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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.

This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.

BLS published a median for 343 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

  1. CEO / President (Manufacturing)$312,730
  2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)$312,730
  3. Senior Director of Operations$312,730
  4. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$170,730
  5. Process Engineering Manager$170,730
  6. Controls / Automation Manager$170,730
  7. VP of Engineering$170,730
  8. Director of R&D$170,730
  9. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$170,730
  10. NPI Manager$170,730
  11. Capital Projects Manager$170,730
  12. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$170,730
  13. Senior Industrial Engineer$170,730
  14. Senior Packaging Engineer$170,730
  15. Director of Automation$170,730
  16. Automation Manager$170,730
  17. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$170,730
  18. R&D Manager$170,730
  19. R&D Engineer$170,730
  20. Engineering Manager (Product)$170,730
  21. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$170,730
  22. Lead Product Development Engineer$170,730
  23. CFO (Manufacturing)$138,150
  24. Corporate Controller$138,150
  25. Plant Controller$138,150

Bars show the top 25 of 343 ranked. The table below lists all 343. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1CEO / President (Manufacturing)Chief Executives (11-1011)$205,540$312,730$402,060500.23
2Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Executives (11-1011)$205,540$312,730$402,060500.23
3Senior Director of OperationsChief Executives (11-1011)$205,540$312,730$402,060500.23
4Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
5Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
6Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
7VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
8Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
9Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
10NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
11Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
12Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
13Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
14Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
15Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
16Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
17Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
18R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
19R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
20Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
21Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
22Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$134,140$170,730$197,6802000.91
23CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
24Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
25Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
26VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
27Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
28Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
29FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
30Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
31Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,940$138,150$189,6603100.37
32Purchasing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$104,490$132,570$160,050801
33Strategic Sourcing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$104,490$132,570$160,050801
34Procurement ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$104,490$132,570$160,050801
35Director of ProcurementPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$104,490$132,570$160,050801
36Commodity ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$104,490$132,570$160,050801
37VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
38Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
39Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
40National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
41Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
42National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
43Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
44Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
45Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
46Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
47Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
48Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
49Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
50Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,400$132,060$188,8503600.57
51Automation EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$99,460$125,160$137,300600.4
52Robotics EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$99,460$125,160$137,300600.4
53Machine Vision EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$99,460$125,160$137,300600.4
54Product Development EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$99,460$125,160$137,300600.4
55Applications EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$99,460$125,160$137,300600.4
56Applications Engineering ManagerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$99,460$125,160$137,300600.4
57Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
58Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
59Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
60Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
61Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
62Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
63Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
64Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
65Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
66VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
67Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
68Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
69QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
70Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
71Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
72FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
73FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
74Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
75QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
76Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
77Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
78Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
79Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
80Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
81Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
82Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
83Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
84QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
85Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
86CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
87Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
88Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
89Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,190$124,290$159,6606402.62
90PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$89,610$122,540$159,3704200.25
91MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$89,610$122,540$159,3704200.25
92SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$89,610$122,540$159,3704200.25
93Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$89,610$122,540$159,3704200.25
94Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$89,610$122,540$159,3704200.25
95Sales EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$79,730$121,100$127,790400.72
96Inside Sales EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$79,730$121,100$127,790400.72
97Proposal / Quotation EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$79,730$121,100$127,790400.72
98Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$94,590$117,950$161,5101400.62
99Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$88,410$111,610$135,6601100.69
100Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$88,410$111,610$135,6601100.69
101Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$88,410$111,610$135,6601100.69
102Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
103EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
104EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
105Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
106Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
107Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
108S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
109Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
110Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
111Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
112Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
113Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
114EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
115Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$80,080$110,140$154,0103800.62
116Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
117Electrical Engineer (Plant)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
118Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
119Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
120Senior Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
121Lead Controls TechnicianElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
122Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
123Lead Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
124Controls SupervisorElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$90,140$107,750$132,8002301.16
125VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
126VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
127Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
128General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
129Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
130EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
131Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
132Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$61,090$95,640$152,6001,7500.5
133VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
134Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
135Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
136Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
137Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
138Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
139Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
140Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
141Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
142Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
143Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
144Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
145Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
146Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$82,110$94,750$129,4002601.18
147Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
148Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
149Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
150Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
151Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
152Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
153Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
154Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
155Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
156Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
157Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
158CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$70,290$89,960$114,0502500.84
159Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$69,170$87,530$105,3401300.9
160Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$69,170$87,530$105,3401300.9
161Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$69,170$87,530$105,3401300.9
162Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
163Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
164Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
165Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
166Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
167Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
168Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
169Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
170Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
171Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
172Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
173Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
174Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
175Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
176Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
177Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
178Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
179Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
180Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
181Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
182Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
183Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
184Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
185Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
186Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
187Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
188EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
189VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
190Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
191Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
192Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
193Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
194Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
195Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
196Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$74,340$86,640$102,3106701.85
197QC Microbiology ManagerMedical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (19-1042)$68,090$86,260$130,670300.18
198Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$64,050$85,490$123,5804900.46
199Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$64,050$85,490$123,5804900.46
200Formulation ChemistChemists (19-2031)$65,660$80,860$96,6701101.37
201NDT TechnicianEngineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (17-3029)$65,140$77,590$85,830701.14
202Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,110$77,490$102,1701,0400.72
203Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,110$77,490$102,1701,0400.72
204Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,110$77,490$102,1701,0400.72
205Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,110$77,490$102,1701,0400.72
206Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
207Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
208Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
209Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
210Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
211Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
212Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
213Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
214Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,890$75,120$93,7506601.08
215PLC / Controls TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$60,750$72,480$72,4801001.57
216Robotics TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$60,750$72,480$72,4801001.57
217Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$60,750$72,480$72,4801001.57
218Semiconductor Equipment TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$60,750$72,480$72,4801001.57
219Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$54,300$65,460$83,2904800.99
220Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
221Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
222Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
223Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
224Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
225CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
226Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
227Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$55,470$64,910$80,3201,7602.64
228Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$47,030$63,350$81,3602100.5
229Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$47,030$63,350$81,3602100.5
230Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$47,030$63,350$81,3602100.5
231Tool and Die MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$50,530$63,230$68,8201101.92
232Mold MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$50,530$63,230$68,8201101.92
233Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
234Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
235Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
236Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
237Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
238Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
239Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
240Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
241Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
242Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
243Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
244Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
245Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
246Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
247Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
248Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
249End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
250Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,220$61,570$70,1208501.95
251CNC ProgrammerComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162)$48,700$61,140$65,260702.33
252Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,690$60,690$75,5607401.19
253Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,690$60,690$75,5607401.19
254Electromechanical / Mechatronics TechnicianElectro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians (17-3024)$57,160$57,810$65,500603.7
255Extrusion TechnicianExtruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4021)$48,820$53,800$56,62094015.6
256Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$46,630$53,730$64,9405700.76
257Bioprocess TechnicianBiological Technicians (19-4021)$47,490$52,930$61,060500.67
258Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,780$51,860$61,1305801.49
259Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,780$51,860$61,1305801.49
260Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,780$51,860$61,1305801.49
261Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,780$51,860$61,1305801.49
262Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,780$51,860$61,1305801.49
263Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,780$51,860$61,1305801.49
264QC Lab TechnicianChemical Technicians (19-4031)$44,560$50,510$61,250801.34
265Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$43,820$50,300$59,2903000.74
266Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$38,470$48,980$58,5302501.77
267Electronics Assembler / SoldererElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$45,700$47,940$50,3801,3405.47
268Wire Harness & Cable AssemblerElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$45,700$47,940$50,3801,3405.47
269SMT TechnicianElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$45,700$47,940$50,3801,3405.47
270Control Panel BuilderElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$45,700$47,940$50,3801,3405.47
271CNC Setup MachinistComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)$38,010$46,630$48,9501600.94
272Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
273TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
274Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
275Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
276Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
277Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
278Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
279Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
280Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
281Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
282Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
283Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$41,270$46,080$55,7004501.1
284GMP Manufacturing TechnicianChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$39,380$45,250$56,420Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
285Aseptic Fill OperatorChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$39,380$45,250$56,420Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
286CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
2875-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
288Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
289CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
290Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
291Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
292EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
293CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
294Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
295Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
296Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
297Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
298Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$41,990$43,430$48,5804601.63
299Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
300Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
301CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
302Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
303Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
304First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
305Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
306Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
307Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
308Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
309Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
310Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$36,980$43,140$48,4701,7102.88
311Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$37,620$42,850$47,3608701.13
312Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,460$42,520$48,8601,1901.47
313Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,460$42,520$48,8601,1901.47
314Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,460$42,520$48,8601,1901.47
315Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,460$42,520$48,8601,1901.47
316Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,460$42,520$48,8601,1901.47
317Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,460$42,520$48,8601,1901.47
318Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,460$42,520$48,8601,1901.47
319Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$37,840$41,240$46,5201801.06
320Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$37,840$41,240$46,5201801.06
321Food Process OperatorFood Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099)$34,010$39,150$39,150701.13
322Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
323Setup TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
324Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
325Battery Cell Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
326CIP TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
327Skilled Machine OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
328Utility / Relief OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
329Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
330Senior Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
331Lead Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
332Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
333Batch Maker / CompounderProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
334Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
335Industrial Wastewater Treatment OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
336Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
337Retort / Thermal Process OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
338Brewer / Cellar OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
339Senior Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
340Lead Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$35,650$38,720$46,2301,4005.62
341Injection Molding TechnicianMolding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)$34,300$38,370$47,0605803.89
342Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$28,520$33,350$35,4901,4500.66
343Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$28,520$33,350$35,4901,4500.66

