Trades & Labor Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Plumber Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median plumber salary in Durham, NC is $56,886 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$56,886
vs State Avg
+$1,796
vs National
$-2,994
Cost of Living
95%

Plumber Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median plumber salary of $56,886, which is $1,796 above the North Carolina state average of $55,090. Compared to the national median of $59,880, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for plumbers in Durham spans from $34,580 at the 10th percentile to $94,240 at the 90th percentile — a $59,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,300, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Plumber Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level plumber earns around $32,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,300
$-1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,000
$-3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $34,580
25th Percentile $43,510
Median (50th) $56,886
75th Percentile $74,290
90th Percentile $94,240

Plumber Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Plumber in Durham

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Plumber Jobs in Durham

Browse open plumber positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Durham

How much does a Plumber make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median plumber salary in Durham, North Carolina is $56,886 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $34,580 (10th percentile) to $94,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,886, a plumber in Durham earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for plumber pay? ▼
Durham's median plumber salary of $56,886 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $55,090. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a plumber salary of $56,886 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in Durham? ▼
Most plumber positions in Durham require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.