Average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $58,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,920, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic landscape of Durham-Chapel Hill influences the pay rates for these essential skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,940.
- Outlook: The local job market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, comprises approximately 590 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other areas. While the total workforce size is moderate, the lower concentration suggests potential opportunities for skilled tradespeople, though demand may not be as robust as in more concentrated regions.
Salary Overview
The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-16.3%below the national average.
$28.1
$1,125
$4,876
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing demand for infrastructure maintenance and new construction, alongside a persistent need for qualified professionals in the field.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior plumbers often earning well above the average, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,220 | $21.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,883 | $21.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,980 | $28.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $73,138 | $35.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,940 | $36.5 |
Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,510 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial standing for residents without the added pressure of a higher cost of living impacting their disposable income.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
1.708
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.58x the national average concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector within the local employment landscape. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, implying a balanced environment where skilled professionals can find opportunities without facing extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $56,280↓ 4% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $53,370↓ 9% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $53,320↓ 9% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $48,280↓ 17% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $49,770↓ 15% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $58,510. This typically ranges from $44,220 for entry-level positions to $75,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 16.3% lower than the national median of $69,920.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $58,510 is below the national average of $69,920, although the cost of living is at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($56,280) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local plumber salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is $58,510, which is lower than the national average of $69,920.
What is the concentration of plumbers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.58, indicating that the proportion of these professionals in the local workforce is less than half of the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the plumber salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $58,510 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of plumbers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC workforce?
There are approximately 590 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.708 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC