Plumber Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $51,497 (2026)

Plumber Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median plumber salary of $51,497, which is $3,593 below the North Carolina state average of $55,090. Compared to the national median of $59,880, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $51,497 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $59,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for plumbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for plumbers in Winston-Salem spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $85,312 at the 90th percentile — a $54,008 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,240, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Plumber Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level plumber earns around $29,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,240

$-4,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,600

$-8,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,120

$-12,880 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$31,304	$33,488	$36,400
25th Percentile	$39,388	$42,136	$45,800
Median (50th)	$51,497	$55,090	$59,880
75th Percentile	$67,252	$71,944	$78,200
90th Percentile	$85,312	$91,264	$99,200

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$31,304

25th Percentile

$39,388

Median (50th)

$51,497

75th Percentile

$67,252

90th Percentile

$85,312

How to Become a Plumber in Winston-Salem

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Plumber make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median plumber salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $51,497 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $85,312 (90th percentile).

How much does a Plumber make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,497, a plumber in Winston-Salem earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for plumber pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median plumber salary of $51,497 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $55,090. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a plumber salary of $51,497 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most plumber positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Plumber Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina