Average Sewing Machine Operators Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Sewing Machine Operators earn an average annual salary of $36,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $36,690, indicating a minor difference in compensation within this specific region. Local economic factors and the demand for skilled labor in the textile and manufacturing sectors within the Research Triangle area likely influence this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,640.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, comprises approximately 220 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these roles is just under the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of a dedicated workforce indicates ongoing opportunities, though the market may not be experiencing rapid expansion.
Salary Overview
The average Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-1.3%below the national average.
$17.4
$697
$3,019
Sewing Machine Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Sewing Machine Operators have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increased automation and evolving manufacturing techniques may also influence wage adjustments as the industry adapts.
Sewing Machine Operators Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The salary range for Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, typically reflects a progression from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, it's common for less experienced operators to earn at the lower end of the spectrum, with significant increases possible for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and a proven track record of efficiency and quality. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement pathways.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $26,600 | $12.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $27,173 | $13.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,710 | $17.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $45,288 | $21.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $47,640 | $22.9 |
Detailed Sewing Machine Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $36,230 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, directly aligns with the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a Sewing Machine Operator's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, offering neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.65
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.92x the national average concentration of Sewing Machine Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.92 for Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, indicates that the employment concentration for this role is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and supported by a workforce of 220, it is not a dominant industry sector within the region compared to national benchmarks, implying a moderately competitive job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Sewing Machine Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $30,440↓ 16% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $30,350↓ 16% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $33,620↓ 7% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $36,020↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $33,280↓ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Sewing Machine Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sewing Machine Operators make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $36,230. This typically ranges from $26,600 for entry-level positions to $47,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 1.3% lower than the national median of $36,690.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Sewing Machine Operators?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $36,230 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Sewing Machine Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($30,440) and Burlington, NC.
How does the national average salary compare to Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The national average salary for Sewing Machine Operators is $36,690, while in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, it is $36,230, indicating a slight difference of $460 annually.
What is the total number of Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
There are approximately 220 Sewing Machine Operators employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
How does the concentration of Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC compare to the national average?
The Location Quotient of 0.92 means that the concentration of Sewing Machine Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is slightly below the national average, suggesting a comparable presence in the job market.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for this location?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the overall cost of goods and services in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is exactly the same as the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.65 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Sewing Machine Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC