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Construction & Trades · North Carolina

How to Become a Highway Maintenance Workers in North Carolina

Highway Maintenance Workers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $43,760/year, which is 11% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a highway maintenance workers takes home approximately $1,524/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$44K
Median salary in North Carolina
-11%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
3,770
Employed in North Carolina

What a highway maintenance workers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$43,760
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$2,936/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home48.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$43,760/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,524/mo

Becoming a highway maintenance workers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Highway Maintenance Workers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many highway maintenance workers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for highway maintenance workerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 3,770 highway maintenance workers. The highest concentrations are in Fayetteville and Asheville.

Highway Maintenance Workers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Fayetteville$49K$23.32/hr80
Asheville$47K$22.81/hr130
Rocky Mount$47K$22.81/hr70
Wilmington$45K$21.85/hr110
Raleigh-Cary$44K$21.1/hr280
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$43K$20.8/hr110
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$43K$20.8/hr740
Burlington$43K$20.8/hr40
Durham-Chapel Hill$43K$20.8/hr150
Goldsboro$43K$20.8/hr40
Greensboro-High Point$43K$20.8/hr240
Winston-Salem$43K$20.8/hr230
Greenville$41K$19.91/hr
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$41K$19.89/hr80

Highway Maintenance Workers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$33K
25th percentile
$39K
Median (50th)
$44K
75th percentile
$52K
90th percentile (senior)
$57K
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Highway Maintenance Workers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a highway maintenance workers make in North Carolina?

The median highway maintenance workers salary in North Carolina is $43,760 per year ($21.04/hr). This is 11% below the national median of $49,070. Salaries range from $32,850 to $57,090.

What are the requirements to become a highway maintenance workers in North Carolina?

Highway Maintenance Workers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a highway maintenance workers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $43,760, a highway maintenance workers in North Carolina would take home approximately $2,936/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 48.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for highway maintenance workers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for highway maintenance workers in North Carolina are Fayetteville ($48,500), Asheville ($47,450), Rocky Mount ($47,450). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for highway maintenance workers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $43,760 salary, this means roughly $1,969/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.