Plumber Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $27.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Apex, NC runs $27.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,202 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,916 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber hourly pay in Apex, North Carolina, is projected to be $27.98, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This difference can affect various plumbing roles, especially for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a plumber working three days a week could earn a gross income of approximately $43,164 annually, assuming 24 hours of work each week. This setting typically involves servicing various environments, such as industrial sites, residential locations, and hospitals, where plumbers may be tasked with medical gas systems or sewer line repairs. Meanwhile, hourly earnings in Apex range from $19.10 for entry-level positions to $43.38 for top earners, illustrating a broad spectrum of compensation based on experience and the complexity of the work involved.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.10 | $152.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.68 | $181.42 |
| Median (P50) | $27.98 | $223.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.82 | $286.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.38 | $347.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $27.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.98/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $58,194 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,573. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,119.11 | $4,849 | $58,194 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $671.46 | $2,910 | $34,916 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.64 | $1,940 | $23,277 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Apex) | $27.98 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Apex, NC earn a median of $58,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $57,797.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.98/hr = $34,916/year (purchasing power: $37,304).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,194/year (purchasing power: $62,173).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Apex grew 15.7% from $23.59/hr (2019) to $27.29/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Apex
Evaluating the different dynamics of plumber hourly rates in Apex reveals additional earning opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers. A part-time plumber may earn less annually than their full-time counterparts, but per-diem opportunities often provide a more lucrative path; travel pipefitters can command $100-$175 per day in addition to their hourly wages, which can range from $40-$65 depending on the project. On the other hand, service call-out fees for residential plumbing typically start at around $150-$300, highlighting the potential for significant earnings for solo operators or contractors. Moreover, different employer types in Apex contribute to wage variations; unionized plumbers may earn a premium over non-union workers, while larger service companies often offer commission structures that can enhance total pay. When negotiating hourly wages, it is advantageous for plumbers to consider the trade-offs associated with benefits and job security offered by different employers. Understanding local market conditions and clearly defining one’s expertise, such as medical gas certification, can facilitate more effective negotiations for better plumber hourly pay in Apex.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Apex in 2026?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Apex. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov