Plumber Salaries in North Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median plumber salary in North Carolina is $50,990 per year, equivalent to $24.52/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. North Carolina employs approximately 14,300 plumbers statewide.
Plumber salaries in North Carolina are below the national average by approximately $14,358. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
North Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for plumbers.
North Carolina Plumber Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — North Carolina Plumber Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Carolina median of $50,990.
Plumber Salary by Experience — North Carolina
Plumber Salary Trend in North Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, North Carolina has seen 13.9% wage growth for plumbers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Carolina's construction and building services.
Plumber Salary by City — North Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $56,600 | $27.21 | +11.0% | 5,005 |
| Raleigh | $54,050 | $25.99 | +6.0% | 4,004 |
| Greensboro | $52,500 | $25.24 | +3.0% | 2,574 |
| Durham | $48,950 | $23.53 | -4.0% | 1,287 |
| Winston-Salem | $46,400 | $22.31 | -9.0% | 858 |
| Fayetteville | $44,350 | $21.32 | -13.0% | 572 |
Tip: Charlotte offers the highest plumber salaries in North Carolina at $56,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
North Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Carolina sits in the mid-range for plumbers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Plumber Job Outlook in North Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for plumbers in North Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Carolina job market. North Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for plumbers.
How to Earn More as a Plumber in North Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a plumber in North Carolina typically adds $41,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Plumbing Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Charlotte pays plumbers $56,600/yr — +11.0% above the North Carolina average. Simply relocating within North Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Plumbers who specialise in construction and building services typically command premium rates in North Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Virginia pays plumbers $59,560/yr — 16.8% vs North Carolina.
Find Plumber Jobs in North Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current plumber job vacancies in North Carolina:
🔍 Plumber jobs in North Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Plumber jobs in North Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Plumber jobs — Charlotte, NC→