Pay data / Plumbers / Salary / North Carolina
Plumber Salary
in North Carolina
Plumbers in North Carolina (NC) earn a median of $57,900 a year, about $28 an hour. That runs roughly 6% below the national median for plumbers, with most earning between $36,700 and $95,100.
Bottom 10%
$36,700
NC Median
$57,900
Top 10%
$95,100
Plumber pay by experience in North Carolina
- Apprentice$34,700$17/hr
Working toward a journeyman license over 4-5 years.
- Journeyman$57,900$28/hr
Licensed to work independently.
- Master$78,200$38/hr
Permits, inspections, and running the crew.
Plumber pay in North Carolina metros
- Charlotte$58,900$28/hr
- Raleigh$60,700$29/hr
- Greensboro$57,400$28/hr
Licensing in North Carolina
Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work.
Frequently asked
- How much do plumbers make in North Carolina?
- Plumbers in North Carolina earn a median of $57,900 per year, about $28 per hour. That is roughly 6% below the national median. Most earn between $36,700 and $95,100.
- What is the highest-paying place for plumbers in North Carolina?
- Among North Carolina's major metros, Raleigh tends to pay plumbers the most, near $60,700 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in North Carolina?
- Yes. Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work. Licensing in North Carolina is handled at the state level, and a licensed person is required to permit and sign off on most work.
Plumber pay in other states
Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for North Carolina by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.