How does a HR Manager's salary in Winston-Salem compare to the rest of North Carolina?

Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A HR Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $119,988 earns $67,388 more than the median household income in Winston-Salem ($52,600).

HR Manager Salary in Winston-Salem, NC — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

HR Manager Salary in Winston-Salem — Key Numbers

$119,988

Median Salary

$84,594

25th Percentile

$162,536

75th Percentile

$211,200

90th Percentile

National median (HR Manager)$136,350

vs. National median-12.0%

Winston-Salem median household income$52,600

vs. City household income+128.1%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index

88(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$950/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio9.5%

Annual rent cost$11,400

Median Home Price$230,000

Home Price / Salary1.9×

20% Down Payment$46,000

Years to save (20% rate)1.9 yrs

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

Job Market in Winston-Salem

4.2%

Unemployment Rate

680,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

35.7

Median Age

Winston-Salem has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

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Cost of Living — Winston-Salem

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HR Manager Salary in North Carolina

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Winston-Salem

Physician$201,784 Chief Executive Officer$184,800 Dentist$154,449 IT Manager$149,169 Marketing Manager$138,706 Lawyer$128,269

HR Manager Salary — Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC$141,804 Raleigh, NC$143,168 Durham, NC$141,804 Greensboro, NC$119,988 Fayetteville, NC$114,534

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a HR Manager make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The estimated median salary for a HR Manager in Winston-Salem is $119,988 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $136,350 adjusted by Winston-Salem's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $84,594 (25th percentile) to $162,536 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $211,200.

Is Winston-Salem affordable for a HR Manager?

On a $119,988 annual salary, a HR Manager in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 9.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Winston-Salem relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 1.9× the annual salary.

How does a HR Manager's salary compare to Winston-Salem's overall income?

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A HR Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $119,988 earns 128.1% more than the typical Winston-Salem household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

HR Manager — National HR Manager in North Carolina All Salary Guides

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.