PLUMBER
Installs and repairs water, drain, gas, and steam systems. The 'recession-proof' trade. North Carolina is a right-to-work state — union density is lower than the national average, but licensed tradespeople still command solid wages on prevailing wage projects.
The License.
Most states issue a journeyman license (allows you to work under a licensed contractor) and a separate master or contractor license (allows you to pull permits and run your own business). The journeyman license typically requires completing your apprenticeship and passing a written exam; the master/contractor license requires additional field hours — usually 2 years as a journeyman — and a separate exam.
Requirements in North Carolina: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Real BLS OEWS 2025 median hourly wages for plumbers in North Carolina — by metro area. Union scale typically runs 20–40% above these medians on prevailing wage projects.
| Metro area | Median hourly | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $29.75/hr | $59,500 |
| Raleigh | $29.1/hr | $58,200 |
| Durham | $28.9/hr | $57,800 |
| Asheville | $28.46/hr | $56,920 |
| Charlotte | $28.22/hr | $56,440 |
| Greensboro | $27.65/hr | $55,300 |
| Greenville | $27.44/hr | $54,880 |
| Burlington | $27.35/hr | $54,700 |
| Wilmington | $27.11/hr | $54,220 |
| Rocky Mount | $27.03/hr | $54,060 |
| National median (BLS) | $31.48/hr | $62,970 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. These are median wages across all workers (union and non-union). Year 1 apprentice: $34,000–$50,000/yr. Journeyman top of scale: $70,000–$116,000/yr.
North Carolina is a right-to-work state. Union scale in major North Carolina metros typically runs 10–20% above the national median on public projects with prevailing wage requirements; non-union pay can run 15–30% below union scale on private work.
The Path.
In North Carolina, apprenticeships are administered through the federal RAPIDS system via the U.S. Department of Labor. To find registered programs, go to apprenticeship.gov and filter by state. Most joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) also accept direct applications.
- · United Association (UA) — Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters
The Exam.
Licensing exams for plumber work typically cover the applicable mechanical code (IMC or state-specific), plumbing code (IPC or UPC depending on the state), and material standards. North Carolina may adopt different code editions than adjacent states. Confirm the specific code edition before purchasing prep materials. Note: prevailing wage rules in North Carolina apply primarily to public projects — private-sector jobs in this right-to-work state are exempt.
Be honest about pass rates. Many licensing boards do not publish them. When they do, first-time pass rates for journeyman exams in the trades typically run 50–75%. Preparation time varies — most serious candidates spend 60–120 hours on exam prep. Use code books from the correct edition, not what's currently in print.
What recruiters won't tell you.
- 01Plumbing license is separate from electrical in most states — different board, different exam.
- 02Texas has TWO licenses for plumbing — TSBPE plumber + TDLR for HVAC. Don't conflate them.
- 03Master plumber requires 2+ years as journeyman in most states before you can apply.
- 04Service plumbing pays on commission — top earners crush it, bottom 25% earn less than commercial.