Plumber in Cary, NC

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Cary, NC.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Cary Stands

As a plumber considering Cary, your first question is likely about the paycheck. Let’s cut right to it: the numbers are solid, competitive, and tell a story of a stable, growing market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry data, the median salary for a plumber in the Cary metro area is $62,969/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.27/hour. This is sitting right on the nose of the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. This tells us the local market isn't depressed; it's paying a fair, competitive wage for skilled trades.

However, "median" is just a midpoint. Your actual earning potential will swing dramatically based on your experience level, specialization, and the type of employer you land with. Here’s a more granular look at what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Cary area.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities in Cary
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $52,000	$20.19 - $25.00	Basic repairs, drain cleaning, assisting senior plumbers, learning local codes.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.44 - $33.65	Service calls, fixture installations, rough-in work, permitting process.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87	Project supervision, complex diagnostics, commercial work, client relations.
Expert/Specialist (10+ yrs)	$85,000+	$40.87+	Master plumber licensing, business ownership, specialized systems (medical gas, fire protection).

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data. Overtime, on-call pay, and bonuses can significantly increase total compensation.

How Cary Stacks Up Against Other NC Cities

Cary is part of the larger Raleigh-Cary metro, which has a population of 178,883. When you compare its plumbing salaries to other major North Carolina cities, you'll see a clear advantage in the Triangle area.

• Charlotte: Salaries are slightly higher on average, but the cost of living is also significantly steeper. A plumber in Charlotte might make $65,000-$70,000, but housing costs can be 15-20% higher.
• Greensboro/Winston-Salem: Salaries here tend to be lower, often in the $58,000-$63,000 range. The pace is slower, and there are fewer large-scale construction projects than in the Triangle.
• Asheville: While Asheville has a similar median salary to Cary, the tourism-driven economy means more seasonal work and a higher cost of living, especially for housing.

Cary’s sweet spot is its balance: strong pay, a lower cost of living than Charlotte, and a robust job market with 357 plumbing jobs currently in the metro. The 10-year job growth projection for plumbers in the region is 6%, which is steady and indicates sustained demand, driven by the area's ongoing population influx and aging housing stock.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $62,969 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly bank account? Let’s break it down with real local numbers.

First, we'll estimate take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, FICA). Using a standard deduction for a single filer, the monthly take-home would be approximately $4,000 - $4,200.

Now, let's factor in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cary is $1,176/month. This is slightly above the U.S. average but reasonable for a skilled professional.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Plumber Earning $62,969

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Taxes)	$4,100	Based on median salary; varies by benefits, 401k contributions.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,176	This is a city-wide average. See "Neighborhoods" section for details.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, water, gas, internet.
Groceries	$350	Based on USDA moderate-cost food plan.
Transportation	$400	Car payment, insurance, gas. Cary is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer; this is an average employee contribution.
Miscellaneous	$500	Dining out, entertainment, personal care, savings.
Total Expenses	$2,876
Remaining/Savings	$1,224

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires discipline. With a $1,224 monthly surplus, a plumber could save for a down payment in 2-4 years, depending on their goal. The median home price in Cary is around $400,000. A 20% down payment is $80,000. By saving $1,200/month, you'd have a down payment in about 5.5 years. However, many buyers put down less (5-10%). With a good credit score, a plumber earning the median salary can qualify for a mortgage on a starter home or townhouse in the $250,000-$300,000 range, which is still available in some surrounding areas.

Where the Jobs Are: Cary's Major Employers

Cary isn't a manufacturing hub; it's a hub for research, tech, and healthcare, which translates to specific types of plumbing work. You'll find jobs in new construction, commercial service, and residential repair. Here are the key players:

1. Strata Building Group & HHHunt Homes: These are major residential developers building subdivisions in Cary and Apex. They have a constant need for plumbing subcontractors for new home rough-ins and finishes. Insider Tip: Connecting with a mid-sized plumbing contractor that subs for these builders is a prime entry point for steady new construction work.
2. Raleigh Plumbing & Heating: A large, local service company that covers the entire Triangle. They handle residential and light commercial service calls, which is where the majority of jobs are. They often post openings for service technicians and apprentices.
3. University of North Carolina (UNC) Health & WakeMed: While the hospitals are in Chapel Hill and Raleigh, their massive construction and renovation projects often extend into Cary. Companies that specialize in medical gas piping, backflow prevention, and hospital-grade plumbing get contracts for these projects.
4. Town of Cary Public Works: Municipal jobs are gold for stability and benefits. The Town of Cary hires plumbers for maintaining public facilities, water and sewer lines, and infrastructure projects. These jobs are competitive but offer pensions and excellent benefits.
5. Cary Regional Medical Center (Part of UNC Health): Located right in Cary, this hospital is a constant source of service and maintenance work for licensed plumbers, often through facilities management contracts.
6. Local HVAC & Plumbing Firms: Companies like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning (which also does plumbing) and Reliable Heating & Air have a strong presence. They offer structured apprenticeship programs and are often the first stop for those entering the trade.

Hiring Trends: The market is active. The post-pandemic housing boom and continued corporate relocations to the Triangle (e.g., Apple, Google) mean new construction is steady. At the same time, Cary's housing stock is aging—many homes were built in the 1980s and 1990s—creating endless demand for repipes, water heater replacements, and drainage issues.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has a clear, structured path to licensure through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. You cannot work as an independent plumber without a license.

