Salary & Cost of Living in Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC: $50,000 median salary, cost of living index 86, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,000
$24/hr
Cost of Living
86
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.5%
rate
Winston-Salem, NC Overview
Population
249,545
Median Salary
$50,000
Average Salary
$56,000
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$195,000
Median Rent
$950/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
6.75%
Winston-Salem is located in North Carolina with a population of 249,545. The median household salary is $50,000 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
Winston-Salem Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Winston-Salem, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,089
$3,340.71/month · $1,541.87/biweekly · Effective Rate: 19.8%
Gross Pay
$50,000
Federal Tax
-$3,962
State Tax
-$2,125
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,825
Net Pay
$40,089
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,166.67 | $50,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$330.13 | -$3,961.50 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.25%) | -$177.08 | -$2,125.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$258.33 | -$3,100.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$60.42 | -$725.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,340.71 | $40,088.50 |
Salary Comparison: Winston-Salem vs Other Cities
See how Winston-Salem's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC | $50,000 | 86 | $58,140 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
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 Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100). Living in Winston-Salem is 14% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$195,000
Median Monthly Rent
$950
Annual Rent Cost
$11,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,089 annual take-home pay in Winston-Salem has the purchasing power of approximately $46,615 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,000.
Salary Tips for Winston-Salem Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Winston-Salem has a cost of living 14% below the national average. A salary of $50,000 here has the purchasing power of about $58,140 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Winston-Salem's top industries include Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,000 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.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $50,000 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,000. This is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100), meaning it is 14% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $195,000 and the median monthly rent is $950.
What are the best industries in Winston-Salem?
The top industries in Winston-Salem, NC include Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,000.
How does Winston-Salem's salary compare to other cities?
Winston-Salem's median salary of $50,000 is 15.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 86), the real purchasing power is approximately $58,140.
What is the minimum wage in Winston-Salem, NC?
The minimum wage in Winston-Salem, 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.