Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in North Carolina
The median pay for a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in North Carolina is $47,620/year ($22.89/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $58K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across North Carolina. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $48K get you in North Carolina?
About paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, North Carolina
Entry-level paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $48K. Top earners bring in $58K or more, a $20K spread from bottom to top.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary by metro in North Carolina
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $50K | +5% | 70 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $49K | +4% | 260 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $49K | +2% | 340 |
| Asheville | $45K | -5% | 70 |
| Wilmington | $43K | -10% | 40 |
| Winston-Salem | $41K | -15% | 90 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $40K | -16% | 30 |
Compare to other states
Track paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when North Carolina numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators make in North Carolina?
The median is $47,620 a year, that works out to about $23 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,050, and experienced paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators can clear $57,910. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $48K enough to live in North Carolina?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,180/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,284/month, which eats 40.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators salary go in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators salary is worth about $51,392 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.