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Federal Government Employee Salary in Raleigh, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living (index: 105). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Federal Government Employee Salary in Raleigh β€” Key Numbers

$101,850
Median Salary
$67,200
25th Percentile
$141,750
75th Percentile
$183,750
90th Percentile
National median (Federal Government Employee)$97,000
vs. National median+5.0%
Raleigh median household income$75,200
vs. City household income+35.4%

Cost of Living in Raleigh

Cost of Living Index
105(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,131/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio13.3%
Annual rent cost$13,572
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary3.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Raleigh

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
1,540,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
35.1
Median Age

Raleigh has a metro population of 1,540,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Federal Government Employee make in Raleigh, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Federal Government Employee in Raleigh is $101,850 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $97,000 adjusted by Raleigh's cost of living index (105). The typical salary range runs from $67,200 (25th percentile) to $141,750 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $183,750.

Is Raleigh affordable for a Federal Government Employee?

On a $101,850 annual salary, a Federal Government Employee in Raleigh would spend approximately 13.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,131/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Raleigh relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 3.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Federal Government Employee's salary compare to Raleigh's overall income?

Raleigh's median household income is $75,200. A Federal Government Employee earning the city-adjusted median of $101,850 earns 35.4% more than the typical Raleigh household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.