SalaryNode

Average Machinists Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Machinists in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $52,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $57,000, reflecting the unique economic landscape and potentially lower demand or different industry structures prevalent in this region compared to national trends. The specific pay rates are intrinsically tied to the local economic drivers and the overall cost of doing business within this nonmetropolitan setting.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $52,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,090.
  • Outlook: The machinist job market in Western North Carolina is characterized by a local workforce of 710 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.42, this indicates a concentration of machinists that is 42% higher than the national average, suggesting a relatively robust and specialized demand for these skills within the region. The presence of 2.76 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent, albeit not overwhelming, need for skilled machinists in this area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$52,330

The average Machinists in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-8.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.2

Weekly

$1,006

Monthly

$4,361

Machinists Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for machinists in Western North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior machinists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear career progression pathways, with experienced professionals often earning well above the average, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$41,880$20.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,248$18.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$54,930$26.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$65,413$31.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$59,090$28.4

Detailed Machinists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$52,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,330

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $52,330 in Western North Carolina aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a machinist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable lifestyle to that experienced in many other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

710

Total Jobs

2.76

Per 1K Jobs

1.42

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.42, Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Machinists roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.42, Western North Carolina exhibits a higher concentration of machinists than the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively specialized and that employers may rely more heavily on local talent pools for these roles. While this concentration indicates demand, it also implies a potentially competitive environment for job seekers, as there are more machinists relative to the general workforce compared to the national benchmark.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Machinists

Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Machinistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Machinists make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Machinists in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $52,330. This typically ranges from $41,880 for entry-level positions to $59,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 8.2% lower than the national median of $57,000.

Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Machinists?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $52,330 is stable with the national cost of living, it falls short of the national average salary for machinists. The region does show a higher concentration of these roles, indicating demand, but not necessarily premium pay.

Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Machinists?

The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($54,710) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.

How does the machinist salary compare to the national average?

The average machinist salary in Western North Carolina is $52,330, which is approximately $4,670 lower than the national average of $57,000.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.42 mean for machinists in this area?

A Location Quotient of 1.42 signifies that machinists are 42% more concentrated in Western North Carolina than the national average, indicating a specialized and relatively strong local presence of this profession.

Is the cost of living a factor in the machinist salary in Western North Carolina?

Yes, the Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $52,330 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.

How many machinists are employed in Western North Carolina?

There are approximately 710 machinists employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, representing 2.76 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.76 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.