Wake County Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Wake County in the United States is $80,537. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $39. Salaries at Wake County typically range from $70,738 to $91,671 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Wake County Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Wake County. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Director of Communications, with an annual salary of $193,411. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Back End Software Developer

$107,265 / year

Salary Range: $97,576 - $118,569

Software Development

Blockchain Developer/Analyst (Freelance Contract, Remote)

$85,184 / year

Salary Range: $70,747 - $96,524

Trading

Cloud SA

$104,785 / year

Salary Range: $91,496 - $118,201

IT Management

CNO Analyst/Programmer

$46,186 / year

Salary Range: $41,234 - $52,767

Manufacturing

Communications Marketing Manager (Freelance Contract, Remote)

$107,465 / year

Salary Range: $95,348 - $121,130

Marketing Management

Computer Scientist

$92,006 / year

Salary Range: $82,288 - $102,493

Environmental Engineering

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Wake County.
Loading results...

About Wake County: Company Profile

Website
www.wakegov.com
Founded In
1771
Employees
3,000 - 7,500 employees
Industry
Retail & Wholesale
Headquarter Location
RALEIGH
Revenue
$1B - $3B
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About WAKE COUNTY
Wake County Government provides services including tax collection, library services, local parks administration, planning and permitting, health and human services, law enforcement and more. Wake County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County, North Carolina is home to NC State University, Shaw Univ

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Wake County's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
There’s a good balance between workload and support. The team is cooperative, and the company provides adequate resources. I’ve been with this company for three years and love the culture. It’s a motivating place to work. The company has a clear vision, and employees are aligned with its goals.
The workplace culture is inclusive, and colleagues are friendly. Benefits like health insurance and flexible scheduling add value. The team is cooperative, and managers are fair in their approach. Love the dynamic work culture. Management is supportive and encourages career growth.
There’s room for improvement in career advancement opportunities, but overall, it’s a decent place to work if you value stability. Managers recognize hard work and provide constructive feedback. This company excels in fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace. The culture is collaborative, and the leadership team genuinely cares about employee growth. The company has a good reputation in the in...
The company provides excellent support for career development. The culture is team-oriented, and management is approachable. Training is provided, though it could be more in-depth. The benefits, including retirement plans and wellness programs, are excellent.
The company fosters collaboration and innovation. It’s a decent option if you value stability over high-growth opportunities. Managers are open to feedback, and teamwork is strong. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of this job.

Is Wake County’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Wake County's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
DRIVETIME $80,548
+0.0%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
GREAT DEAL INC $82,532
+2.5%
Suggests GREAT DEAL INC utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
CARHARTT $86,597
+7.5%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for CARHARTT's specialized projects.
COBORNS LIQUOR $71,164
-11.6%
COBORNS LIQUOR focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Retail & Wholesale Industry $123,318
+53.1%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Raleigh?

Understanding the cost of living near Raleigh is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Wake County.
Raleigh's Cost of Living Index is approximately 102.3 (2.3% more expensive than US average; 6.6% more than NC average). State capital, Research Triangle Park, tech hub, housing above US avg. GoRaleigh/GoTriangle. When planning your budget based on a salary from Wake County, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,400 - $2,100+ A significant portion of Wake County salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70 (GoRaleigh monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $410 - $600 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $430 - $780+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,830 - $4,410+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Wake County

FAQ 1: What is the average salary for employees at Wake County?
The average annual total compensation for employees at Wake County is approximately $80,537. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $70,738 to $91,671, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does Wake County pay compared to DRIVETIME?
The average annual salary at Wake County is $80,537, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to DRIVETIME which pays $80,547 per year or $39 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at Wake County?
Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at Wake County for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.
FAQ 4: Does Wake County offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Raleigh?
While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially Wake County, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.
FAQ 5: What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at Wake County?
Most companies, likely including Wake County, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.