Wilson, NC Job Market Analysis: What You Need to Know About Working Here
Wilson, NC job market analysis reveals a diverse economy experiencing significant growth through major investments in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. The area announced 1,400 new jobs in the life science sector during recent expansions. Major employers including Johnson & Johnson, Fresenius Kabi, and Bridgestone Americas create stable employment across multiple skill levels. Healthcare and public administration sectors provide additional opportunities with consistent demand. The combination of established industries and recent investments positions Wilson's economy for continued expansion.
What industry is in Wilson, NC centers primarily on advanced manufacturing including pharmaceutical production, aerospace components, automotive parts, and food processing. Collins Aerospace maintains operations producing aerospace equipment. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations employs over 1,800 workers as Wilson County's largest industrial employer. Life sciences companies including Johnson & Johnson and Fresenius Kabi manufacture healthcare products and pharmaceuticals. These advanced manufacturing operations require workers ranging from production associates to specialized technicians and engineers.
Understanding Wilson's Major Industries and Employers
Wilson's economic foundation rests on diverse industries creating employment across education and skill levels. The mix of established companies and recent investments provides both stability and growth potential. Understanding these industries helps job seekers identify opportunities matching their backgrounds and career goals.
Healthcare and Medical Services Growth
Healthcare represents Wilson's fastest-growing employment sector driven by aging populations and medical service demand. Wilson Medical Center anchors the healthcare ecosystem as the area's primary hospital facility. The center provides emergency services, surgical care, specialty clinics, and inpatient treatment. Employment ranges from entry-level positions to specialized medical professionals.
Registered nurses represent consistently high-demand positions throughout Wilson's healthcare facilities. RN salaries average $55,000-$75,000 annually depending on experience and specialization. Nurse practitioners earn $85,000-$110,000 reflecting advanced practice requirements. Licensed practical nurses earn $38,000-$48,000 providing more accessible entry points to nursing careers. Nursing shortages create strong job security and advancement opportunities.
Medical technicians including radiology techs, laboratory technicians, and surgical techs earn $40,000-$55,000 annually. These positions require specialized training typically obtained through two-year programs at community colleges. Certification requirements vary by specialty but most positions need formal credentials beyond high school diplomas.
Carolina Family Health Centers operates multiple clinics throughout Wilson County providing primary care and preventive services. These community health centers employ family physicians, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and administrative staff. Positions range from entry-level receptionist roles at $13-$15 hourly to advanced practice providers earning six-figure salaries.
Healthcare support positions including medical assistants, patient care technicians, and certified nursing assistants provide entry points to healthcare careers. These roles typically pay $13-$16 hourly and require short-term training programs or certifications. Many workers use these positions as stepping stones toward nursing or other clinical careers.
Public Administration and Education Stability
Wilson County Government employs hundreds across various departments providing public services. Positions range from administrative roles to specialized technical positions. County employment offers stability, benefits, and pension programs attractive to workers prioritizing security over maximum earnings. Salaries vary dramatically by position from $35,136 for entry-level roles to $59,388 for experienced professionals.
Wilson County Schools serves as another major public sector employer. Teachers, administrators, support staff, and maintenance workers total over 1,000 employees. Teaching positions require bachelor's degrees and state certification. Starting teacher salaries begin around $37,000-$40,000 with increases based on experience and education levels. Support positions including teacher assistants, cafeteria workers, and custodians provide entry-level opportunities.
Public sector positions typically offer superior benefits compared to private employers of similar sizes. Health insurance, retirement pensions, and paid leave often exceed private sector standards. However, public sector wages sometimes lag private industry for comparable positions. Workers must weigh total compensation packages rather than just salaries when comparing opportunities.
Retail and Service Sector Opportunities
Retail positions through Walmart, CVS, Big Lots, Harbor Freight, and other national chains provide accessible entry-level employment. These positions typically pay $14-$19 hourly for sales associates and stockers. Shift supervisors and department managers earn $17-$25 hourly. Retail positions offer flexible scheduling benefiting students and workers with childcare responsibilities.
Walmart serves as Wilson's largest retail employer with multiple positions constantly available. Sales associates start at $14 hourly. Department managers earn $18-$25 hourly depending on department and experience. Pharmacy technicians earn higher wages reflecting specialized training requirements. Walmart offers benefits including health insurance, 401k matching, and advancement opportunities.
Food service employment through restaurants and quick-service establishments pays $13-$16 hourly for crew members. Shift managers earn $15-$20 hourly. Wawa, Scooter's Coffee, and local restaurants consistently hire workers. Food service provides flexible scheduling but often involves irregular hours including evenings and weekends. Tips supplement base wages in full-service restaurants.
