Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$47,700
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.93
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-32% vs US median
US median $70,070
State Rank
#37 of 39
270 employed here

How much do Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators make in North Carolina?

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators working in North Carolina earn a median salary of $47,700 per year, or about $22.93 per hour. That is 32% below the national median of $70,070 for this occupation.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $39,560 while the top 10% make $75,980 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,220 and $58,720 a year.

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$39,560$19.02
25th percentile (early career)$44,220$21.26
50th percentile (median)$47,700$22.93
75th percentile (experienced)$58,720$28.23
90th percentile (top earners)$75,980$36.53

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 37th out of 39 states and territories for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Massachusetts$94,330
2Maryland$92,030
3New York$87,150
4Virginia$84,750
5New Mexico$83,370

Working as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in North Carolina

Nationally, about 20,000 people work as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators 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 ($47,700) 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 do Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators make in North Carolina?
The median Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators salary in North Carolina is $47,700 per year, or about $22.93 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $39,560 at the entry level to $75,980 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators about 32% less than the national median of $70,070. North Carolina ranks 37th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $47,700 a year. About 270 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators 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 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators 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.