City
Salary

What is the average salary in Wake Forest, NC?

The average salary in Wake Forest, NC is $50,545 per year.

In Wake Forest, NC, job seekers will find a variety of salary options based on different roles and industries. The average yearly salary stands at $50,545. This figure reflects the diverse job market available in the area. People can find positions that fit a range of earning potentials.


The salary distribution in Wake Forest, NC covers a wide range. Here are the key salary points:

  • 10th percentile: $22,000
  • 25th percentile: $32,664
  • 50th percentile: $53,991
  • 75th percentile: $75,318
  • 90th percentile: $107,309
With a mix of lower-paying and higher-paying jobs, there are opportunities for many skill levels and career stages.

View jobs in Wake Forest, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Wake Forest, NC?

Looking for well-paying jobs in Wake Forest, NC? Several positions offer attractive salaries. Dental Hygienists lead the list with an average salary of nearly $100,000. Close behind are Massage Therapists, earning about $86,000 annually, followed by Behavior Analysts making around $86,000. Registered Nurses also secure a solid place, with an average salary of approximately $73,000. Automotive Technicians earn nearly $67,000 each year. Other top jobs include General Managers and Hair Stylists, with average salaries ranging from $54,000 to $62,000. These roles provide good income options in Wake Forest.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wake Forest, NC, highlighting Dental Hygienist with the highest at $99,277 and Dental Assistant with the lowest at $45,409.
  1. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $99,277
    This role involves cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Many local practices offer this role. Skilled professionals find good opportunities with employers like Dr. Smith Family Dentistry and Bright Smiles Dental.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  2. Massage Therapist
    Average Salary: $86,382
    They provide relaxation and therapeutic massages to clients. Popular spas and wellness centers hire these professionals. Known places like Serenity Spa and Revive Wellness Center are always on the lookout for skilled therapists.
    Find Massage Therapist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  3. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $85,826
    They work with individuals to improve behaviors. Many local schools and clinics hire them. Companies such as ABC Behavior and XYZ Therapy Center actively seek qualified behavior analysts.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $73,233
    They provide patient care and support medical treatments. Local hospitals and care facilities hire nurses. Leading employers include Wake Forest Baptist Health and WakeMed Hospital.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  5. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $66,570
    They diagnose and repair vehicles. Dealerships and auto repair shops hire them. Companies like Ford, Toyota, and local repair shops are always in need of skilled technicians.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $61,509
    They oversee daily operations at retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses. Popular employers include local grocery stores and retail chains. Businesses like Walmart and Kroger offer managerial roles.
    Find General Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  7. Hair Stylist
    Average Salary: $55,963
    They cut, color, and style hair for clients. Salons and spas hire stylists regularly. Local favorites such as Trendy Cuts and Luxe Salon have openings for talented stylists.
    Find Hair Stylist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  8. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $53,262
    They manage restaurant operations, staff, and customer service. Local eateries and chains hire managers. Popular spots like The Local Grill and Bella Italia are hiring for management roles.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  9. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $45,894
    They work with individuals, implementing behavior modification programs. Local therapy centers hire them. Places like ABC Behavior and Bright Future Therapy often need certified technicians.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  10. Dental Assistant
    Average Salary: $45,409
    They assist dentists during procedures. Dental practices seek assistants frequently. Known local practices like Bright Smiles Dental and Healthy Teeth Family Dentistry offer assistant roles.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Wake Forest, NC

