Salary & Cost of Living in Matthews, NC
Matthews, NC: $48,676 median salary, cost of living index 87, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,676
$23/hr
Cost of Living
87
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.1%
rate
Matthews, NC Overview
Population
32,678
Median Salary
$48,676
Average Salary
$54,517
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$263,000
Median Rent
$1,068/mo
Job Growth
+1.3%
Sales Tax
4.75%
Matthews is located in North Carolina with a population of 32,678. The median household salary is $48,676 per year ($23/hour), which is $10,708 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.3%.
Matthews Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Matthews, NC based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $48,676 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $30,179 | $14.51/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $48,676 | $23.40/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $69,120 | $33.23/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $86,643 | $41.65/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Matthews Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Matthews, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$38,959
$3,246.60/month · $1,498.43/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.0%
Gross Pay
$48,676
Federal Tax
-$3,803
State Tax
-$2,190
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,724
Net Pay
$38,959
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,056.33 | $48,676.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$316.89 | -$3,802.62 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.5%) | -$182.54 | -$2,190.42 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$251.49 | -$3,017.91 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.82 | -$705.80 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,246.60 | $38,959.25 |
Salary Comparison: Matthews vs Other Cities
See how Matthews's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthews, NC | $48,676 | 87 | $55,949 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Fort Myers, FL | $48,693 | 106.7 | $45,635 |
| Weston, FL | $48,657 | 96.1 | $50,632 |
| Montgomery, AL | $48,700 | 86 | $56,628 |
| Winter Garden, FL | $48,624 | 105.2 | $46,221 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Matthews
Matthews's cost of living index is 87 (national average = 100). Living in Matthews is 13% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$263,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,068
Annual Rent Cost
$12,816
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $38,959 annual take-home pay in Matthews has the purchasing power of approximately $44,781 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,676 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Matthews
Matthews's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,676.
Salary Tips for Matthews Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Matthews has a cost of living 13% below the national average. A salary of $48,676 here has the purchasing power of about $55,949 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Matthews's top industries include Banking, Technology, Biotech. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,676 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Matthews, NC?
The median salary in Matthews, NC is $48,676 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $54,517. This is $10,708 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Matthews, NC?
Matthews's cost of living index is 87 (national average = 100), meaning it is 13% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $263,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,068.
What are the best industries in Matthews?
The top industries in Matthews, NC include Banking, Technology, Biotech. The city has a job growth rate of 1.3% and an unemployment rate of 3.1%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,676.
How does Matthews's salary compare to other cities?
Matthews's median salary of $48,676 is 18.0% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 87), the real purchasing power is approximately $55,949.
What is the minimum wage in Matthews, NC?
The minimum wage in Matthews, NC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.