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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Works Manager in North Carolina is $142,096 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Public Works Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Public Works Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $154,352 | $12,863 | $2,968 | $74 |
| Average | $142,096 | $11,841 | $2,733 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,649 | $10,554 | $2,436 | $61 |
Government Jobs - Harrisburg, NC
City of Kings Mountain - Kings Mountain, NC
Government Jobs - Harrisburg, NC
Banyan Search - Hickory, NC
A Public Works Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Public Works Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $139,310 |
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $167,164 |
| Public Wo... Level Public Works Manager | $141,195 |
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $183,305 |
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $200,305 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Public Works Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Public Works Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Public Works Manager positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Works Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $213,145 | $102.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $206,040 | $99.0 | 45% |
| MFG Durable | $198,935 | $96.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $184,725 | $89.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $177,621 | $85.0 | 25% |
Understanding how a Public Works Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $154,352 | $12,863 | $2,968 | $74 |
| Average | $142,096 | $11,841 | $2,733 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,649 | $10,554 | $2,436 | $61 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Public Works Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
City of Gastonia
Gastonia, NC
City of Gastonia | Gastonia, NC
Job Title. Performs skilled trades work in the operation of motorized equipment. does related work as required. Work is performed under the moderate superv... more
9 Days Ago
Granite Construction Services LLC
Wake Forest, NC
Granite Construction Services LLC | Wake Forest, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Immediate opening for a Site Works Crew Lead. This position will be responsible for assisting with utility adjustments an... more
7 Days Ago
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville Public Works Commission | Fayetteville, NC
Job Description. This class is responsible for performing customer field services for the Metering Services Department of the Public Works Commission. Resp... more
6 Days Ago
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville Public Works Commission | Fayetteville, NC
Contract ManagerSummary Of Responsibilities:This class is responsible for developing contract standards and criteria as it relates to any agreement for ser... more
7 Days Ago
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville Public Works Commission | Fayetteville, NC
Job Description. Summary Of Responsibilities: This class is responsible for testing/repairing all types of electric and water meters and ensuring all class... more
8 Days Ago
[solidcore]
Raleigh, NC
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