Overview Salaries

Salaries in Wake Forest, NC

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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What is the average salary in Wake Forest, NC?

The average salary in Wake Forest, NC is $50,299 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Wake Forest, NC, showing an average salary of $50,299 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Wake Forest, NC, showing an average salary of $4,192 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Wake Forest, NC, showing an average salary of $967 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Wake Forest, NC, showing an average salary of $24 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Wake Forest, NC, can find a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary stands at 50,299 dollars. This provides a good baseline for understanding what many workers in the area earn.

Salaries vary across different professions. For instance, roles in the lower-paying brackets earn around 22,000 dollars a year. Higher-paying jobs can reach up to 137,000 dollars annually. This spread offers many options for job seekers based on their skills and industry experience. Below is a breakdown of the salary distribution percentages:

  • 23.43% of workers earn around 22,000 dollars.
  • 28.01% earn about 32,455 dollars.
  • 13.99% earn close to 42,909 dollars.
  • 8.87% earn approximately 53,364 dollars.
  • 4.58% earn around 63,818 dollars.
  • 3.57% earn about 74,273 dollars.
  • 4.15% earn close to 84,727 dollars.
  • 3.79% earn approximately 95,182 dollars.
  • 1.91% earn around 105,636 dollars.
  • 1.95% earn about 116,091 dollars.
  • 0.76% earn close to 126,545 dollars.
  • A small percentage earn around 137,000 dollars.
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What are the best paying jobs in Wake Forest, NC?

Job seekers in Wake Forest, NC, can find well-paying opportunities in various fields. Dental Hygienists earn above $98,000 annually, providing a stable income with less schooling. Other top-paying jobs include Massage Therapists, Behavior Analysts, and Registered Nurses, all offering competitive salaries. For those seeking management roles, General Managers and Restaurant Managers can expect six-figure salaries. Automotive Technicians and Hair Stylists also provide solid income with good growth potential. These jobs reflect Wake Forest's diverse job market, offering rewarding careers for those in different skill areas.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wake Forest, NC, highlighting Dental Hygienist with the highest at $98,246 and Dental Assistant with the lowest at $45,114.

  1. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $98,246
    Join a thriving dental practice. Work with local dentists to provide care. Offer cleanings and check-ups to patients.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  2. Massage Therapist
    Average Salary: $86,366
    Help clients relax and relieve stress. Use various techniques in a spa setting. Work with a variety of clients to improve their wellness.
    Find Massage Therapist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  3. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $85,184
    Focus on improving the quality of life for patients. Use behavior modification techniques. Work with schools and healthcare facilities.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $73,195
    Provide patient care in a variety of settings. Work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Ensure patients receive proper treatment and care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  5. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $64,493
    Diagnose and repair vehicles. Work in a busy auto shop. Ensure cars are running smoothly for customers.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $61,826
    Oversee day-to-day operations. Manage staff and ensure smooth business operations. Work in various industries, including retail and restaurants.
    Find General Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  7. Hair Stylist
    Average Salary: $55,782
    Cut, color, and style hair. Work in a salon setting. Provide personalized services to clients.
    Find Hair Stylist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  8. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $53,170
    Manage restaurant staff and operations. Ensure a smooth dining experience for customers. Coordinate with kitchen staff and servers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  9. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $45,813
    Work with clients to implement behavior modification plans. Provide direct care under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Help individuals improve their skills and behaviors.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  10. Dental Assistant
    Average Salary: $45,114
    Assist dentists during procedures. Prepare patients for treatment. Handle administrative tasks and ensure a smooth workflow.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Wake Forest, NC

