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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Wilmington, 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 334 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 Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.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)$298,730
  2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)$298,730
  3. Senior Director of Operations$298,730
  4. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$169,810
  5. Process Engineering Manager$169,810
  6. Controls / Automation Manager$169,810
  7. VP of Engineering$169,810
  8. Director of R&D$169,810
  9. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$169,810
  10. NPI Manager$169,810
  11. Capital Projects Manager$169,810
  12. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$169,810
  13. Senior Industrial Engineer$169,810
  14. Senior Packaging Engineer$169,810
  15. Director of Automation$169,810
  16. Automation Manager$169,810
  17. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$169,810
  18. R&D Manager$169,810
  19. R&D Engineer$169,810
  20. Engineering Manager (Product)$169,810
  21. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$169,810
  22. Lead Product Development Engineer$169,810
  23. CFO (Manufacturing)$152,150
  24. Corporate Controller$152,150
  25. Plant Controller$152,150

Bars show the top 25 of 334 ranked. The table below lists all 334. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Wilmington, NC, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1CEO / President (Manufacturing)Chief Executives (11-1011)$174,510$298,730$499,990300.14
2Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Executives (11-1011)$174,510$298,730$499,990300.14
3Senior Director of OperationsChief Executives (11-1011)$174,510$298,730$499,990300.14
4Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
5Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
6Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
7VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
8Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
9Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
10NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
11Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
12Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
13Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
14Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
15Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
16Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
17Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
18R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
19R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
20Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
21Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
22Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$146,680$169,810$201,0901900.71
23CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
24Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
25Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
26VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
27Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
28Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
29FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
30Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
31Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$111,280$152,150$222,2305100.49
32Purchasing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$113,170$145,730$170,950600.58
33Strategic Sourcing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$113,170$145,730$170,950600.58
34Procurement ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$113,170$145,730$170,950600.58
35Director of ProcurementPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$113,170$145,730$170,950600.58
36Commodity ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$113,170$145,730$170,950600.58
37Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$113,930$140,960$183,1201300.49
38VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
39Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
40Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
41National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
42Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
43National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
44Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
45Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
46Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
47Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
48Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
49Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
50Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
51Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$88,640$133,400$176,8905200.66
52Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
53Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
54Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
55Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
56Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
57Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
58Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
59Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
60Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
61VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
62Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
63Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
64QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
65Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
66Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
67FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
68FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
69Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
70QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
71Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
72Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
73Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
74Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
75Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
76Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
77Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
78Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
79QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
80Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
81CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
82Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
83Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
84Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$98,430$130,690$178,8502700.91
85Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
86EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
87EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
88Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
89Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
90Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
91S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
92Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
93Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
94Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
95Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
96Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
97EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
98Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$96,680$129,120$170,3705700.74
99PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,170$123,730$158,4108800.42
100MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,170$123,730$158,4108800.42
101SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,170$123,730$158,4108800.42
102Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,170$123,730$158,4108800.42
103Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,170$123,730$158,4108800.42
104Automation EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$97,370$115,210$142,620Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
105Robotics EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$97,370$115,210$142,620Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
106Machine Vision EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$97,370$115,210$142,620Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
107Product Development EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$97,370$115,210$142,620Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
108Applications EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$97,370$115,210$142,620Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
109Applications Engineering ManagerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$97,370$115,210$142,620Not published by BLSNot published by BLS
110Sales EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$77,570$114,170$144,510600.98
111Inside Sales EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$77,570$114,170$144,510600.98
112Proposal / Quotation EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$77,570$114,170$144,510600.98
113Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$81,970$110,760$168,0801700.88
114Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$81,970$110,760$168,0801700.88
115Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$81,970$110,760$168,0801700.88
116Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
117Electrical Engineer (Plant)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
118Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
119Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
120Senior Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
121Lead Controls TechnicianElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
122Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
123Lead Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
124Controls SupervisorElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$73,890$105,130$174,2503501.44
125Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
126Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
127Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
128Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
129Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
130Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
131Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
132Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
133Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
134Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
135Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
136CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,270$101,100$126,6101900.52
137Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
138Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
139Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
140Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
141Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
142Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
143Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
144Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
145Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
146Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
147Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
148Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
149Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
150Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
151Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
152Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
153Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
154Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
155Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
156Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
157Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
158Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
159Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
160Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
161Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
162Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
163EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
164VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
165Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
166Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
167Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
168Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
169Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
170Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
171Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$82,460$99,540$121,2603600.8
172QC Microbiology ManagerMedical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (19-1042)$92,780$99,070$127,6403601.68
173VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
174Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
175Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
176Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
177Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
178Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
179Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
180Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
181Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
182Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
183Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
184Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
185Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
186Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$64,980$97,080$126,4902300.84
187VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
188VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
189Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
190General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
191Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
192EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
193Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
194Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$60,980$90,270$147,4902,6900.62
195Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$64,350$89,120$122,1301,2200.93
196Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$64,350$89,120$122,1301,2200.93
197Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$74,900$85,230$105,2601500.88
198Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$74,900$85,230$105,2601500.88
199Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$74,900$85,230$105,2601500.88
200NDT TechnicianEngineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (17-3029)$69,530$78,870$84,830300.46
201Formulation ChemistChemists (19-2031)$66,140$78,130$102,9204003.97
202Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,660$77,920$99,9901,5200.85
203Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,660$77,920$99,9901,5200.85
204Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,660$77,920$99,9901,5200.85
205Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,660$77,920$99,9901,5200.85
206Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$60,730$74,430$99,4202900.56
207Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$60,730$74,430$99,4202900.56
208Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$60,730$74,430$99,4202900.56
209Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
210Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
211Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
212Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
213Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
214Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
215Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
216Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
217Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,510$73,160$91,3008801.16
218Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
219Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
220Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
221Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
222Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
223CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
224Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
225Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$54,910$72,310$96,2505900.71
226Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$57,260$70,800$94,4804000.66
227Overhead Crane Operator & RiggerCrane and Tower Operators (53-7021)$59,220$68,670$77,670601.09
228Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
229Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
230Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
231Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
232Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
233Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
234Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
235Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
236Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
237Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
238Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
239Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
240Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
241Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
242Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
243Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
244End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
245Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$48,860$64,440$78,1502700.5
246Bioprocess TechnicianBiological Technicians (19-4021)$51,060$62,960$74,470700.83
247CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
2485-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
249Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
250CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
251Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
252Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
253EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
254CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
255Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
256Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
257Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
258Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
259Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$47,360$62,810$79,0901800.51
260QC Lab TechnicianChemical Technicians (19-4031)$48,500$61,200$76,4101001.47
261Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,360$59,660$77,3508901.15
262Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,360$59,660$77,3508901.15
263Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
264Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
265CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
266Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
267Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
268First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
269Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
270Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
271Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
272Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
273Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
274Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$45,630$57,840$79,6903700.5
275GMP Manufacturing TechnicianChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$48,810$56,990$59,5901300.74
276Aseptic Fill OperatorChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$48,810$56,990$59,5901300.74
277Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
278TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
279Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
280Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
281Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
282Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
283Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
284Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
285Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
286Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
287Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
288Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,890$55,340$60,5602600.52
289Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$45,910$54,080$60,0509100.98
290Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$45,500$49,860$60,1507101.41
291Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,400$49,370$59,6503700.78
292Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,400$49,370$59,6503700.78
293Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,400$49,370$59,6503700.78
294Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,400$49,370$59,6503700.78
295Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,400$49,370$59,6503700.78
296Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$43,400$49,370$59,6503700.78
297Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$37,060$42,890$47,180400.19
298Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$37,060$42,890$47,180400.19
299Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$37,080$42,210$47,9203500.36
300Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,210$39,630$47,1805500.55
301Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,210$39,630$47,1805500.55
302Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,210$39,630$47,1805500.55
303Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,210$39,630$47,1805500.55
304Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,210$39,630$47,1805500.55
305Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,210$39,630$47,1805500.55
306Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,210$39,630$47,1805500.55
307Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$27,150$38,780$48,330900.53
308Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
309Setup TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
310Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
311Battery Cell Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
312CIP TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
313Skilled Machine OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
314Utility / Relief OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
315Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
316Senior Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
317Lead Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
318Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
319Batch Maker / CompounderProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
320Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
321Industrial Wastewater Treatment OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
322Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
323Retort / Thermal Process OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
324Brewer / Cellar OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
325Senior Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
326Lead Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$32,350$37,940$46,4902700.86
327Food Process OperatorFood Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099)$35,570$36,470$37,550400.55
328Electronics Assembler / SoldererElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,670$36,410$51,440400.12
329Wire Harness & Cable AssemblerElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,670$36,410$51,440400.12
330SMT TechnicianElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,670$36,410$51,440400.12
331Control Panel BuilderElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,670$36,410$51,440400.12
332Injection Molding TechnicianMolding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)$33,820$35,580$43,870500.27
333Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$29,510$35,080$37,8201,8900.69
334Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$29,510$35,080$37,8201,8900.69