1. Apprenticeship (4,000 hours): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This can be done through a union (UA Local 715) or a non-union registered apprenticeship with an employer. You'll work under a licensed plumber while logging hours.
2. Classroom Instruction (160 hours): You must complete 160 hours of approved classroom instruction. Many community colleges, like Wake Tech (which has a campus in Cary), offer these programs.
3. Journeyman License: After completing your hours and coursework, you can apply to take the Journeyman exam. A Journeyman can work under a Master Plumber but cannot pull permits or own a business.
4. Master License: To become a Master Plumber, you need 2,000 hours of additional work experience (as a Journeyman) and must pass a more comprehensive exam. A Master License allows you to pull permits, run a business, and supervise others.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: 3-4 years.
• Exam Fees: Roughly $150-$250 per exam.
• Licensing Fees: $100-$200 annually, depending on the license type.
• Total Time to Independent License (Master): Plan for 6-8 years from day one.

Insider Tip: The Triangle is a union-strong area (UA Local 715). For commercial and institutional work, being in the union provides excellent pay scales and benefits. For residential service, non-union shops are equally common.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Cary is large and varies significantly by neighborhood. Commute times matter, especially for service plumbers who need to get to job sites quickly.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for a Plumber
West Cary (Near US-1/US-64)	Suburban, family-friendly. Easy highway access to all of Cary and Raleigh.	$1,250	Central location. Quick access to I-40 for commercial jobs in Durham and Raleigh.
Downtown Cary	Walkable, historic. Older homes with character (and plumbing issues).	$1,450	You're in the heart of the service area. Older homes mean more repipes and repairs.
Preston/Cary Park	Upscale, established. Large, expensive homes.	$1,300	High-end residential work. Homeowners here pay for quality and are less price-sensitive.
Apex (Just South of Cary)	Rapidly growing, newer construction. More affordable.	$1,100	Perfect for new construction plumbers. Close to major builders' developments.
Morrisville (West of Cary)	Tech corridor (near RTP). Mix of apartments and single-family homes.	$1,200	Close to major employers (tech, biotech). Good for commercial service contracts.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing in Cary is not a dead-end job; it's a career with multiple, lucrative paths.

• Specialty Premiums: General service work pays the median. Specializations pay more:

  • Medical Gas Piping: Required for hospitals and labs. Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification is essential for commercial properties. You can inspect and test backflow devices for a side income.
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems: Separate license, but high demand in new construction.
  • Irrigation: Not plumbing per se, but a common side business for plumbers in this climate.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech to Service Manager: Move from the field to dispatch, customer relations, and team management.
  2. Field Supervisor: Oversee crews on large residential or commercial projects.
  3. Business Owner: Start your own service company. The Cary market is competitive but rewarding for those with good business sense and a reputation for quality.
  4. Municipal/Industrial: Move into a salaried, union-protected role with a town or large facility for maximum stability and benefits.

10-Year Outlook (Growth: 6%): The 6% job growth is reliable. Cary is not a boom-bust town; it's an expanding suburb. The key trends favoring plumbers are: the influx of new residents (driving construction), an aging population (requiring more service and accessibility modifications), and the tech economy (requiring specialized systems in data centers and labs). A plumber who invests in learning green technologies (heat pumps, water recycling) will be especially future-proof.

The Verdict: Is Cary Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Pay: $62,969 median salary is competitive with national averages.	Competitive Job Market: You must be skilled and reliable to stand out.
Low Cost of Living: Cost of Living Index of 98.0 (vs. US 100) means your money goes further.	Car Dependency: You'll need a reliable truck/van for work; public transit is limited.
Diverse Job Types: From new construction to high-end residential service.	Rent is Rising: The average $1,176/month rent is increasing with the area's growth.
Quality of Life: Excellent schools, parks, and a safe community.	Licensing Hurdle: The path to a Master License is long and requires upfront investment.
Proximity to Raleigh: Access to a massive metro job market (357 jobs locally).	Summer Humidity: The climate can be tough for outdoor work from June-August.

Final Recommendation:
Cary, NC, is an excellent choice for a plumber at almost any career stage. It offers a clear path to a stable six-figure income for masters and business owners, with a manageable cost of living for those starting out. It's ideal for someone who values suburban quality of life but wants access to a dynamic, growing metro area. If you're willing to put in the time to get licensed and build a reputation, Cary provides the demand and the opportunity to build a long, prosperous career.

FAQs

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a new plumber in Cary?
A: Building a client base in the residential service sector. The market is competitive, with many established companies. You need to be reliable, transparent with pricing, and excellent at customer service to get referrals. For new construction, getting on with a good subcontractor is key.

Q: Is union membership necessary?
A: No, but it's highly beneficial for certain career paths. For commercial and public works projects, being a member of UA Local 715 often means higher pay, better benefits, and steady work. Many successful residential service plumbers are non-union.

Q: How does the weather affect a plumber's work in Cary?
A: The climate is a major factor. Summers are hot and humid, which can be grueling for roof work or outdoor repairs. Winters are mild, but a cold snap (which happens) will cause a spike in burst pipe calls. You should be prepared for seasonal fluctuations in workload.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job in Cary?
A: Beyond online job boards, network locally. Visit plumbing supply houses like Ferguson or HD Supply—they’re hubs for local gossip and who’s hiring. Attend meetings of the North Carolina Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (NCPHCCA). And if you’re a Journeyman or Master, your license number is your resume.

Q: Can I start my own plumbing business in Cary?
A: Yes, but you must have a Master Plumber license to pull permits and legally operate on your own. The startup costs are significant (truck, tools, insurance, marketing). However, the demand is there, and with the area's growth, a new, customer-focused company can thrive.