The plumbing trade continues to be a stable and lucrative career — especially in growing regions like Durham, North Carolina. In 2026, plumbers in Durham benefit from solid demand due to housing growth, commercial development, and ongoing infrastructure needs. This article breaks down key salary data, what influences earnings, benefits, job market trends, skill requirements, and comparisons with nearby cities to help you evaluate plumbing as a career in Durham.
Overview: Plumber Salary in Durham (2026)
Plumbers in Durham earn competitive wages compared to the state average. Based on local job data and salary reports:
Typical Earnings
| Pay Basis | Average |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | ~$29.45 per hour on average in Durham, NC — similar to or slightly above the North Carolina average of ~$27.18/hr. |
| Annual Salary Range | About $28,000 – $69,000 (job site estimates) |
| Median/Typical Pay | Around $44,000/year per employment data sources |
Note: Estimates vary because wages can be calculated hourly or annually, and larger firms often pay higher rates.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience significantly impacts plumber earnings in Durham. Below is a typical breakdown:
Entry-Level / Apprentice Plumbers
Role: Assist licensed plumbers, learn on the job
Estimated Pay: Around $16.91/hr for apprentices in Durham — below journeyman rates.
Junior or Early-Career Plumbers
Role: Handle basic service calls and installations
Estimated Annual Pay: About $28,000 – $45,000.
Mid-Level Plumbers
Role: Independently manage most tasks, from repairs to small installations
Estimated Annual Pay: Around $45,000 – $60,000.
Experienced / Senior Plumbers
Role: Lead teams, handle commercial jobs, complex systems
Estimated Annual Pay: Approximately $60,000 – $90,000+.
Tip: Master plumbers or contractors with specialized skills (e.g., gas piping or advanced diagnostics) often command the top of this range.
What Factors Influence Plumber Salaries?
Several key factors affect how much a plumber can earn in Durham:
1. Education and Certification
Completion of a plumbing apprenticeship
Obtaining licensure (e.g., North Carolina Plumbing License — requires thousands of hours of experience and passing an exam)
Specialized certifications (backflow prevention, medical gas, safety credentials) can boost pay.
2. Experience and Skill Level
More experience typically leads to better pay, more job offers, and opportunities for supervisory roles.
3. Employer Type
Union or large commercial contractors often pay more than small residential firms.
Self-employed plumbers keep more revenue but handle business overhead.
4. Location and Demand
Durham’s ongoing residential and commercial growth supports steady demand and competitive wages.
Job Market Trends (2026)
The plumber job market around Durham and the wider Triangle region remains strong:
Key Trends
Steady Demand due to housing growth and renovations.
Infrastructure Projects needing skilled trades.
Shortage of Skilled Tradespeople as seasoned workers retire.
Training and Apprenticeships Expanding via community colleges and trade programs.
Trade careers like plumbing are considered recession-resistant because plumbing is essential to homes and businesses.
Benefits of Becoming a Plumber in Durham
Plumbing is more than a paycheck — it offers lifestyle and long-term advantages:
Professional Benefits
Good starting wages without college debt
Opportunity for overtime and emergency call pay
Relatively stable year-round demand
Ability to start your own business
Typical Job Perks
Health and retirement benefits (especially with larger contractors or union jobs)
Paid training through apprenticeships
Personal growth into supervisory or inspection roles
Job Outlook and Opportunities
Plumbers in Durham generally enjoy positive job prospects:
Aging homes and infrastructure require ongoing maintenance.
Expansion in residential and commercial construction.
Demand for energy-efficient systems and upgrades.
Plumbing is ranked as one of the top skilled trades for stability, making it a solid choice for those seeking a dependable and well-paying career.
Comparing Durham with Nearby Cities
| City/Region | Average Hourly Wage for Plumbers |
|---|---|
| Durham, NC | ~$29.45/hr |
| Raleigh, NC | ~$28.25/hr |
| Raleigh-Durham Metro | ~$27.56/hr |
| North Carolina State Avg. | ~$27.18/hr |
| Wilmington, NC | ~$30.04/hr (nearby city) |
What This Means
Durham plumbers generally earn slightly more than the NC average and are competitive with other metro areas.
While not as high as larger urban markets in other states, Durham offers a favorable balance of salary and cost of living.
How Education & Licenses Impact Salary
While plumbing doesn’t require a traditional college degree, formal training and licensing are critical:
Typical Pathway
High School Diploma or GED
Apprenticeship Program (usually 4–5 years)
Pass Licensing Exam
Obtain Journeyman/Master Credentials
Benefits of Certification:
Higher hourly pay
More responsibility and job flexibility
Better chances for supervisory or contractor roles
Final Takeaways
Choosing a plumbing career in Durham, NC in 2026 means entering a growing field with competitive salaries, especially when compared to broader state averages. With opportunities at every experience level and strong job trends, plumbing offers a stable, rewarding trade with excellent potential for advancement and independence.
Whether you’re starting as an apprentice or pursuing licensure, plumbing in Durham presents both financial and professional growth opportunities in a resilient and essential industry.