Salaries in Wake Forest, NC

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Wake Forest, NC?

The average salary in Wake Forest, NC is $47,941 per year.

Job seekers in Wake Forest, NC, can expect a range of salary opportunities. The average salary in the area is around $47,941. This figure provides a good starting point for understanding the earning potential in the region. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and position.


Here are some average salary ranges for different job sectors in Wake Forest, NC:

  • Entry-level positions: $22,000 to $32,455
  • Mid-level positions: $42,909 to $53,364
  • Senior-level positions: $63,818 to $74,273
  • Executive-level positions: $84,727 to $137,000
These figures show that there are good opportunities for growth and advancement in Wake Forest, NC.

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

Job seekers in Wake Forest, NC, have several high-paying career options. Dental Hygienists lead the list with an average salary of $94,777. Behavior Analysts and Massage Therapists also offer strong earnings, with average salaries of $90,271 and $77,146, respectively. These positions provide competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth. Other top-paying jobs in Wake Forest include roles such as Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, with average salaries of $71,911 and $61,638. Insurance Agents, Automotive Technicians, and General Managers also offer solid earnings. These careers attract professionals seeking both stability and financial rewards. Job seekers can explore these fields to find a role that matches their skills and career goals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wake Forest, NC, highlighting Dental Hygienist with the highest at $94,777 and Elementary Teacher with the lowest at $50,234.
  1. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $94,777
    This role involves cleaning teeth and examining patients for signs of oral diseases. Dental hygienists work in dental offices and clinics. They use tools to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. They also educate patients about oral hygiene.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  2. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $90,271
    Behavior analysts work with individuals to improve their behaviors. They often work in schools and clinics. They develop behavior improvement plans and monitor progress. They also train caregivers and teachers on behavior management techniques.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  3. Massage Therapist
    Average Salary: $77,146
    Massage therapists provide therapeutic massages to clients. They work in spas, clinics, and wellness centers. They use various techniques to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. They also assess clients' needs and customize treatment plans.
    Find Massage Therapist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $71,911
    Registered nurses care for patients and help them recover from illnesses. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide patient education. They also collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $61,638
    Licensed practical nurses provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They take vital signs, administer medications, and assist with daily activities. They also report patient conditions to registered nurses and doctors.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  6. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $60,496
    Insurance agents sell and manage insurance policies. They work for insurance companies and independent agencies. They assess clients' needs and recommend suitable policies. They also handle claims and provide customer service.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  7. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $57,273
    Automotive technicians repair and maintain vehicles. They work in auto repair shops and dealerships. They diagnose problems, perform repairs, and test vehicles. They also advise customers on vehicle maintenance and safety.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  8. General Manager
    Average Salary: $56,800
    General managers oversee daily operations of businesses. They work in various industries, including retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. They manage staff, handle budgets, and ensure customer satisfaction. They also develop strategies to improve business performance.
    Find General Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  9. Hair Stylist
    Average Salary: $55,111
    Hair stylists cut, style, and color hair. They work in salons and spas. They provide personalized services to clients. They also keep up with the latest trends and techniques. They use various tools and products to achieve desired looks.
    Find Hair Stylist jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  10. Elementary Teacher
    Average Salary: $50,234
    Elementary teachers educate young students. They work in public and private schools. They prepare lesson plans and teach various subjects. They also assess students' progress and provide feedback. They create a supportive learning environment for students.
    Find Elementary Teacher jobs in Wake Forest, NC

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

Job seekers in Wake Forest, NC, can find well-paying jobs without needing a degree. Roles such as restaurant manager, landscaper, and housekeeping staff offer good salaries. These positions provide opportunities to earn a stable income while gaining valuable experience. Restaurant managers can earn around $50,000 annually, while landscapers and housekeeping staff make about $40,000. Meat cutters, groundskeepers, and servers also have good earning potential. These jobs allow individuals to start or advance their careers without a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wake Forest, NC without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $50,498 and Line Cook with the lowest at $28,672.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,498
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in local eateries like The Local Table and The Brick Oven.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  2. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,952
    Maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. Perform tasks like mowing, pruning, and planting. Companies like TruGreen and local landscaping firms offer opportunities.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,868
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work with local hotels such as Hilton and Marriott.
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  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $35,644
    Cut and package meat for retail sale. Follow safety and quality standards. Opportunities exist at local grocery stores like Publix and Harris Teeter.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,021
    Maintain the grounds of parks and recreational areas. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and landscaping. Work with local parks departments and golf courses.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $31,161
    Serve food and beverages to customers in a restaurant. Provide excellent customer service. Opportunities exist at local restaurants like The Melting Pot and The Melting Pot.
    Find Server jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,897
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers and take orders. Work at local coffee shops like Starbucks and local cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $29,939
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen duties. Support chefs and kitchen staff. Opportunities exist at local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $29,064
    Assist with food preparation and service in a restaurant. Clean and maintain kitchen areas. Work at local eateries and cafes.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Wake Forest, NC


