Caldwell County’s Manufacturing Workforce Builds Skills and Careers

Manufacturing in Caldwell County relies on more than just equipment and production capacity. It needs people who can design processes, run advanced machines, keep production systems working, manage quality, and move products through the supply chain. The county’s recent wage and benefit survey emphasizes the skills manufacturers seek and the earning potential for workers with them.

The 2026 Wage and Benefits survey also highlights a workforce challenge manufacturers across the country face. Production and manufacturing jobs are among the hardest to fill and retain. Caldwell County is working to solve this problem through partnerships with employers, education, and workforce training.

Manufacturers Need Specialized Skills

Today’s manufacturing needs workers with skills that go beyond entry-level production. Jobs in engineering, technology, maintenance, and quality help keep operations efficient and products consistent.

The survey found average hourly wages of:

• $48.00 for controls engineers
• $47.94 for mechanical or industrial engineers
• $45.47 for process engineers
• $40.25 for quality engineers
• $29.11 for machinery maintenance technicians
• $24.46 for quality assurance inspectors and auditors

Information technology is also important in manufacturing. Information systems managers earned an average of $40.76 per hour, and administrators averaged $37.58.

These jobs require different levels of education and experience, but all demand strong technical reasoning skills. Manufacturers look for people who can work with automated systems, equipment, data, and production processes.

Skilled Production Positions Provide Career Potential

Caldwell County manufacturers also depend on skilled workers who build, operate, and finish products. The wage survey shows the variety of opportunities in these jobs.

Welders earned an average of $32.50 per hour, and CNC machinists averaged $30.00. Assemblers made $27.00 per hour, and upholsterers earned $42.50. Skilled positions that need two to four years of training or experience averaged $22.53 per hour, with the top 25% earning $28.93.

Employers reported an average wage increase of 4.53% over the past year. Seventy-three percent offer incentive pay, bonuses, or reward programs. Employees working second, third, or weekend shifts can also earn more through shift differentials. These numbers show that manufacturing can help workers build skills and earn more as they gain experience.

Education Connects Workers With Employers

Caldwell County’s workforce development system helps manufacturers find and train specialized talent. Thirty-five percent of surveyed companies use workforce training programs, and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) serves 67% of those employers. Appalachian State University, NC Works, and Catawba Valley Community College also help meet local workforce needs.

Manufacturers connect with students through internships, facility tours, and job shadowing. Some also offer apprenticeships and technical workforce academies in areas like furniture, maintenance, and supply operations.

CCC&TI can also create training programs designed for specific employer needs, helping workers build skills that match real manufacturing jobs.

Build a Manufacturing Career in Caldwell County

Caldwell County has an established network connecting manufacturers with education and training resources. As local manufacturing evolves, these connections can help workers develop skills for increasingly specialized roles.

Manufacturers and workers can find out more about training programs, career opportunities, and workforce partnerships in Caldwell County by contacting Caldwell County Economic Development. Knowing about these resources helps companies plan for future talent needs and helps workers find paths into manufacturing careers.