Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$45,890
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.06
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-26% vs US median
US median $61,770
State Rank
#36 of 37
180 employed here

How much does a Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers make in North Carolina?

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in North Carolina take home a median of $45,890 annually — roughly $22.06 an hour — which runs 26% below the national median of $61,770.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $37,700 while the top 10% make $59,760 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,390 and $47,220 a year.

Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,700$18.13
25th percentile (early career)$40,390$19.42
50th percentile (median)$45,890$22.06
75th percentile (experienced)$47,220$22.70
90th percentile (top earners)$59,760$28.73

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 36th out of 37 states and territories for Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Illinois$92,310
2North Dakota$81,400
3Alaska$80,210
4Wyoming$77,820
5Connecticut$71,890

Working as a Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers in North Carolina

Nationally, about 10,000 people work as Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($45,890) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers make in North Carolina?
The median Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary in North Carolina is $45,890 per year, or about $22.06 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,700 at the entry level to $59,760 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers about 26% less than the national median of $61,770. North Carolina ranks 36th out of 37 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $45,890 a year. About 180 Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.