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, CNC Setup Machinist, CNC Programmer, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Robotic Welding Technician, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Calibration Technician, 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: Wilmington, 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?

The manufacturing environment in Wilmington, NC displays a diverse salary range across leadership and technical roles. CEOs and Presidents in the manufacturing sector show a high median salary of $298,730, although this data is based on a smaller local sample size of 30 individuals. The local middle-band width is $325,480, far exceeding the national band of $226,660.

For manufacturing occupations in Wilmington, NC, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them.

For manufacturing occupations in Wilmington, NC, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. This is quite close to the national median of $171,270 for similar architectural and engineering management positions. Employment in the city is 190, with a location quotient of 0.71. This suggests a more clustered salary structure locally for these engineering managers compared to the broader national market.

For manufacturing occupations in Wilmington, NC, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. This remains below the national financial management median of $166,570. The local middle-band width is $110,950, which is wider than the national band of $94,490. Manufacturing Headhunters notes that as with other management roles, this is an aggregate of broader financial management responsibilities. Candidates for these roles in Wilmington may possess a wider range of experience, contributing to the broader band.

For manufacturing occupations in Wilmington, NC, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. This role is mapped to broader metal and plastic molding work, so it captures varied processes. For manufacturing occupations in Wilmington, NC, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

For manufacturing occupations in Wilmington, NC, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. This is very competitive when placed against the national median of $171,270.

How do CFO salaries in Wilmington compare to the national average?

The local middle-band width is wider at $110,950 compared to the national $94,490.

What can I conclude from the two release estimates?

For manufacturing occupations in Wilmington, NC, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. This is very competitive when placed against the national median of $171,270.

Does the local median for Injection Molding Technicians accurately reflect specific process pay?

No, the role is mapped to a broader occupational category that includes all metal and plastic molding. Specific plant-level, credential-based, or shift-based pay is not separately measured.

How does the location quotient affect the CEO market here?

The location quotient is 0.14, showing that this occupation has a low concentration in the Wilmington area relative to the overall economy. This does not measure job openings or employer demand.

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