Analyzing Salary Ranges and Compensation Expectations
Understanding realistic salary expectations helps job seekers evaluate opportunities appropriately. Wilson, NC job market analysis reveals wide wage variations by industry, position, and experience level. Comparing salaries to cost of living provides complete financial pictures.
Entry-Level Position Compensation
Entry-level retail and food service positions typically start at $13-$15 hourly. These wages equal $27,040-$31,200 annually for full-time employment. However, many retail positions offer part-time hours reducing annual earnings. Workers often need multiple jobs or household incomes to achieve comfortable living standards.
Entry-level manufacturing production associates earn $15-$17 hourly or $31,200-$35,360 annually. These positions often include full-time hours with overtime opportunities increasing total earnings. Manufacturing typically provides benefits including health insurance reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The combination of higher base wages and benefits makes manufacturing preferable to retail for many workers.
Healthcare support positions including certified nursing assistants and medical assistants start at $13-$16 hourly. Annual earnings reach $27,040-$33,280 for full-time positions. Healthcare employers typically provide benefits and offer clear advancement paths. Workers can pursue additional certifications and education while employed supporting career development.
Entry-level office and administrative positions pay $13-$16 hourly depending on responsibilities and required skills. Basic data entry and reception roles start around $13-$14 hourly. Positions requiring software proficiency or specialized knowledge earn $15-$18 hourly. Office positions appeal to workers seeking climate-controlled environments and regular schedules.
Mid-Level Professional Salaries
Experienced manufacturing workers including skilled operators, maintenance technicians, and quality specialists earn $19-$27 hourly or $39,520-$56,160 annually. These positions require several years of experience plus technical skills. Specialized certifications often increase earning potential. Manufacturing careers provide solid middle-class incomes in Wilson's affordable cost structure.
Licensed practical nurses earn approximately $38,000-$48,000 annually representing accessible healthcare career paths. LPN programs require one year of training significantly less than RN programs. The combination of reasonable training periods and decent wages makes LPN positions attractive for career changers. However, advancement beyond LPN requires returning to school for RN credentials.
Medical technicians across specialties earn $40,000-$55,000 annually depending on field and experience. Radiology technicians, laboratory techs, and surgical technicians all fall within these ranges. Two-year associate degree programs prepare workers for these roles. Earning potential exceeds most non-degree positions while avoiding four-year degree time and expense.
Skilled trades including electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers earn $18-$25 hourly or $37,440-$52,000 annually. These positions require apprenticeships or technical training but not four-year degrees. B & J Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning and similar employers consistently seek qualified technicians. Skilled trades provide solid incomes with strong job security.
High-Earning Positions and Specializations
Registered nurses with experience earn $55,000-$75,000 annually representing upper-middle-class incomes in Wilson's cost structure. Specialized RN positions in emergency departments, operating rooms, or intensive care units command premium wages. Travel nursing opportunities allow Wilson-based nurses to earn significantly more through temporary assignments elsewhere.
Nurse practitioners represent Wilson's highest-paid regularly available positions at $85,000-$110,000 annually. These advanced practice providers require master's degrees and specialized training. However, the educational investment generates strong returns through high salaries and professional autonomy. NP positions offer exceptional stability with growing demand throughout healthcare.
Engineers and specialized manufacturing managers earn $70,000-$95,000 annually at companies like Collins Aerospace and pharmaceutical manufacturers. These positions require bachelor's degrees in engineering or related fields plus relevant experience. Manufacturing engineering provides excellent career opportunities for technically-minded professionals.
Real estate agents and brokers potentially earn high incomes through commissions rather than salaries. Successful agents earn $50,000-$100,000+ annually depending on sales volume and market conditions. However, real estate income varies dramatically and lacks the stability of salaried positions. New agents often struggle during initial years building client bases.
Finance professionals including loan officers, financial advisors, and accountants earn $45,000-$80,000 depending on credentials and experience. These positions require bachelor's degrees in business or finance fields. Banking and financial services provide professional career paths in Wilson's economy. Understanding salary expectations helps with financial planning through resources like this cost of living breakdown.
Evaluating Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities
Long-term career success requires understanding advancement possibilities within Wilson's economy. Some industries provide clear growth paths while others offer limited progression. Realistic assessment helps job seekers make strategic decisions supporting career goals.
Manufacturing Career Ladders
Manufacturing careers typically begin with production associate positions requiring minimal experience. Workers learn operations through on-the-job training over several months. Demonstrating reliability, quality work, and learning aptitude creates advancement opportunities. First promotions typically move workers to senior operator roles with $1-3 hourly increases.
Specialized positions including quality technicians, maintenance mechanics, and process technicians require additional training and certifications. Wilson Community College offers relevant programs preparing workers for these roles. Advancing into technical positions increases wages to $21-$27 hourly ranges. Technical skills provide both higher pay and better working conditions.
