Plumber Hourly Pay in Hickory, NC: $25.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Hickory, NC runs $25.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,624 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Hickory's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.5, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,577 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hickory, North Carolina, the plumber hourly pay averages $25.30, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This wage reflects the local economic landscape, significantly impacting those in part-time or per-diem roles within the industry. For instance, a plumber working three days a week might earn around $1,296 per week, translating to approximately $67,392 annually if they maintain consistent hours. The hourly wage range from $18.42 for entry-level positions to $34.12 for top earners shows potential for income growth within various work environments—whether on commercial construction sites, residential service calls, or industrial maintenance roles. The figures presented are drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' data, indicating an official picture of the plumbing market in Hickory.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.42 | $147.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.54 | $180.35 |
| Median (P50) | $25.30 | $202.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.18 | $241.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.12 | $272.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hickory
Based on $25.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.30/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hickory, NC can expect to earn approximately $52,628 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,362. With a cost-of-living index of 88.49 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hickory.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hickory
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,012.08 | $4,386 | $52,628 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $607.25 | $2,631 | $31,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.83 | $1,754 | $21,051 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Hickory) | $25.30 |
| 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 Hickory, NC earn a median of $52,624 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.55% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 9.00% below the North Carolina state average of $57,828.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.30/hr = $31,577/year (purchasing power: $35,686).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,628/year (purchasing power: $59,476).
CoL index: 88.486 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Hickory (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Hickory grew 15.1% from $21.44/hr (2019) to $24.68/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.94/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 Hickory 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 Hickory
When examining part-time earning potential for a plumber working 24 hours per week in Hickory, their annual take-home would be considerably less than their full-time counterparts, significantly affecting financial planning. Per diem arrangements, particularly for travel pipefitters or steamfitters, often yield higher earnings, with some earning between $100 and $175 in daily allowances while maintaining peak rates that can reach $65 an hour on industrial projects. Local companies, both union and non-union, vary widely in what they offer—union contractors generally provide higher wages and benefits, whereas independent plumbers may charge rates between $100 and $180 an hour but often lack health insurance. For those considering contract work or agency placements, it’s essential to negotiate effectively, taking into account the balance between a higher hourly rate without benefits and lower rates that provide comprehensive healthcare. Understanding these nuances is critical for navigating the job market in Hickory, NC, where the plumber hourly rate reflects broader economic conditions and individual choices within the profession.
More salary data for Hickory, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Hickory. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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