How does a Plumber's salary in Winston-Salem compare to the rest of North Carolina?

Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Plumber earning the city-adjusted median of $54,164 earns $1,564 more than the median household income in Winston-Salem ($52,600).

Plumber Salary in Winston-Salem, NC — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Plumber Salary in Winston-Salem — Key Numbers

$54,164

Median Salary

$39,714

25th Percentile

$72,653

75th Percentile

$93,280

90th Percentile

National median (Plumber)$61,550

vs. National median-12.0%

Winston-Salem median household income$52,600

vs. City household income+3.0%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index

88(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$950/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio21.0%

Annual rent cost$11,400

Median Home Price$230,000

Home Price / Salary4.2×

20% Down Payment$46,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Winston-Salem

4.2%

Unemployment Rate

680,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

35.7

Median Age

Winston-Salem has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Winston-Salem

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Cost of Living — Winston-Salem

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Plumber Salary in North Carolina

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Winston-Salem

Physician$201,784 Chief Executive Officer$184,800 Dentist$154,449 IT Manager$149,169 Marketing Manager$138,706 Lawyer$128,269

Plumber Salary — Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC$64,012 Raleigh, NC$64,628 Durham, NC$64,012 Greensboro, NC$54,164 Fayetteville, NC$51,702

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumber make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Plumber in Winston-Salem is $54,164 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $61,550 adjusted by Winston-Salem's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $39,714 (25th percentile) to $72,653 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $93,280.

Is Winston-Salem affordable for a Plumber?

On a $54,164 annual salary, a Plumber in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 21.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Winston-Salem relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 4.2× the annual salary.

How does a Plumber's salary compare to Winston-Salem's overall income?

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A Plumber earning the city-adjusted median of $54,164 earns 3.0% more than the typical Winston-Salem household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Plumber — National Plumber in North Carolina All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.