Salaries in Winston-Salem, NC

You might be surprised to learn that Winston-Salem, with its population of about 253,000, has a lower unemployment rate than the national average—at just 3.5%. It’s a quiet workhorse of a city, often overshadowed by Raleigh or Charlotte, but the job market here is tight and steady. That’s a good sign.

The real story, though, is purchasing power. Winston-Salem’s cost-of-living index sits at 91.4, meaning it’s nearly 9% cheaper than the U.S. average. That doesn’t just mean cheaper rent—though a one-bedroom averages $936 a month—but that your paycheck goes further. The median household income of $59,189 doesn’t sound dazzling, but when you adjust for costs, it feels like earning closer to $65,000 elsewhere. It’s a solid middle-class foundation, not a luxury, but it’s sustainable.

Who thrives here? The city’s economy leans on health care, education, and manufacturing. Wake Forest Baptist Health and Novant Health are huge employers, and the university presence (about 44.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher) fuels a steady demand for educators and tech roles. You’ll also find a growing tech scene, though it’s still small compared to the Research Triangle. Construction and project management are steady bets, too, given the city’s steady growth.

Here’s my honest take: wages aren’t exploding, but they’re keeping pace with costs. The average salary across all roles is $67,321, which adjusts to $73,655 in local terms. That’s comfortable for a single person or a young family, but it won’t make you rich overnight. If you’re in a high-demand field—like software development or pharmacy—you’ll do well. If you’re in a lower-paying industry, you’ll still find life manageable, but don’t expect dramatic savings.

The data below breaks it all down: top-paying jobs, their adjusted salaries, and how they stack up against the local averages. It’s a practical look at what your career could earn you here in 2026.