The Moore County Schools mechanic pay increase proposal is designed to tackle a growing staffing shortage within the district’s transportation department. During an eight-hour Board of Education meeting, leaders reviewed data showing local mechanic wages fall below surrounding employers.
Currently, Moore County Schools pays mechanics between $16.50 and $24.88 per hour — the lowest pay range among nearby school systems and public agencies, including Lee County Schools, Montgomery County Schools, NCDOT, Moore County government, and FirstHealth.
Why the Moore County Schools Mechanic Pay Increase Is Being Considered
The district is budgeted for seven mechanics but currently employs only one certified mechanic and two apprentices. As a result, Moore County Schools has relied on third-party contractors at $160 per hour per mechanic to maintain buses and meet state inspection requirements.
District officials say the Moore County Schools mechanic pay increase would create a new regional pay scale ranging from $18.46 to $30.88 per hour and introduce a three-tier classification system based on experience and certification.
Funding and Timeline
The Moore County Schools mechanic pay increase would be funded entirely through state transportation funds, meaning it would not affect the local operating budget. The superintendent plans to recommend approval, with changes potentially taking effect March 1.
Transportation officials hope the new pay scale will help recruit and retain skilled mechanics, improve bus uptime, and strengthen safety compliance across Moore County.
More details about district operations are available at the Moore County Schools website.
Stay connected to local education coverage through Star 102.5 and Sandhills News.