Hickory vs Raleigh: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Hickory, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,624 | $62,066▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.30 | $29.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,322 | $44,022▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,893 | $49,589▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,783 | $71,774▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,975 | $79,566▲ |
| Total Employed | 330 | 2,810▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Hickory and Raleigh is $9,442 (17.94%). Raleigh's median is -5.11% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hickory spans $32,653,Raleigh spans $35,544. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($63,231 effective) pays 6.32% more than Hickory ($59,472 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,066/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,566)
- ✓Larger job market (2,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,231)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Hickory grew 15.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Hickory, NC
$44,590 (2019) → $51,330 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$44,130 (2019) → $60,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hickory, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Hickory or Raleigh?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov