How to Become a Controls Technician in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina employs about 2,490 controls technicians earning a median $76,040 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025; proxy category “Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians”). Most controls technicians train through an approved program before entering the field in North Carolina.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina employs approximately 2,490 workers in the related “Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians” category (SOC 17-3023), with a median annual wage of $76,040 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 0.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 8,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Controls Technician in North Carolina, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track controls technician salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians (SOC 17-3023). Actual controls technician earnings may vary.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school or community college
- Typical timeline: varies by program; confirm with the school
- Median wage (North Carolina): $76,040 per year (based on related “Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians” category) 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Controls Technician in North Carolina
How to become a Controls Technician in North Carolina? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for controls technicians in North Carolina.
How long does it take? controls technician training length in North Carolina varies by program. Confirm current requirements with the school and the state board before you enroll.
What do controls technicians earn in North Carolina? The BLS does not track controls technician wages separately. Based on the related “Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians” category, the median annual wage in North Carolina is $76,040, with entry-level wages around $49,880 and experienced workers earning $106,350 or more 1.
How to Become a Controls Technician in North Carolina
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most North Carolina training programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete an approved training program. Enroll in an approved controls technician program in North Carolina that combines classroom instruction with supervised practice.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to controls technicians in North Carolina before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Controls Technician Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 1,560 | $94,157 | $90,767 | $57,434 | $128,141 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 1,130 | $70,686 | $73,224 | $49,224 | $101,577 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 650 | $71,738 | $74,341 | $51,766 | $103,000 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 350 | $64,501 | $72,294 | $55,357 | $95,607 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 280 | $72,550 | $72,067 | $51,351 | $92,907 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 140 | $74,634 | $72,983 | $50,097 | $97,327 |
| Wilmington | 130 | $62,817 | $67,552 | $43,368 | $100,596 |
| Asheville | 120 | $68,769 | $70,579 | $47,710 | $94,710 |
| Fayetteville | 120 | $75,139 | $76,371 | $55,697 | $100,351 |
| Winston-Salem | 120 | $66,877 | $69,150 | $44,987 | $91,603 |
| Jacksonville | 40 | $76,210 | $72,220 | $44,240 | $93,290 |
| Greenville | 30 | $54,440 | $53,390 | $35,590 | $63,570 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for controls technicians in North Carolina? North Carolina employs approximately 2,490 workers in the related “Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians” category 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 0.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in North Carolina.
How much do controls technicians earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for controls technicians in North Carolina is $76,040 (based on the related “Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians” category), which is $1,140 below the national median of $77,180 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |