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Construction & Trades · North Carolina

How to Become a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in North Carolina

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in North Carolina earn a median salary of $50,990/year, which is 19% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters takes home approximately $1,981/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$51K
Median salary in North Carolina
-19%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
14,300
Employed in North Carolina

What a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$50,990
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$3,393/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home41.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$50,990/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,981/mo

Becoming a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions in North Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

This career typically involves apprenticeship in North Carolina. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitterss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 14,300 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. The highest concentrations are in Asheville and Durham-Chapel Hill.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Asheville$62K$29.73/hr510
Durham-Chapel Hill$59K$28.36/hr590
Greenville$59K$28.32/hr290
Raleigh-Cary$56K$26.71/hr2,520
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$56K$26.71/hr4,210
Jacksonville$52K$24.92/hr220
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$51K$24.74/hr320
Rocky Mount$51K$24.42/hr90
Greensboro-High Point$51K$24.37/hr1,160
Fayetteville$50K$24.25/hr410
Winston-Salem$49K$23.5/hr900
Wilmington$49K$23.45/hr640
Burlington$49K$23.43/hr240
Goldsboro$49K$23.38/hr140
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$47K$22.51/hr130

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$38K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$51K
75th percentile
$62K
90th percentile (senior)
$73K
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Full plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary breakdown in North Carolina
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
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Calculate take-home pay in North Carolina
After federal + 4.5% state tax
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Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make in North Carolina?

The median plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary in North Carolina is $50,990 per year ($24.52/hr). This is 19% below the national median of $62,970. Salaries range from $37,690 to $72,650.

What are the requirements to become a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Carolina?

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions in North Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $50,990, a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Carolina would take home approximately $3,393/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Carolina are Asheville ($61,840), Durham-Chapel Hill ($58,980), Greenville ($58,910). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $50,990 salary, this means roughly $2,295/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.