Supervision and management positions represent further advancement requiring leadership skills beyond technical abilities. Team leaders and shift supervisors earn $22-$28 hourly. Department managers reach $28-$35 hourly or transition to salaried positions. However, management positions remain limited creating competition among qualified candidates.
Manufacturing engineering and professional positions require bachelor's degrees creating barriers for workers without higher education. Some companies offer tuition assistance supporting degree completion. However, most production workers lack resources or time for four-year degrees. Career ceilings exist without additional education in most manufacturing organizations.
Healthcare Career Progression
Healthcare offers exceptional advancement opportunities through additional education and certifications. CNAs can pursue LPN training increasing earnings significantly. LPNs can complete RN bridge programs accessing higher salaries and responsibilities. RNs can obtain BSN degrees and eventually pursue nurse practitioner programs. Clear progression paths support long-term healthcare careers.
Medical assistants can transition to specialized roles through additional certifications. Phlebotomy, EKG technician, and other credentials expand capabilities and earning potential. Some medical assistants pursue nursing programs leveraging healthcare experience. However, advancement requires investing in additional education rather than just experience accumulation.
Healthcare administration provides alternatives to clinical advancement. Medical coders, billing managers, and department supervisors advance without providing direct patient care. Administrative advancement requires business skills and healthcare knowledge. Salaries reach $45,000-$65,000 for experienced administrators avoiding clinical responsibilities.
Specialized clinical positions including surgical techs, radiology techs, and respiratory therapists require specific training programs. These careers offer solid incomes without four-year degree requirements. However, lateral moves between specialties require additional training. Healthcare specialization creates expertise but reduces flexibility.
Public Sector and Education Advancement
Teaching careers advance through experience-based salary schedules plus educational attainment. Teachers earn increases for years of service and additional degrees. Master's degrees and National Board Certification generate significant salary premiums. However, maximum earning potential remains limited compared to private sector professional positions. Teachers prioritizing stability and benefits over maximum income find satisfaction.
School administration positions including assistant principals and principals require additional licensure and experience. Administrative salaries reach $65,000-$95,000 representing substantial increases over teaching. However, administrative positions involve different responsibilities and challenges than teaching. Career transitions require careful consideration beyond just salary increases.
County government advancement depends on position types and civil service structures. Some positions advance through competitive examinations and promotions. Others remain relatively flat requiring lateral moves for advancement. Public sector careers trade maximum earning potential for stability and benefits. Long-term public employees often retire with pensions unavailable in private sectors.
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Options
Wilson's affordable cost structure supports small business creation and entrepreneurship. Lower overhead costs make business ownership more feasible than expensive metropolitan areas. Downtown revitalization creates opportunities for retail, dining, and service businesses. However, small business success requires capital, skills, and risk tolerance many workers lack.
Skilled trades workers often transition to business ownership after gaining experience. Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians can establish independent businesses. However, business ownership involves management, marketing, and financial responsibilities beyond technical skills. Success rates vary dramatically with many small businesses failing within five years.
Professional services including accounting, legal, and consulting support Wilson's business community. These services require professional credentials and business development skills. Establishing professional practices takes years building client bases and reputations. However, successful practices generate incomes exceeding employee salaries substantially. This comprehensive city overview provides additional economic context.
Assessing Wilson's Job Market for Your Career Goals
Wilson, NC job market analysis reveals a stable, growing economy providing opportunities across skill and education levels. What industry is in Wilson, NC centers on advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration. Recent life sciences investments added 1,400 jobs with more growth anticipated. What jobs are in demand in NC extends to Wilson through healthcare, skilled trades, and specialized manufacturing positions.
Salary expectations must align with Wilson's cost structure rather than metropolitan standards. Entry-level positions pay $13-$17 hourly while experienced workers earn $19-$27 hourly. Professional positions reach $55,000-$110,000 annually for nurses and advanced practitioners. These wages support comfortable lifestyles in Wilson's affordable environment despite appearing low compared to expensive cities.
Job seekers benefit from multiple search resources including online job boards, government services, and community networking. Wilson's small-town atmosphere creates advantages when seeking employment through personal connections. However, specialized career opportunities remain limited compared to major metropolitan areas. Workers in niche industries often face commuting to Raleigh or accepting career limitations.
Your employment success in Wilson depends on matching skills and goals with available opportunities. Manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector workers find abundant options. Technology professionals, finance specialists, and other metropolitan career paths face constraints. Remote work increasingly allows accessing national salaries while enjoying Wilson's affordability and lifestyle. Understanding realistic opportunities helps you determine whether Wilson's job market supports your career ambitions and financial needs.
