the national average, utilities and healthcare are slightly lower. Transportation and healthcare also have a lower cost of living index. Transportation costs are 5% above the national average, while healthcare costs are 10% below it. This balanced comparison helps job seekers understand Cary's cost of living more clearly.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cary, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 0% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

The cost of living in Cary, NC, shows some differences compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Cary stand at 130, meaning they are 30% higher than the national average. This higher cost could be a significant factor for job seekers considering relocation. Groceries in Cary match the national average, with both at 100, so expenses for food items remain consistent.


Transportation costs in Cary are slightly higher than average, at 105, representing a 5% increase. Utilities, however, are more affordable at 95, which is 5% below the national average. Healthcare costs in Cary are 10% lower than the nationwide average, with an index of 90, which could be a benefit for families seeking medical care. Miscellaneous expenses also align with the national average at 100, ensuring no surprise costs in other areas.

There are 1,491 job openings in Cary, NC, today!

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Cary, NC
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