Plumber Salary in North Carolina 2026:
$57,080 Average ($27.44/hr)
Updated 19 June 2026
North Carolina plumbers earn $6,720 below the national median of $63,800. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
North Carolina Median
$57,080/yr
Hourly Rate
$27.44/hr
vs National
$-6,720
Top 10% Earn
$75,850+
Where North Carolina Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#42
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
94
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$60,723
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in North Carolina
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Metro | $63,100 |
| Raleigh-Cary (Research Triangle) | $61,400 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $60,100 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $54,500 |
| Asheville Metro | $53,200 |
Metro figures are estimates derived from the BLS OEWS May 2025 state median; actual MSA wages vary.
Pay by Experience Level in North Carolina
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in North Carolina.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $15 - $19/hr | $31,000 - $39,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $20 - $25/hr | $42,000 - $52,000 |
| Journeyman | $25 - $35/hr | $52,000 - $73,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $32 - $44/hr | $67,000 - $92,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $75 - $140/hr billed | $65,000 - $175,000 net |
North Carolina Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in North Carolina, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Journeyman Requirement
North Carolina does not require a journeyman license; applicants apply directly for the Limited or Intermediate plumbing contractor license after 2 to 3 years of OJT
Master Plumber Requirement
Unlimited plumbing contractor license requires 4 years of qualifying experience plus the contractor exam
Reciprocity
Limited; verify with the NC Board
Exam Fee
$150 exam + $100 license fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in North Carolina
UA Local 421 (Charlotte). ~5% of plumbers in North Carolina are union (one of the lowest union states).
Union plumbers in North Carolina typically earn 25 to 40 percent more in total compensation (base wages plus health insurance, pension, and annuity) compared to non-union plumbers at the same experience level. See the full comparison at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Job Outlook in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states by net in-migration, particularly into Charlotte and the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). The Research Triangle data-centre cluster (Apple, Google, Meta) drives significant commercial mechanical work. Below-national pay is offset by very low cost of living, particularly outside Charlotte. The state's right-to-work status keeps union density low, but population-growth demand is strong enough that experienced non-union plumbers can earn close to the national median.
Biggest Employers in North Carolina
- +Brasfield & Gorrie
- +Balfour Beatty US (Charlotte)
- +Holder Construction (RTP)
- +Skanska USA Carolinas
- +Choate Construction