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Food Scientist, Robotic Welding Technician, Millwright, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Chemical Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Calibration Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Product Development Scientist, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Control Room (DCS) Operator.

State figures for North Carolina

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

In the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC region, the role of CEO / President in manufacturing is mapped to the broader Chief Executives occupational category. The median salary for this position is $312,730, which is higher than the national median of $213,990. The P25/P75 middle band width is $196,520. The median increased by $75,930 since May 2024.

National manufacturing industry data for Communications Equipment Manufacturing shows a median of $409,320. BLS data excludes non-cash compensation, executive bonuses, and stock options, so this figure reflects direct salary only. 23, indicating limited regional concentration compared to the national employment of 204,350.

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager role, mapped to Architectural and Engineering Managers, reports a median of $170,730. This is lower than the national median of $171,270. The P25/P75 band width in this metro is $63,540. The median changed by $4,650 over the previous year. Nationally, the industry median for Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing is $192,800. As the role is measured within a broader SOC, specific plant duties remain distinct from the reported salary data. The location quotient for this profession is 0.91.

Financial Managers, representing the CFO (Manufacturing) role, hold a median salary of $138,150, lower than the national median of $166,570. The metro middle band width is $81,720. Since May 2024, the median rose by $5,670. National Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing shows a median of $210,870. The location quotient is 0.37.

The Injection Molding Technician role maps to Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters. The median is $38,370, which is lower than the $44,350 national median. The P25/P75 band width is $12,760. The median increased by $870 since May 2024. Iron and Steel Mills national median is $65,420. The location quotient is 3.89.

Sanitation Technicians, mapped to Janitors and Cleaners, report a median of $33,350, below the national median of $36,840. The middle band width is $6,970. Since May 2024, the median shifted by $120. National industry median for Iron and Steel is $52,820. The location quotient is 0.66.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

How does the local CEO median compare to the national figure?

This reflects the broader mapping of the occupation in the regional data.

What is the limitation regarding the Sanitation Technician data?

The BLS reports this role within the broader Janitors and Cleaners occupation, which combines many industries. It does not account for specific plant-level seniority or shift-based pay differences.

How does the Injection Molding Technician median compare to the Iron and Steel industry benchmark?

The role median is $38,370, while the national industry benchmark for Iron and Steel is $65,420. The role data represents the occupation-wide median rather than industry-specific pay.

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

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