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

In Wake Forest, NC, several high-paying jobs do not require a college degree. These roles offer good pay and are great options for those who want to enter the workforce quickly. For instance, a restaurant manager can earn up to $50,471 a year. Landscapers, housekeeping staff, and kitchen team members also make strong salaries, with earnings ranging between $30,000 and $50,000 annually. These positions rely on skills and experience rather than formal education. They provide opportunities for people to build careers and improve their earnings over time. Working in these fields can also lead to advancement and more responsibilities, which can increase pay.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wake Forest, NC without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $50,471 and Server with the lowest at $29,631.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,471
    Manage daily operations of a local restaurant. Oversee staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work with well-known eateries in the area.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  2. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $44,273
    Maintain and enhance outdoor spaces. Perform tasks like mowing, planting, and trimming. Collaborate with businesses and homeowners on landscaping projects.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,169
    Clean and maintain guest rooms in hotels. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness. Work in collaboration with hospitality companies in the city.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $32,205
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks. Work closely with chefs in various dining establishments. Gain experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $31,237
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in a café setting. Develop skills in customer service while making high-quality drinks.
    Find Barista jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,157
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in a team to meet orders. Gain experience in cooking various dishes for local diners.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,340
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in a busy kitchen environment. Learn efficient techniques for maintaining a clean workspace.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $29,631
    Provide table service to customers. Take orders and deliver food. Work in a dynamic setting, gaining skills in customer service and time management.
    Find Server jobs in Wake Forest, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Wake Forest, NC?

Looking for the best-paying jobs in Wake Forest, NC? Companies like Wake County Public School System, Smithfield Chicken-N-Bar-B-Q, Sam's Club, and Wegmans Food Markets offer competitive salaries. Wake County Public School System leads with an average salary of about $54,304, followed by Smithfield Chicken-N-Bar-B-Q at around $48,487. Job seekers may find attractive opportunities in these leading companies. Sam's Club provides an average salary of approximately $41,884, while Wegmans Food Markets offers around $32,767. These figures highlight the variety of well-paying roles available in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Wake Forest, NC, highlighting Wake County Public School System with the highest at $54,304 and Wegmans Food Markets with the lowest at $32,767.

  1. Wake County Public School System
    Average Salary: $54,304
    Wake County Public School System offers a variety of career opportunities in education and administration. With a focus on student success, this company values its staff and provides competitive salaries. Positions include teachers, administrators, and support staff.


  2. Smithfield Chicken-N-Bar-B-Q
    Average Salary: $48,487
    Smithfield Chicken-N-Bar-B-Q is known for its delicious barbecue. This company provides jobs in food service and hospitality. With a family-friendly atmosphere, Smithfield offers good wages and benefits.


  3. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $41,884
    Sam's Club is a membership-based retail warehouse. This company offers jobs in various departments, including management, logistics, and sales. Sam's Club is known for its employee benefits and opportunities for growth.


  4. Wegmans Food Markets
    Average Salary: $32,767
    Wegmans Food Markets is a popular grocery chain. This company provides employment in retail and food service. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Wegmans offers a positive work environment.

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

Wake Forest, NC, offers a favorable cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The cost of living index for Wake Forest stands at 92, indicating that overall expenses are 8% lower than the national average. This is particularly beneficial for individuals and families seeking more affordability without compromising quality of life. Specific categories such as groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses are close to or slightly below the national average, making Wake Forest an attractive option for those looking to manage their budgets effectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Wake Forest, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 8% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 11% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

Wake Forest, North Carolina, offers a cost of living index that is slightly lower than the nationwide average. With a cost of living index of 92, housing costs in Wake Forest are 8% below the national average of 100. This makes it easier for residents to find affordable housing options. In addition to housing, other categories like groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses are also slightly lower than the average, with indices of 95, 95, and 93, respectively. This means that residents can expect to pay 5% less for groceries, the same price for utilities, and 7% less for miscellaneous items compared to the national average.


Transportation costs in Wake Forest stand at 90 on the cost of living index, indicating a 10% savings compared to the national average. Healthcare costs, though still essential, are also relatively lower at 89 on the index, providing a 11% discount. These factors combine to make Wake Forest an attractive option for job seekers looking to balance living expenses with quality of life. The overall lower cost of living presents a favorable opportunity for those considering relocation to Wake Forest.

There are 337 job openings in Wake Forest, NC, today!

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Wake Forest, NC
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