Plumber salary in North Carolina
A strong career option in North Carolina — with programs that take 6 months to 5 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$57,080/ yr
$4,757 / mo · $27.44 / hr
↓ $6,720 below the national median ($63,800)
Pay by experience
Entry
$38,875
Median
$57,080
Experienced
$75,858
Demand
Stable
Program length
6 months to 5 years
Projected growth
+4.5%
Annual openings
44,000
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How North Carolina compares to the national wage trend
North Carolina median
$57,080
2025 national
$63,800
2024 national
$62,970
↑ +1.3% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+4.5% projected growth through 2034
44,000 average annual openings nationwide for Plumbers.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$7,498
- Time to complete6 months to 5 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$38,875
- Median salary$57,080
- Experienced salary$75,858
At an entry wage of $38,875, most Plumbers break even on the $7,498 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become a Plumber in North Carolina
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Plumber program in North Carolina
Browse certified training programs. Most Plumber tracks complete in 6 months to 5 years and average $7,498 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in North Carolina.
Get hired in North Carolina
With roughly 44,000 Plumber openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in North Carolina.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Plumber in North Carolina is $57,080 per year, which is $27.44 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $38,875 while experienced Plumbers can earn up to $75,858 annually.
Next step
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