MerleFest Salary

How much does the MerleFest Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at MerleFest in the United States is $42. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $87,538. Salaries at MerleFest typically range from $37 to $48 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. MerleFest’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
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Current Job Openings at MerleFest

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Is MerleFest’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does MerleFest’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their hourly average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
120k
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Average Salary ($/year)
MerleFest
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Decatur County Family YMCA
Grand Prairie Boys Baseball Inc
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at MerleFest is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 24%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared MerleFest average annual salary with several similar companies. MerleFest average salary of $87,538 is higher than Decatur County Family YMCA, which has an average salary of $86,979. It is lower than Grand Prairie Boys Baseball Inc, with their average salary at $92,200. This places MerleFest in a mid-range position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
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Employee Reviews: Working at MerleFest

Considering a career at MerleFest? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Great work-life balance with meaningful projects that impact education positively. Ensured we met all requirements effortlessly. Working here offers a sense of structure and security, but it can feel stagnant at times. Working here has been an incredibly positive experience.
This commitment extends to the communities we serve, ensuring equitable access to education and government services. Rigorous methodology. The emphasis on mentorship here is fantastic, especially for newer employees. I’ve felt truly appreciated here. The work matters, and the team shares a real commitment to the public good. Employees have access to ongoing training, career advancement, and wellne...
Their clear focus on service, planning, and outreach makes them truly stand out in the education and government sector. The company’s commitment to impactful public service projects inspires employees to deliver their best work consistently. Processes are often outdated and take time to change. Services are delivered as promised, but turnaround time can take time. The work is community-focused, an...
Some policies feel outdated or unclear. Strong team dynamics, although cross-department communication is lacking. Reduced burnout with practical initiatives. There are often opportunities to participate in special projects or cross-functional teams, which provide a refreshing change of pace and a chance to develop new skills. It's rare to find an organization this large that maintains such strong ...
Work-life balance is average, with some flexibility depending on role. Great experience working with a well-structured, mission-driven organization. Effective leadership training. If you're comfortable environments, it’s dependable. No complaints, but no standout value.

MerleFest Overview

Website
www.merlefest.org
Founded In
1988
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
PO Box 120 Wilkesboro North Carolina NC 28697
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 8003437857
Social Media
About MerleFest
MerleFest is an annual "traditional plus" music festival held in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on the campus of Wilkes Community College. The festival, which is held the last weekend in April, was hoste...

What Benefits Does MerleFest Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. MerleFest offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Winston Salem?

Understanding the cost of living near Winston Salem is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at MerleFest.
Winston Salem's Cost of Living Index is approximately 83.7 (16.3% less expensive than US average; 12.8% less than NC average). Piedmont Triad city, arts/innovation, affordable housing. WSTA bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from MerleFest, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of MerleFest salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $240 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $35 (WSTA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $640+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,055 - $3,335+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of MerleFest

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at MerleFest?

The typical salary range for most roles at MerleFest is approximately from $37 to $48 per hour. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does MerleFest pay compared to Decatur County Family YMCA?

The average annual salary at MerleFest is $87,538, or an hourly wage of $42, in comparison to Decatur County Family YMCA which pays $86,979 per year or $42 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at MerleFest?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at MerleFest, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from MerleFest in Winston Salem is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from MerleFest in Winston Salem is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at MerleFest and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Winston Salem" to understand its purchasing power.

5. What factors influence salary increases at MerleFest?

Salary increases at MerleFest are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.