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $28,672
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Cook meals to order and maintain quality. Opportunities exist at local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Wake Forest, NC

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

Job seekers in Wake Forest, NC, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. Capital Automotive Group leads with an average salary of $55,769. Wake County Public School System offers $50,202. CrossRoads Nissan provides $46,645, while Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers $33,843. These companies provide good opportunities for those seeking higher pay. Other notable employers include Harris Teeter, Endeavor Schools, and Wegmans Food Markets. Harris Teeter pays $33,807, Endeavor Schools offers $33,391, and Wegmans Food Markets provides $32,789. These companies also offer attractive salaries. Red Robin, PDQ, and Always Best Care Senior Services round out the list with average salaries ranging from $32,427 to $29,844. These companies provide good options for those looking for a stable income.
Graph displaying company salaries in Wake Forest, NC, highlighting Capital Automotive Group with the highest at $55,769 and Always Best Care Senior Services with the lowest at $29,844.
  1. Capital Automotive Group
    Average Salary: $55,769
    Capital Automotive Group offers a range of automotive services. They value their employees and provide competitive salaries.


  2. Wake County Public School System
    Average Salary: $50,202
    Wake County Public School System is a leading educational institution. They offer rewarding careers with good compensation.


  3. CrossRoads Nissan
    Average Salary: $46,645
    CrossRoads Nissan is a well-known car dealership. They provide a stable work environment with attractive salaries.


  4. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
    Average Salary: $33,843
    Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a respected institution for theological studies. They offer fulfilling roles with decent pay.


  5. Harris Teeter
    Average Salary: $33,807
    Harris Teeter is a popular grocery chain. They offer various positions with competitive salaries.


  6. Endeavor Schools
    Average Salary: $33,391
    Endeavor Schools provides educational services. They offer rewarding careers with good compensation.


  7. Wegmans Food Markets
    Average Salary: $32,789
    Wegmans Food Markets is a well-known grocery store. They offer various positions with competitive salaries.


  8. Red Robin
    Average Salary: $32,427
    Red Robin is a popular restaurant chain. They offer various roles with decent pay.


  9. PDQ - People Dedicated to Quality
    Average Salary: $30,398
    PDQ offers quick service restaurant options. They provide various positions with competitive salaries.


  10. Always Best Care Senior Services
    Average Salary: $29,844
    Always Best Care Senior Services provides care for seniors. They offer fulfilling roles with decent pay.

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

Wake Forest, NC, offers a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Wake Forest stands at 95, which is 5% lower than the national average of 100. This makes housing, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses more affordable for residents. Groceries and healthcare costs are also close to the national average, while transportation costs are slightly lower.
Cost of living comparison graph for Wake Forest, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 5% lower, groceries 2% lower, utilities 4% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 3% lower.

The cost of living in Wake Forest, NC, is slightly below the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Wake Forest are 95, which means they are 5% lower than the average. This makes it a bit easier for residents to find affordable housing options. Groceries in Wake Forest cost 98, which is 2% below the national average. This small difference means that grocery shopping is nearly as affordable as the national average.


Utilities in Wake Forest are priced at 96, which is 4% below the national average. This indicates that residents can expect to pay slightly less for their utilities compared to the average American. Transportation costs are 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. This makes commuting and other transportation expenses more affordable in Wake Forest. Healthcare costs are 92, which is 8% below the average, offering a bit more savings in this area. Miscellaneous expenses are at 97, which is just 3% below the national average, making everyday spending items nearly as affordable as the national average. Overall, Wake Forest provides a cost of living that is slightly more affordable than the national average in several key areas.

There are 614 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.
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Wake Forest, NC
614 Job Openings