Winston-Salem Employment

Employment and Industries in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina Area

Winston-Salem is the location of the corporate headquarters of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, TW Garner Food Company, Branch Banking and Trust Company and Hanes Brands Inc. Other notable companies headquartered in the city include Reynolda Manufacturing Solutions, Southern Community Bank, ISP Sports and Lowes Foods Stores. Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is the largest employer in Winston-Salem.

The economy has traditionally been based on textile, tobacco and the furniture industries. Medical research has become a prominent industry. The Piedmont Triad Research Park includes biomedical and information technology research and development facilities. The city includes high-tech, bio-tech, life sciences and nanotech companies. Winston-Salem is also a large financial center.

Some of the occupations in Winston-Salem where the majority of the workers are college graduates are registered nurses, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, teachers, financial managers, computer systems analysts, social and human service assistants and computer programmers.

Facts about Winston-Salem, North Carolina: The city was ranked as the #18 best place in the nation for business and careers by Forbes Magazine. Regarding the adult population, 30% have achieved a bachelor's degree or better. In 2007 the estimated median household income was $40,000. The cost of living index in the city in 2008 was 83.7. The nation's average is 100.

The top employers in the Winston-Salem area:

  • Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center - Healthcare
  • Novant Health - Hospitals
  • Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co., School System - Education
  • Hanes Brands, Inc - Marketing and sales
  • Reynolds American Inc - Tobacco products
  • Wachovia - Banking
  • Winston-Salem City Government - Government
  • The Budd Group - Janitorial services and landscaping
  • Forsyth County Government - Government
  • BB&T - Banking
  • Wake Forest University (Reynolda Campus) - Education
  • Forsyth Tech (Community College) - Education
  • GMAC Insurance - Insurance
  • Dell Inc - Computer manufacturing
  • US Airways - Reservations
  • YMCA Fitness
  • Roadway Express - Trucking Contract Haulers
  • Lowe's Foods - Grocers
  • Pepsi Bottling Company - Beverages-Distributors & Bottlers
  • Hayward Industries - Pools & spas

In Winston-Salem the leading employment segments are:

  • Healthcare
  • Educational services
  • Construction
  • Accommodations and food services
  • Finance and insurance
  • Professional, scientific and technical services

Local companies may want to contact these helpful organizations:

Local business and industry information is provided by the Winston-Salem JournalNow.

Jobs in Winston Salem

RankTitleTotal EmployeesLocal Mean Salary (Per Year)Local Mean Salary (Per hour)National Growth % 2014-2024
1All Occupations268360$47,480$22.83100
2Office and Administrative Support Occupations34010$38,050$18.2913.75
3Production Occupations26590$35,780$17.25.6
4Transportation and Material Moving Occupations25710$31,660$15.226.7
5Sales and Related Occupations25330$38,690$18.69.5
6Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations25130$22,250$10.78.7
7Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations22980$70,900$34.095.85
8Educational Instruction and Library Occupations19160$69,510$33.426
9Business and Financial Operations Occupations12230$71,260$34.265.35
10Healthcare Support Occupations11900$30,210$14.532.85
11Management Occupations11300$122,150$58.726.35
12Construction and Extraction Occupations9600$41,710$20.054.6
13Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations9560$44,700$21.493.75
14Registered Nurses8890$68,640$331.95
15Fast Food and Counter Workers8530$20,350$9.782.45
16Retail Salespersons8420$26,070$12.532.7
17Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations7480$25,490$12.263.6
18Cashiers6960$20,300$9.762.2
19Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand6760$28,480$13.691.8
20Computer and Mathematical Occupations5970$83,240$40.023
21Personal Care and Service Occupations4940$26,450$12.724.65
22Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators4850$32,290$15.520.8
23Customer Service Representatives4820$34,200$16.441.75
24Waiters and Waitresses4720$20,330$9.771.65
25Office Clerks, General4650$33,220$15.971.9
26Nursing Assistants4630$28,250$13.580.95
27Stockers and Order Fillers4320$27,190$13.071.25
28Protective Service Occupations4310$38,740$18.632.2
29Community and Social Service Occupations3400$48,300$23.221.75
30Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive3310$38,350$18.441.4
31Home Health and Personal Care Aides3260$22,760$10.940
32Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers3250$44,940$21.611.2
33Architecture and Engineering Occupations3140$75,500$36.31.7
34General and Operations Managers3130$128,770$61.911.5
35Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks2990$38,930$18.711.05
36Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners2690$23,030$11.071.5
37Cooks, Restaurant2680$22,810$10.970.9
38Packers and Packagers, Hand2590$26,160$12.580.4
39First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers2550$54,680$26.290.95
40Receptionists and Information Clerks2480$29,320$14.10.7
41Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners2360$22,400$10.770.9
42Maintenance and Repair Workers, General2340$39,730$19.10.9
43Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products2310$76,450$36.750.85
44First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers2240$53,990$25.960.95
45Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations2050$51,540$24.781.8
46Light Truck Drivers2030$35,050$16.850.6
47First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers1970$32,610$15.680.6
48Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators1900$32,460$15.610.4
49Cooks, Fast Food1830$19,860$9.550.3
50Legal Occupations1760$77,310$37.170.8
51Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers1700$28,290$13.60.75
52Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations1670$66,300$31.870.8
53Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers1660$35,950$17.280.35
54First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers1600$62,860$30.220.4
55Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel1600$58,940$28.340.7
56First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers1550$58,620$28.180.4
57Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses1550$44,680$21.480.5
58Accountants and Auditors1540$73,160$35.170.9
59Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics1520$41,670$20.030.5
60Substitute Teachers, Short-Term1460$23,520$11.310.4
61Computer Systems Analysts1440$92,510$44.480.4
62Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks1420$33,550$16.130.4
63Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators1370$60,900$29.280.2
64Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop1320$19,340$9.30.3
65Medical Assistants1310$35,300$16.970.45
66Pharmacy Technicians1270$35,600$17.120.3
67Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other1250$67,330$32.370.7
68Construction Laborers1240$31,280$15.040.9
69Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers1170$100,100$48.130.65
70Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity1160$26,570$12.770.3
71Childcare Workers1130$23,450$11.270.7
72Child, Family, and School Social Workers1120$44,690$21.490.2
73Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing1120$27,600$13.270
74Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants1110$36,700$17.640.4
75Medical Dosimetrists, Medical Records Specialists, and Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other1060$44,720$21.50
76Financial Managers1050$153,550$73.820.4
77Helpers--Production Workers1040$27,130$13.040.2
78Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians1030$53,540$25.740.2
79Electricians1030$46,590$22.40.45
80Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers1030$40,000$19.230.3
81Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists1000$63,970$30.750.45
82Food Preparation Workers990$24,100$11.590.5
83Computer User Support Specialists980$50,800$24.420.4
84Machinists980$44,820$21.550.2
85Security Guards970$37,240$17.910.7
86Human Resources Specialists960$61,650$29.640.4
87Firefighters930$30,180$14.510.2
88Paralegals and Legal Assistants930$42,450$20.410.2
89First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors900$53,210$25.580.3
90Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers890$43,950$21.130.4
91Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education850$30,520$14.670.3
92Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters840$44,790$21.530.3
93Management Analysts830$82,810$39.810.55
94Pharmacists830$125,040$60.110.2
95Insurance Sales Agents810$61,060$29.350.3
96Self-Enrichment Teachers800$39,230$18.860.2
97First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers790$67,890$32.640.3
98Billing and Posting Clerks780$38,590$18.550.3
99Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan780$36,410$17.510.1
100Postal Service Mail Carriers780$52,420$25.20.2
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
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Additional Details

