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Professor Salary in Winston-Salem, NC β€” 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.

Professor Salary in Winston-Salem β€” Key Numbers

$74,254
Median Salary
$50,688
25th Percentile
$107,765
75th Percentile
$148,650
90th Percentile
National median (Professor)$84,380
vs. National median-12.0%
Winston-Salem median household income$52,600
vs. City household income+41.2%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.4%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$230,000
Home Price / Salary3.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$46,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.1 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Winston-Salem is $74,254 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Winston-Salem's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $50,688 (25th percentile) to $107,765 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $148,650.

Is Winston-Salem affordable for a Professor?

On a $74,254 annual salary, a Professor in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 15.4% 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 3.1Γ— the annual salary.

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

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $74,254 earns 41.2% more than the typical Winston-Salem 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.