Winston vs Winston-Salem: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Winston, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Winston, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,241 | $54,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.64 | $26.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,761▲ | $31,486 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,180▲ | $39,086 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,466▲ | $69,487 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,505▲ | $84,144 |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston and Winston-Salem are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Winston and Winston-Salem is $3,045 (5.94%). Winston-Salem's median is -15.86% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Winston spans $69,744,Winston-Salem spans $52,658. Winston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston-Salem ($57,998 effective) pays 4.18% more than Winston ($55,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,505)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,286/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,998)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Winston grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Winston, NC
$40,570 (2019) → $49,460 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$56,263 (2024) → $52,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Winston, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Winston or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Winston and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Winston to Winston-Salem as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Winston vs Winston-Salem?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov