Project Manager in High Point, NC

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to High Point, North Carolina.

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The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

So, you’re looking at High Point, NC. As a local who’s navigated the Triad job market for years, I can tell you that High Point’s salary landscape for Project Managers is solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living. It’s not the booming tech hub of Raleigh, but it’s a steady, practical market with deep roots in manufacturing and logistics.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and aggregated local salary data, the median annual salary for Project Managers in the High Point metro area is $99,061/year. That breaks down to a median hourly rate of $47.63/hour. For context, the national average for this role is $101,280/year. High Point sits just slightly below the national average, but the gap is negligible—especially when you consider the significant drop in living expenses.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 232 Project Manager jobs currently listed in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is modest at 6%. This isn’t a boomtown for this profession; it’s a steady, reliable market. You won’t see the frantic hiring sprees of a major tech hub, but you’ll also avoid the brutal competition and volatility. It’s a market for the long game.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level within the High Point area. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (High Point)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	Assisting senior PMs, managing smaller workstreams, tracking project documents, stakeholder communication for a single team.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$79,000 - $95,000	End-to-end management of mid-sized projects ($500k-$2M budget), direct client/customer interaction, cross-functional team leadership.
Senior (8-15 years)	$96,000 - $118,000	Managing large, complex portfolios, strategic planning, mentoring junior PMs, budget and resource oversight for multiple projects.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$119,000+	Director-level roles, PMO leadership, setting organizational methodologies, executive stakeholder management, P&L responsibility.

Comparison to Other NC Cities

• High Point: $99,061
• Raleigh-Cary MSA: $108,350 (Higher, but cost of living is ~15% above national average)
• Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia MSA: $104,920 (Higher, but extreme traffic and competitive housing market)
• Greensboro-High Point MSA: (Note: BLS often groups High Point with Greensboro for larger MSA data, but the core numbers for High Point are as stated above. The regional market is tightly linked.)
• Asheville MSA: $95,680 (Slightly lower, but tourism-driven market with higher living costs)

Insider Tip: While salaries in Raleigh or Charlotte look higher on paper, the after-tax disposable income in High Point is often more competitive due to the 92.7 Cost of Living Index (US avg = 100). A $99,061 salary in High Point has more purchasing power than a $105,000 salary in Raleigh.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary of $99,061. This is a realistic look at your financial picture in High Point.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):
Assuming a single filer with standard deductions (federal, state, FICA), your monthly take-home is approximately $6,050 - $6,200. Let's use $6,100 as a conservative midpoint.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,042	The city-wide average. A nice 1BR can be found in this range.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	Varies by season; summers are hot and AC is a must.
Internet	$70	Fiber is available in many areas (AT&T, Spectrum).
Groceries	$400	For one person, shopping at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, or Aldi.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	High Point is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Gas	$180	Average commute is 20-25 minutes; gas prices in NC fluctuate but are moderate.
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer.
Discretionary / Dining Out	$500	Budgeting for weekends, entertainment, and savings.
Savings / Emergency Fund	$1,958	The remaining amount. A 15-20% savings rate is healthy and achievable here.
TOTAL	$5,100

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median sale price for a home in the High Point area is roughly $230,000 - $260,000. With a $99,061 income and a healthy down payment (or an FHA loan), a Project Manager here can comfortably afford a modest single-family home or a townhouse. The mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, would likely be between $1,400 - $1,700/month—often comparable to or only slightly higher than renting a larger space. This is one of High Point’s biggest draws: attainable homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point’s economy is a unique mix. While known globally for furniture, the job market for Project Managers is diverse. You’ll find opportunities in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics (thanks to the I-40/I-85 corridor).

Here are the major local employers actively hiring for Project Manager roles:

1. Hanesbrands Inc.: Headquartered in Winston-Salem but with significant facilities near High Point, this apparel giant is a perennial hirer of Project Managers for supply chain, manufacturing, and IT projects. Hiring Trend: Steady to moderate; focuses on operational efficiency and new product introduction.
2. VF Corporation (formerly Baker Manufacturing): A major player in the outdoor and active apparel space. They have a significant presence in the Triad and often post roles for project leadership in supply chain, production, and corporate initiatives. Hiring Trend: Selective; they value candidates with experience in lean manufacturing or global supply chains.
3. Guilford County Hospital System (Cone Health, Novant Health): Both major healthcare systems have a strong High Point presence. (Note: High Point Medical Center is part of the Novant Health system). Healthcare is a massive source of PM jobs for process improvement, IT system implementations (EHR), and facility expansions. Hiring Trend: Consistent and growing, especially with the aging population and ongoing digital transformation in healthcare.
4. Volvo Trucks: Just down the road in Greensboro, Volvo is a major industrial employer. They hire Project Managers for manufacturing engineering, dealer network projects, and new model launches. Hiring Trend: Moderate; heavily tied to the commercial truck market cycle.
5. Duke Energy: A major utility with a significant footprint in the region. They need Project Managers for grid modernization, infrastructure projects, and storm recovery. Hiring Trend: Stable and long-term; utility jobs are known for their security.
6. High Point University: A private university with a growing campus. They hire for facilities projects, IT implementations, and administrative process improvements. Hiring Trend: Steady growth as the university expands its physical footprint.
7. Local Logistics & Distribution Centers: High Point’s location on I-85 and I-40 makes it a logistics hub. Companies like Amazon, UPS, and regional distribution centers for retailers (e.g., Target, Walmart) are always hiring for operational project managers to oversee facility launches, process optimization, and automation projects. Hiring Trend: Strong and consistent; e-commerce growth fuels this sector.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look for the title "Project Manager." In manufacturing and logistics, the title might be "Project Engineer," "Process Improvement Lead," or "Continuous Improvement Manager." The skills are transferable. Always read the job description carefully.

Getting Licensed in NC

For Project Managers, the most respected credential is the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). While not legally required by the state of North Carolina, it is often a de facto requirement for mid-to-senior level roles, especially in corporate and healthcare settings.

State-Specific Requirements:
North Carolina does not have a state-specific project management license. However, for any PM role in a regulated industry (like construction, healthcare, or utilities), you will need to adhere to state and federal regulations as part of your project deliverables. For example, a healthcare PM must understand HIPAA, and a construction PM must understand NC building codes.

Costs and Timeline:

• PMP Exam Fee: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members. (Membership is $139/year and often pays for itself with the exam discount.)
• Training Cost: Varies widely. A 35-hour contact hours course can range from $500 (online self-study) to $2,500 (in-person boot camp). Many employers in the Triad (like Hanes or Cone Health) offer tuition reimbursement for certification.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor’s degree and 36 months of leading projects, you can apply for the exam immediately. The study and preparation timeline is typically 3-6 months. Once you pass, there’s no state license to maintain, but you need to earn PDUs (Professional Development Units) every 3 years to keep the PMP active.

How to Start: Go to the PMI website, download the PMP handbook, and check your eligibility. Then, find a local study group or an online course. The Triad PMI Chapter (based in Greensboro) is very active and a great resource for local networking and exam prep.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in High Point depends on your commute, lifestyle, and whether you rent or buy. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods.

1. Kirkwood / West End: This is the historic heart of High Point, with charming bungalows and tree-lined streets. It’s close to downtown, the Furniture Market, and great local eateries like The Purple Pig. Commute to major employers is easy.

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, slightly upscale.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400
   • Best For: Young professionals who want a walkable neighborhood with character.

2. Sedgefield / Southside: A more established, family-friendly suburb with mid-century homes and larger lots. It’s quieter, with good parks and access to the High Point Museum and Oak Hollow Lake.

   • Vibe: Suburban, peaceful, community-oriented.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 (many apartments and some rental homes)
   • Best For: Those who prioritize space, quiet, and a suburban feel without being far from the city center.

