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Production & Manufacturing · North Carolina

How to Become a Machinists in North Carolina

Machinists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $55,520/year, which is 1% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $2,267/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$56K
Median salary in North Carolina
-1%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
8,310
Employed in North Carolina

What a machinists can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$55,520
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$3,679/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home38.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$55,520/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,267/mo

Becoming a machinists in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Machinists 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 machinists 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 machinistss. 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 8,310 machinists. The highest concentrations are in Fayetteville and Raleigh-Cary.

Machinists salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Fayetteville$63K$30.09/hr110
Raleigh-Cary$61K$29.34/hr580
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$59K$28.49/hr2,560
Wilmington$58K$28.02/hr190
Greenville$58K$27.75/hr80
Rocky Mount$58K$27.71/hr200
Winston-Salem$58K$27.66/hr690
Goldsboro$56K$27.15/hr80
Greensboro-High Point$55K$26.67/hr520
Durham-Chapel Hill$55K$26.66/hr180
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$52K$25.09/hr50
Burlington$49K$23.56/hr230
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$48K$22.94/hr340
Asheville$47K$22.66/hr700
Jacksonville$44K$21.26/hr30

Machinists salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$37K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$56K
75th percentile
$62K
90th percentile (senior)
$73K
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Full machinists salary breakdown in North Carolina
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Machinists careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a machinists make in North Carolina?

The median machinists salary in North Carolina is $55,520 per year ($26.69/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $56,150. Salaries range from $36,970 to $72,770.

What are the requirements to become a machinists in North Carolina?

Machinists 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 machinists afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $55,520, a machinists in North Carolina would take home approximately $3,679/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 38.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for machinists in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for machinists in North Carolina are Fayetteville ($62,590), Raleigh-Cary ($61,040), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($59,260). 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 machinists?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $55,520 salary, this means roughly $2,498/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.