What is the average salary in Wake Forest, NC?
Wake Forest, NC, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $49,201. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, providing a range of earning potentials across different industries.
The salary distribution in Wake Forest shows a broad spectrum. The most common salary range is between $32,455 and $42,909. This range covers a significant portion of the workforce, indicating a healthy mix of mid-level positions. Higher salaries, such as those above $105,000, are less common but still present, offering opportunities for those in specialized or senior roles. This distribution suggests that while many jobs offer solid earnings, there are also paths to higher income based on experience and expertise.
What are the best paying jobs in Wake Forest, NC?

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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $94,868
This role involves cleaning teeth and examining patients for signs of oral diseases. Dental hygienists work in dental offices and clinics, often collaborating with dentists to ensure patient care. Companies like Wake Forest Dental Group offer opportunities in this field.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $88,965
Behavior analysts assess and improve the behavior of individuals. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices, helping people develop better social and learning skills. Wake Forest schools and local clinics provide many job opportunities.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $72,524
RNs provide and manage patient care, often working in hospitals and clinics. They collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the best care. Wake Forest Baptist Health and other local hospitals offer a variety of positions.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $63,695
LPNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, ensuring patients receive proper care. Local healthcare facilities offer many LPN positions.
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Insurance Agent
Average Salary: $62,106
Insurance agents help clients find the right insurance policies. They work for insurance companies and independent agencies, advising clients on their needs. Local agencies and companies offer many opportunities.
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Automotive Technician
Average Salary: $59,714
Technicians diagnose and repair vehicles. They work in auto repair shops, ensuring cars run smoothly. Local shops offer many positions for skilled technicians.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $58,087
General managers oversee daily operations in businesses. They work in retail, restaurants, and other industries, ensuring smooth operations. Local businesses offer many management positions.
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Hair Stylist
Average Salary: $54,479
Hair stylists cut, color, and style hair. They work in salons, providing services to clients. Local salons offer many opportunities for skilled stylists.
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Elementary Teacher
Average Salary: $52,747
Teachers educate young students in various subjects. They work in schools, helping children learn and grow. Local schools offer many teaching positions.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $50,253
Managers oversee restaurant operations, ensuring smooth service. They work in restaurants, managing staff and customer satisfaction. Local restaurants offer many management positions.
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What are the best paying jobs in Wake Forest, NC without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $48,694
Manage daily operations at local restaurants. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Companies like Cracker Barrel and Red Lobster offer opportunities.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $40,925
Maintain cleanliness in hotels and motels. Clean rooms, change linens, and ensure a welcoming environment. Marriott and Hilton provide many job openings.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $40,571
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trim trees, and keep lawns neat. Companies like TruGreen and local landscaping firms hire regularly.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $36,094
Cut and package meat in grocery stores. Follow safety guidelines and ensure quality. Local supermarkets and butcher shops offer positions.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $35,007
Maintain parks and recreational areas. Mow lawns, prune trees, and ensure pathways are clear. City parks departments and golf courses need help.
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Barista
Average Salary: $30,935
Prepare coffee drinks in cafes. Serve customers and maintain a clean workspace. Local coffee shops like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee offer jobs.
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Server
Average Salary: $30,644
Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Restaurants like Chili's and Applebee's hire servers.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $30,462
Assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks. Follow recipes and maintain cleanliness. Local restaurants and cafes need kitchen help.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $29,263
Prepare meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Cook to recipes and ensure food quality. Many restaurants and cafes offer line cook positions.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $27,387
Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Ensure a clean and safe environment. Restaurants and cafes need dishwashers to keep operations running smoothly.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Wake Forest, NC?

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Capital Automotive Group
Average Salary: $52,897
Capital Automotive Group offers a range of automotive services. They value their employees and provide competitive salaries.
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Wake County Public School System
Average Salary: $51,488
Wake County Public School System is a leading educational institution. They provide good salaries and benefits for their staff.
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CrossRoads Nissan
Average Salary: $46,497
CrossRoads Nissan is a well-known car dealership. They offer good salaries and a supportive work environment.
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Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Average Salary: $33,647
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a religious institution focused on education. They offer salaries that reflect their mission.
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Harris Teeter
Average Salary: $33,618
Harris Teeter is a popular grocery store chain. They provide decent salaries and benefits for their employees.
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Wegmans Food Markets
Average Salary: $32,737
Wegmans Food Markets is a well-known grocery store. They offer competitive salaries and a positive work environment.
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Red Robin
Average Salary: $32,536
Red Robin is a casual dining restaurant. They offer good salaries and opportunities for growth.
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PDQ - People Dedicated to Quality
Average Salary: $31,237
PDQ is a fast-casual restaurant chain. They provide fair salaries and a welcoming work atmosphere.
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RHLC Group - Marco's Pizza
Average Salary: $29,094
RHLC Group operates Marco's Pizza. They offer salaries that reflect their industry standards.
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Burger King
Average Salary: $28,299
Burger King is a fast-food chain. They provide competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.
How does the cost of living in Wake Forest, NC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Wake Forest, North Carolina, offers a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Wake Forest stands at 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. This suggests that housing expenses in Wake Forest are more affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their living costs.
In addition to housing, the grocery index in Wake Forest is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. This means that residents can expect to spend less on food and groceries. Utilities in Wake Forest are priced at 92, which is 8% below the national average. This indicates that the cost of maintaining a home, including electricity, gas, and water, is also relatively lower. While transportation costs are slightly higher at 97, healthcare costs are comparable to the national average at 98. Overall, Wake Forest provides a cost-effective living environment with several areas below the national average.