3. Northwood / Montlieu: Located in the northern part of High Point, this area is convenient to I-85 and I-40, making it a prime spot for professionals commuting to Greensboro, Burlington, or even the Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) area.

   • Vibe: Convenient, practical, mix of older and newer homes.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,150
   • Best For: The pragmatic professional who values a short highway commute above all else.

4. Downtown High Point (Uptowne): The 2010s revitalization has sparked new life here. You’ll find loft apartments in converted mills, new restaurants, and the High Point Theatre. It’s walkable and has a growing sense of community.

   • Vibe: Urban, revitalizing, socially active.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600 (for newly renovated loft-style apartments)
   • Best For: The urbanite who wants to be in the heart of the action and supports local businesses.

5. Twin Lakes / Lakeview: A sprawling, affordable neighborhood with predominantly single-family homes and some apartment complexes. It’s practical, with easy access to shopping (like the Shoppes at West End) and I-40.

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, affordable, no-frills suburban.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050
   • Best For: First-time homebuyers or renters looking for the most affordable option with good access to amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

High Point is not a "get-rich-quick" market for Project Managers, but it offers a sustainable and rewarding career path.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare IT (EHR Implementation): Project Managers with Epic or Cerner experience can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary. This is a hot area at Novant Health and Cone Health.
• Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement: With the Triad’s manufacturing base, a PMP paired with a Six Sigma Green or Black Belt can add $8,000 - $15,000 to your base salary.
• Construction & Facilities: PMs with experience in capital projects, especially in the higher-education or healthcare sectors, are in steady demand. Certification from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is a plus.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is Project Coordinator > Project Manager > Senior Project Manager > Program Manager / Portfolio Manager > Director of PMO. In larger organizations like Hanes or a hospital system, you can move into a PMO (Project Management Office) leadership role, where you’ll oversee methodology, training, and PMO strategy. Another path is to become a Subject Matter Expert in a specific area (e.g., Supply Chain PM) and move into an operational leadership role, like a Plant Manager or Director of Logistics.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is a realistic projection. Growth will be driven by:

1. The "Furniture Capital" Evolution: High Point is diversifying. We’re seeing more tech-enabled manufacturing, which requires PMs to lead digital transformation.
2. Healthcare Expansion: As the population ages, the need for process improvement and technology projects in healthcare will only increase.
3. Logistics & E-commerce: The Triad’s strategic location ensures continued investment in distribution centers, all needing operational PMs.

Insider Tip: Your best career growth here isn’t just climbing the ladder in one company. It’s about building a network across the Triad. Attend events with the Triad Chapter of the PMI and the Guilford County Project Management Association. Your next big promotion might come from a connection made at a local meetup, not a job board.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: $99,061 goes far. Homeownership is realistic, and rent is manageable.	Slower Job Market: Growth is modest (6%). You won’t find a new job as easily as in Raleigh or Charlotte.
Strategic Location: Central to the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem). Easy access to both Raleigh and Charlotte via I-40 (2-3 hours).	Limited "Tech" Scene: If you’re a pure software/tech PM, the market is smaller. Opportunities are more in IT for traditional industries.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics provide a buffer against economic downturns.	Car Dependency: You will need a car. Public transportation is not robust.
Decent Work-Life Balance: Less traffic, less competition. A 20-minute commute is the norm, not the exception.	"Small-Town" Feel: It lacks the vibrant nightlife and cultural density of a major city. The "scene" requires a short drive to Greensboro.
Tangible Impact: Projects here (building a new plant, improving hospital flow) have a direct, visible impact on the local community.	Salary Cap: While the starting point is good, the top-end salary ceiling is lower than in major coastal cities.

Final Recommendation:
High Point is an excellent choice for Project Managers who are pragmatic, value financial stability, and prefer a balanced lifestyle. If you’re early in your career and want to buy a home in your 20s or 30s, this is one of the best markets in the Southeast. If you’re a senior PM looking for a high-impact role with less day-to-day pressure, High