Can A Welder Afford Rent in Wilmington, NC?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.1% of gross income.
Wilmington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Wilmington, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Wilmington
View full rent data for Wilmington, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Wilmington, NC?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,694 a month. A typical welder in North Carolina earns about $48,325 a year, which makes that rent 42.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Wilmington?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in North Carolina (~$48,325/yr) supports up to $1,208 a month in rent. Wilmington's current median rent is $1,694/mo, which is $486/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Wilmington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a welder in North Carolina works roughly 72.9 hours a month to cover Wilmington's median rent of $1,694.
Where is rent cheaper than Wilmington for a welder?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Leland ($1,693/mo), Holly Ridge ($1,693/mo), Weaverville ($1,692/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.