SalaryNode

Average Pipelayers Salary in North Carolina

Pipelayers in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $45,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $54,540. The specific economic landscape and demand within North Carolina's construction sector are key factors influencing this localized pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,160.
  • Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 3,120 Pipelayers, indicating a significant presence in the state's infrastructure development. The high Location Quotient of 2.92 suggests that Pipelayers are considerably more concentrated in North Carolina than the national average, pointing towards robust demand and a potentially stable job market for these skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,750

The average Pipelayers in North Carolina earns-16.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22

Weekly

$880

Monthly

$3,813

Pipelayers Salary Distribution in North Carolina

The salary progression for Pipelayers in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile distribution of earnings highlights these career advancement opportunities, with senior Pipelayers earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,440$17.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,313$16.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,350$21.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,188$27.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$57,160$27.5

Detailed Pipelayers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,209

Adjusted for COL (94.9)

The average Pipelayer salary of $45,750 in North Carolina should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 94.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power locally. This means that despite earning less than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in North Carolina is also lower, potentially balancing out the difference.

Job Market Context

3,120

Total Jobs

0.636

Per 1K Jobs

2.92

Location Quotient

Major Hub

North Carolina has 2.9x the national concentration of Pipelayers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 2.92, North Carolina exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Pipelayers compared to the national average. This indicates a strong demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce. The market is not only abundant in terms of job opportunities but also suggests a specialized need for Pipelayer expertise within the state's economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Pipelayers

Comparing salaries near North Carolina

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pipelayers make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Pipelayers in North Carolina is $45,750. This typically ranges from $36,440 for entry-level positions to $57,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 16.1% lower than the national median of $54,540.

Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Pipelayers?

No, not compared to the national average.While North Carolina has a high concentration of Pipelayers, the average salary of $45,750 is below the national average of $54,540. However, the lower cost of living does offer some financial advantage.

Is North Carolina a good place to live for Pipelayers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($45,710) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.

How many Pipelayers are there in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs a total of 3,120 Pipelayers, representing a significant portion of the state's construction workforce.

What is the concentration of Pipelayers in North Carolina?

The Location Quotient for Pipelayers in North Carolina is 2.92, meaning they are nearly three times more concentrated than the national average.

How does North Carolina's cost of living affect Pipelayer salaries?

North Carolina's cost of living is 5.1% lower than the national average (Index 94.9 vs 100), which helps to offset the lower average salary compared to the national rate.

Are there many job opportunities for Pipelayers in North Carolina?

The high Location Quotient suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for Pipelayers in North Carolina, indicating a favorable job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,120 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.636 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.