Retail Manager Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $43,344 (2026)

Retail Manager Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median retail manager salary of $43,344, which is $3,024 below the North Carolina state average of $46,368. Compared to the national median of $50,400, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $43,344 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $50,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for retail managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for retail managers in Winston-Salem spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $53,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior retail managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,100. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Retail Manager Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level retail manager earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,520

$-4,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,720

$-7,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,100

$-11,900 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$25,800	$27,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$32,680	$34,960	$38,000
Median (50th)	$43,344	$46,368	$50,400
75th Percentile	$60,200	$64,400	$70,000
90th Percentile	$79,120	$84,640	$92,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$25,800

25th Percentile

$32,680

Median (50th)

$43,344

75th Percentile

$60,200

90th Percentile

$79,120

How to Become a Retail Manager in Winston-Salem

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Winston-Salem

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

The median retail manager salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $43,344 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).

How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $43,344, a retail manager in Winston-Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for retail manager pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median retail manager salary of $43,344 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $46,368. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a retail manager salary of $43,344 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a retail manager in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most retail manager positions in Winston-Salem require a high school diploma. Key skills include Retail Management, Sales, Inventory Management, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Retail Manager Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina