Average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn an average annual salary of $52,210. 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 skilled trade.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,110.
- Outlook: The local job market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, comprises approximately 320 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-25.3%below the national average.
$25.1
$1,004
$4,351
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople nationwide.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while senior or specialized roles can command salaries well above $52,210. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and skill development in this trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,920 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,158 | $18.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,470 | $24.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,263 | $31.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,110 | $30.8 |
Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,210 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
2.079
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.70x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.7 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, indicates that this occupation is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady presence of these professionals, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $56,310↑ 8% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $56,400↑ 8% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $52,160↓ 0% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $59,700↑ 14% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $53,800↑ 3% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $52,210. This typically ranges from $36,920 for entry-level positions to $64,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 25.3% lower than the national median of $69,920.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $52,210 is significantly lower than the national average of $69,920. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($56,310) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the local plumber salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $52,210, which is substantially lower than the national average of $69,920.
What is the concentration of plumbers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Location Quotient for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in this area is 0.7, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the plumber salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $52,210 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, suggesting a balanced economic environment.
What is the total number of plumbers in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC workforce?
There are approximately 320 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 2.079 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC