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Construction & Trades · North Carolina

How to Become a Pipelayers in North Carolina

Pipelayers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $45,350/year, which is 7% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a pipelayers takes home approximately $1,624/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$45K
Median salary in North Carolina
-7%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
3,120
Employed in North Carolina

What a pipelayers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$45,350
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$3,036/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home46.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$45,350/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,624/mo

Becoming a pipelayers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Pipelayers 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 pipelayers 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 pipelayerss. 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 3,120 pipelayers. The highest concentrations are in Raleigh-Cary and Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia.

Pipelayers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Raleigh-Cary$48K$22.98/hr500
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$47K$22.49/hr1,050
Durham-Chapel Hill$46K$22.05/hr80
Wilmington$46K$22/hr130
Fayetteville$45K$21.75/hr120
Asheville$44K$21.07/hr150
Greensboro-High Point$44K$21.01/hr100
Winston-Salem$43K$20.58/hr120
Rocky Mount$42K$20.23/hr30
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$41K$19.76/hr90
Jacksonville$39K$18.8/hr110
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$37K$18.02/hr40

Pipelayers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$36K
25th percentile
$40K
Median (50th)
$45K
75th percentile
$49K
90th percentile (senior)
$57K
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Full pipelayers salary breakdown in North Carolina
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Pipelayers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a pipelayers make in North Carolina?

The median pipelayers salary in North Carolina is $45,350 per year ($21.8/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $48,710. Salaries range from $36,440 to $57,160.

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

Pipelayers 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 pipelayers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $45,350, a pipelayers in North Carolina would take home approximately $3,036/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 46.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for pipelayers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for pipelayers in North Carolina are Raleigh-Cary ($47,810), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($46,780), Durham-Chapel Hill ($45,850). 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 pipelayers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $45,350 salary, this means roughly $2,041/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.