Plumber Salary in North Carolina
Based on 15K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$57,080
$27.44/hr
vs National Average
$68,560
-16.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $76K
15K employed in North Carolina
The median Plumber salary in North Carolina is $57,080 annually, placing it 17% below the national average. With 14,510 individuals employed in this trade across the state, the salary range for plumbers here generally falls between $38,860 and $75,850 per year, offering a glimpse into the earning potential within this essential profession.
Several factors influence the Plumber salary in North Carolina. Experience level plays a significant role, with seasoned professionals commanding higher wages. Additionally, specialization, such as in new construction or complex commercial systems, and the specific geographic location within North Carolina can impact earnings, with metropolitan areas often offering more opportunities and competitive pay.
Salary Distribution — Plumber in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,860 |
| 25th percentile | $46,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,080 |
| 75th percentile | $63,290 |
| 90th percentile | $75,850 |
Top-Paying Industries for Plumber (U.S.)
Which industries pay Plumbers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Plumbers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $90,750 | 8K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $87,730 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $76,510 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $74,810 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $71,660 | 17K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Plumber in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,220 |
| 2023 | $50,420 |
| 2024 | $50,990 |
| 2025 | $57,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,505 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,220 | $61,508 |
| 2023 | $50,420 | $64,205 |
| 2024 | $50,990 | $65,674 |
| 2025 | $57,080 | $68,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,505 | $72,674 |
Plumber Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,290 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $75,850 |
Plumber Salary in Other States
Related Plumber Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Plumber ($57,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Plumber | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in NC | $151,540 | +165.5% | $72.86/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in NC | $75,270 | +31.9% | $36.19/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | -0.5% | $27.31/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in NC | $48,200 | -15.6% | $23.17/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in NC | $47,910 | -16.1% | $23.03/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in NC | $45,820 | -19.7% | $22.03/hr |
| Construction Laborer in NC | $44,720 | -21.7% | $21.50/hr |
| Paralegal in NC | $57,500 | +0.7% | $27.64/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | +1.0% | $27.71/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | +1.0% | $27.72/hr |
| Social Worker in NC | $58,210 | +2.0% | $27.99/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NC | $58,450 | +2.4% | $28.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a plumber in North Carolina?
- The median salary for plumbers in North Carolina is $57,080 per year, which translates to approximately $27 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of all plumber salaries in the state.
How much do plumbers in North Carolina typically earn?
- Most plumbers in North Carolina can expect to earn between $38,860 and $75,850 annually. The median salary of $57,080 falls within this range.
Is the salary for plumbers in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Plumber salaries in North Carolina are 16.7% lower than the national average. The median salary in North Carolina is $57,080 per year, while the national median is higher.
How many plumbers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 14,510 plumbers employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant number of professionals working in this trade within the state.