📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

CNC Machine Operator Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$43,025
per year
Median
$40,295
per year
Hourly
$20.69
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$29,375
25th Percentile — Junior$36,655
50th Percentile — Median$40,295
75th Percentile — Senior$53,035
90th Percentile — Top Earners$58,839
💡 Top-earning CNC Machine Operators in North Carolina make up to $58,839 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$36.2k
2021
$37.5k
2022
$38.8k
2023
$40.2k
2024
$41.6k
2025
$43.0k
2026
📈 CNC Machine Operator salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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CNC Machine Operator Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $41,304 -4.0% High
Raleigh $42,164 -2.0% High
Greensboro $38,722 -10.0% High
Durham $41,734 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $37,432 -13.0% High
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CNC Machine Operator Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for CNC Machine Operators. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $43,025 per year, North Carolina's CNC Machine Operator salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $29,375–$36,655, while experienced CNC Machine Operators can command $53,035–$58,839.

Looking ahead, the CNC Machine Operator profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average CNC Machine Operator salary in North Carolina is $43,025 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $47,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay CNC Machine Operators the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for CNC Machine Operator employment.
  • At $43,025/year, North Carolina CNC Machine Operator salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $47,280/year.