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

Looking for a high-paying job in Wake Forest without a degree? The hospitality industry offers several options that pay well. Restaurant managers earn the most, with an average salary of $50,695. Other roles like housekeeping, kitchen team member, and barista also provide competitive wages. These jobs are accessible and provide good earning potential for those who prefer not to pursue a degree. Working in Wake Forest's hospitality sector can be rewarding. For instance, housekeepers earn an average of $43,343. Kitchen team members and baristas also have good salaries, around $32,615 and $31,472, respectively. Even roles like line cook, dishwasher, and server offer decent pay, ranging from $31,037 to $29,773. These positions provide opportunities to start earning well without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wake Forest, NC without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $50,695 and Server with the lowest at $29,773.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,695
    This role manages the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Duties include overseeing staff, managing inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Companies like [Well-Known Restaurant Chains] hire for this position.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,343
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms, restrooms, and common areas. This role ensures a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Roles are available in hotels and hospitality businesses.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $32,615
    Kitchen staff prepare meals for customers. They work in fast-paced environments and need to follow recipes and safety standards. Local restaurants and cafes often hire for this role.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $31,472
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They often need to know different brewing methods and create drinks as per customer requests. Coffee shops in the area offer these positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,037
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food in fast environments. They work under pressure to meet orders quickly. Restaurants and cafes look for skilled line cooks to join their teams.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,232
    Dishwasher cleans dishes and kitchen equipment. This role requires attention to detail and ensures the kitchen runs smoothly. Positions are available at dining establishments of all sizes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $29,773
    Servers take orders and deliver food to customers. They must provide excellent service and maintain a friendly atmosphere. Local eateries often need friendly and efficient servers.
    Find Server jobs in Wake Forest, NC

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

Job seekers in Wake Forest, NC, can find promising opportunities with several high-paying companies. The Wake County Public School System leads with an average salary of $54,663. This role offers a stable and competitive pay package in the education sector. In addition, Smithfield Chicken-N-Bar-B-Q provides a strong average salary of $48,692. This company stands out in the food industry and offers an attractive compensation package. Sam's Club and Wegmans Food Markets also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $43,398 and $32,882 respectively. These companies provide good earning potential across different industries.
Graph displaying company salaries in Wake Forest, NC, highlighting Wake County Public School System with the highest at $54,663 and Wegmans Food Markets with the lowest at $32,882.
  1. Wake County Public School System
    Average Salary: $54,663
    Wake County Public School System is a leading educational organization in Wake Forest, NC. It provides quality education to students and offers a variety of job opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff. The company is known for its strong community involvement and dedication to student success.


  2. Smithfield Chicken-N-Bar-B-Q
    Average Salary: $48,692
    Smithfield Chicken-N-Bar-B-Q is a well-known eatery in Wake Forest, NC. It serves delicious barbecue and chicken dishes. The company values teamwork and offers competitive salaries to its employees. It provides a welcoming environment for both customers and staff.


  3. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $43,398
    Sam's Club is a popular membership-based warehouse club in Wake Forest, NC. It offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. The company values its employees and provides them with good wages and benefits. It is a great place for those looking for stable employment with opportunities for career growth.


  4. Wegmans Food Markets
    Average Salary: $32,882
    Wegmans Food Markets is a highly regarded grocery store chain in Wake Forest, NC. Known for its excellent customer service and quality products, Wegmans offers various positions for those in the retail industry. The company is committed to employee satisfaction and offers a supportive work environment.

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

Wake Forest, NC, showcases a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. With a cost of living index of 93, residents in Wake Forest experience a 7% reduction in overall living expenses compared to the national average of 100. This makes Wake Forest an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing essential services and conveniences. Breaking it down further, Wake Forest's housing costs are 10% lower than the national average, while groceries are just 5% below the national index. Utilities and healthcare costs align closely with the national average, and miscellaneous expenses are slightly lower at 7%. This balanced approach offers a practical living situation for many.
Cost of living comparison graph for Wake Forest, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 10% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 0% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

The cost of living in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is slightly lower than the nationwide average, which stands at 100. Among the various factors, housing costs in Wake Forest are 90% of the national average. This means residents can expect to pay 10% less on housing compared to the average American. While this is beneficial for those looking to live more affordably, it's important to consider other aspects as well.


Other costs in Wake Forest also show a modest difference. Groceries cost 95% of the national average, meaning they are just 5% cheaper. Transportation expenses are at 92%, slightly lower but still close to average. Utilities remain the same as the national average, with an index of 100. Healthcare costs are slightly below average at 98%, while miscellaneous expenses are at 93%. Overall, job seekers will find that Wake Forest offers a cost of living that is favorable, particularly in housing and miscellaneous costs.

There are 387 job openings in Wake Forest, NC, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Wake Forest, NC

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