Winston Salem Colleges
Winston Salem colleges and trade schools.

Jobs More Common Near Winston Salem Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$47,480268,360
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$38,05034,010
Production Occupations$35,78026,590
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$31,66025,710
Sales and Related Occupations$38,69025,330
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$22,25025,130
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$70,90022,980
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$69,51019,160
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$71,26012,230
Healthcare Support Occupations$30,21011,900
Management Occupations$122,15011,300
Construction and Extraction Occupations$41,7109,600
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$44,7009,560
Registered Nurses$68,6408,890
Fast Food and Counter Workers$20,3508,530
Retail Salespersons$26,0708,420
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$25,4907,480
Cashiers$20,3006,960
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$28,4806,760
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$83,2405,970
Personal Care and Service Occupations$26,4504,940
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$32,2904,850
Customer Service Representatives$34,2004,820
Waiters and Waitresses$20,3304,720
Office Clerks, General$33,2204,650
Nursing Assistants$28,2504,630
Stockers and Order Fillers$27,1904,320
Protective Service Occupations$38,7404,310
Community and Social Service Occupations$48,3003,400
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$38,3503,310
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$22,7603,260
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$44,9403,250
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$75,5003,140
General and Operations Managers$128,7703,130
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$38,9302,990
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$23,0302,690
Cooks, Restaurant$22,8102,680
Packers and Packagers, Hand$26,1602,590
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$54,6802,550
Receptionists and Information Clerks$29,3202,480
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$22,4002,360
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$39,7302,340
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$76,4502,310
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$53,9902,240
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$51,5402,050
Light Truck Drivers$35,0502,030
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$32,6101,970
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$32,4601,900
Cooks, Fast Food$19,8601,830
Legal Occupations$77,3101,760

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Winston Salem, North Carolina Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$47,480268,360
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$38,05034,010
Production Occupations$35,78026,590
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$31,66025,710
Sales and Related Occupations$38,69025,330
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$70,90022,980
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$69,51019,160
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$71,26012,230
Healthcare Support Occupations$30,21011,900
Management Occupations$122,15011,300
Construction and Extraction Occupations$41,7109,600
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$44,7009,560
Registered Nurses$68,6408,890
Retail Salespersons$26,0708,420
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$25,4907,480
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$28,4806,760
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$83,2405,970
Personal Care and Service Occupations$26,4504,940
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$32,2904,850
Customer Service Representatives$34,2004,820
Office Clerks, General$33,2204,650
Nursing Assistants$28,2504,630
Stockers and Order Fillers$27,1904,320
Protective Service Occupations$38,7404,310
Community and Social Service Occupations$48,3003,400
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$38,3503,310
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$44,9403,250
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$75,5003,140
General and Operations Managers$128,7703,130
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$38,9302,990
Packers and Packagers, Hand$26,1602,590
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$54,6802,550
Receptionists and Information Clerks$29,3202,480
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$39,7302,340
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$76,4502,310
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$53,9902,240
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$51,5402,050
Light Truck Drivers$35,0502,030
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$32,6101,970
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$32,4601,900
Legal Occupations$77,3101,760
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$28,2901,700
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations$66,3001,670
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$35,9501,660
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$62,8601,600
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$58,9401,600
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$58,6201,550
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$44,6801,550
Accountants and Auditors$73,1601,540
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$41,6701,520

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