Salaries in Raleigh, NC

Most people think of Raleigh as a cheap Southern bargain. They're wrong. It's not cheap anymore, but the math still works—if you're in the right fields.

Here's the deal: Raleigh's cost of living sits at 98, just a hair under the national average. But your paycheck buys more here than you'd expect. The median household income is $86,309, and a one-bedroom apartment runs $1,466 a month. That’s not peanuts, but it’s not the crushing burden you see in Austin or Nashville. You’ll feel the difference in your grocery bill and your car insurance.

This city runs on three engines: tech, healthcare, and biotech. SAS Institute is headquartered here, and Red Hat calls it home. Duke Health and UNC Rex Healthcare are massive employers. If you’re a software developer (median: $126,496) or a pharmacist ($135,213), you’re in the sweet spot. Even construction managers ($107,560) are doing well, building all those labs and apartment towers.

Here’s my honest take: wages are growing, but not as fast as rents. A 3.5% unemployment rate means employers are hungry, but don’t expect a massive raise just for showing up. This city works best for young professionals and families who want a solid career without coastal prices. It’s less of a bargain than it was five years ago, but it’s still a smart financial move for many.

The data below breaks down who earns what, and how far your money actually goes in the Triangle.