Skilled trades
plumber salary in North Carolina
The median plumber in North Carolina earns $57,080 a year based on the latest BLS wage release. That is 11% below the national median of $63,800, and the top 10% in the state earns more than $75,850.
STATE MEDIAN
$57,080
Per year, 2025
TOP 10 PERCENT
$75,850
Per year
WORKERS IN STATE
14,510
Reported employment
VS NATIONAL
-11%
Below national median
What do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn in North Carolina?
These percentile cuts show how pay spreads from entry level earnings to top-end specialists in the state.
10TH PERCENTILE
$38,860
Lower end of the pay range
25TH PERCENTILE
$46,550
Early career benchmark
MEDIAN
$57,080
Middle of the market
75TH PERCENTILE
$63,290
Experienced worker benchmark
90TH PERCENTILE
$75,850
Top earning range
How does North Carolina compare to national earnings?
North Carolina pays 11% below the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. That makes cost discipline more important, especially if you are choosing between a free apprenticeship path, a community college certificate, and a private program.
North Carolina
$57,080
State median annual wage
National median
$63,800
BLS national median wage
How do you train as a plumber in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the most common routes into plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are union apprenticeship, non-union contractor apprenticeship, community college certificates, and trade school programs. Apprenticeship usually keeps debt lowest because you work while you train. North Carolina may require apprentice registration, documented hours, and a journeyman or contractor license depending on the trade path. Verify the exact board or labor department rules before you enroll.
Lowest debt path
Apprenticeship, community college, or employer-sponsored training usually keeps borrowing pressure lowest. That matters more than raw starting pay if you are comparing a free path against a private program.
What to verify before enrolling
Check tuition, licensing hours, exam pass rates, employer placement, and how quickly the program gets you to a paid job in North Carolina.
What is the debt-to-income reality in North Carolina?
The 8% rule says a monthly student loan payment should ideally stay below 8% of gross monthly income.
For a community college style path with an illustrative $10,000 of training debt, a simple 10-year repayment schedule lands near $83 a month. Against a median gross monthly income of $4,757 in North Carolina, that works out to about 1.7%.
This is an illustrative midpoint between a free apprenticeship path and a higher-cost private program. Your exact result depends on tuition, grants, and how long you stay in school.
What else should you read next?
Skilled trades guide
Read the full skilled trades guide for training paths, debt ranges, and employer context.
plumber salary in Texas
Compare this trade in Texas against North Carolina.
electrician salary in North Carolina
See how a related trade in the same cluster pays in the same state.
Trade comparison methodology
See how CollegeLens sources BLS wages, training-cost ranges, and debt-to-income examples.
Common questions about plumber pay in North Carolina
What is the average plumber salary in North Carolina?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $57,080 for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Carolina, with the top 10% above $75,850.
Is plumber a good career in North Carolina?
North Carolina currently has 14,510 reported jobs in this trade. The path can work well when training cost stays reasonable relative to a median income of $57,080.
How do you become a plumber in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the most common routes into plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are union apprenticeship, non-union contractor apprenticeship, community college certificates, and trade school programs. Apprenticeship usually keeps debt lowest because you work while you train. North Carolina may require apprentice registration, documented hours, and a journeyman or contractor license depending on the trade path. Verify the exact board or labor department rules before you enroll.
Where does North Carolina rank for plumber earnings?
North Carolina is below the national median for this trade. State median: $57,080. National median: $63,800.
What does plumber training cost in North Carolina?
Training cost depends on the path. Apprenticeship can be near $0 out of pocket while you earn. Community college programs often land in the low thousands. Private trade school and certificate routes can be much higher. Always compare program cost against expected earnings in North Carolina.