Plumber in High Point, NC

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths in the Piedmont Triad, I can tell you that High Point isn’t just the “Furniture Capital of the World.” It’s a city with a deep industrial backbone, a growing population, and a steady demand for skilled trades that keep the water flowing. For a plumber, this isn’t a flashy market, but it’s a solid, reliable one. This guide breaks down the real-world economics, job market, and lifestyle of plumbing in High Point, NC.

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the plumbing trade in High Point offers a stable, middle-class living. The median salary for plumbers here is $61,962 per year, which equates to an hourly rate of $29.79. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but the cost of living in High Point is significantly lower, which works in your favor.

The job market itself is modest but consistent. There are currently 232 plumbing jobs in the High Point metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, reflecting a stable demand driven by new construction, aging infrastructure, and the constant need for repair and maintenance.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level, based on industry standards and local data:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$42,000 - $50,000	Apprentice tasks, basic repairs, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Career	$58,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, installations, troubleshooting.
Senior-Level	$69,000 - $80,000+	Complex projects, commercial work, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Specialist	$85,000+	Master plumber, business owner, specialized systems (medical gas, etc.).

Insider Tip: Your earning potential in High Point is closely tied to whether you work for a residential service company, a commercial contractor, or run your own business. Commercial and industrial work often pays a premium, especially for specialists in medical or institutional facilities.

How High Point Compares to Other NC Cities:
While High Point’s median salary is competitive within the Triad, it trails behind the state’s major hubs. For context:

• Charlotte: Median salary often exceeds $70,000 due to massive construction and commercial growth.
• Raleigh-Durham: Similar to Charlotte, with high demand and higher pay, but also a higher cost of living.
• Greensboro: Very close to High Point in both salary and cost of living, offering a similar market.

High Point offers a balance—slightly lower pay than the big metros, but a much more affordable lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,962 sounds good, but let’s get real about what’s left after Uncle Sam and the landlord. In North Carolina, the state income tax is 4.75% (for 2024). Federal taxes and payroll deductions (Social Security, Medicare) will take another chunk.

For a single filer with no dependents in High Point, a rough estimate of take-home pay after state and federal taxes is between $46,000 and $48,000 annually, or about $3,800 - $4,000 per month.

Now, let’s layer in the rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in High Point is $1,042/month. This leaves you with a solid $2,758 - $2,958 for all other expenses—car payments, utilities, groceries, insurance, and savings.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Entry-Level Plumber ($61,962/year):

• Take-Home Pay (after taxes): ~$3,800
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,042
• Utilities (Est.): -$200
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$400
• Groceries: -$350
• Health Insurance (if not employer-provided): -$250
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: -$300
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: ~$1,258

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is High Point’s biggest advantage. The median home price in the High Point area is approximately $240,000. With a consistent $1,258/month in potential savings, a plumber could realistically save a 5% down payment ($12,000) in under a year. A 20% down payment ($48,000) would take about 3 years. Homeownership is a very attainable goal here.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point’s economy is diverse, blending furniture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. This creates multiple channels for plumbing work. You’re not just looking for residential service companies; think bigger.

1. Commercial & Industrial Contractors: Companies like Carolina Plumbing & Heating and Wassco Construction handle large-scale projects. They often hire for new construction at local industrial parks and commercial developments. Hiring trends are stable, with a focus on candidates with commercial experience and OSHA certifications.
2. Healthcare Systems: Cone Health (owns High Point Medical Center) and Novant Health are massive employers. Their facilities require constant plumbing maintenance, upgrades for medical gas lines, and emergency repairs. These are union or structured jobs with excellent benefits but can be competitive to get into.
3. Educational Institutions: High Point University (HPU) is a major driver of local construction and maintenance. The university’s rapid expansion means a steady need for plumbers for new dorms, academic buildings, and facility upgrades. HPU facilities management is a direct employer.
4. Furniture & Manufacturing Plants: While many plants outsource plumbing, large facilities like Ethan Allen or Guilford Mills often have in-house maintenance teams that include licensed plumbers. These roles offer stable hours and benefits.
5. Municipal Water & Sewer Services: The City of High Point itself is an employer. Working for the public utilities department involves maintaining the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. These positions come with strong job security, pensions, and benefits.
6. Residential Service Companies: Local firms like Comfort First Heating & Cooling (which often handles plumbing) and Triad Plumbing are always looking for qualified service technicians. This is the most direct path for new entrants, with pay often based on commission or performance.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t posted. Join the Triad Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association (TPHCA). Networking here is key. Many plumbers get their start through apprenticeships arranged via these local associations, which connect you directly with employers.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has a clear, structured path to licensure, managed by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. It’s not the fastest process, but it’s straightforward.

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship (typically 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed contractor and 48 hours of classroom instruction). Many community colleges, like Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) in nearby Jamestown, offer related training programs.
2. Journeyman License: After apprenticeship, you can become a journeyman. This allows you to work under a contractor but not own a business.
3. Contractor License: To work independently or start your own company, you need a Limited or Unlimited Plumbing Contractor License. This requires:
   • At least 5 years of full-time experience (2 years as a journeyman).
   • Passing a state exam covering business and law, as well as plumbing trade.
   • Proof of financial stability and liability insurance.
   • A surety bond.

Costs & Timeline: The exam application fee is around $100. The license itself has fees, and you’ll need to factor in insurance and bonding costs, which can be several thousand dollars annually. From starting as an apprentice to being a fully licensed contractor, the timeline is typically 5-7 years.

Insider Tip: The state exam is notoriously tough. Invest in a dedicated prep course from a provider like Plumbing & Heating Exam Prep. It’s an investment that pays off.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. High Point is geographically spread out, so choosing the right spot is crucial.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Uptown/Center City	Urban, walkable, historic. 10-15 min to most job sites.	$900 - $1,200	Close to HPU, downtown businesses, and municipal jobs. Older homes mean repair work.
Northwood/Emerywood	Quiet, residential, mid-century homes. 15-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Great for starting families. Stable neighborhoods with consistent repair needs.
Southside	Established, affordable, diverse. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $950	More affordable rent frees up cash. Close to major highways for quick job access.
Oak Hollow/Point North	Newer developments, modern apartments. 15-25 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,400	New construction means more installation work. Good for networking with other trades.
Archdale (15 min south)	Suburban, quiet, highly affordable. 20-30 min commute.	$700 - $900	Lowest rent in the area. Ideal for saving aggressively. Commute is manageable.

Insider Tip: If you’re working commercial jobs in the Piedmont Triad International Airport area or the Hicone Road industrial corridor, living in Southside or Archdale will minimize your daily drive time, saving you money and stress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In High Point, career growth isn’t about massive jumps in salary; it’s about strategic specialization and moving into management or ownership.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Commercial/Industrial Systems: Can add 10-15% to your base salary.
  • Medical Gas Piping: A highly specialized, in-demand skill. Certified installers can earn $85,000 or more.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification is required in many municipalities and is a valuable add-on for any plumber.
  • Green Technology: Expertise in water-saving fixtures and systems is becoming a selling point for commercial clients.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Path 1: Service Technician to Service Manager. You move from fixing pipes to managing a team of plumbers, handling schedules, and customer relations.
  • Path 2: Journeyman to Contractor/Owner. This is the classic entrepreneurial route. Start with small residential jobs, build a reputation, and grow. High Point’s lower overhead makes this feasible.
  • Path 3: Public Sector. Move from a private contractor to the City of High Point utilities department for a pension and ultimate job security.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady. The demand will be driven by an aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods like Uptown and Northwood, and ongoing new construction in the Oak Hollow area. Plumbers who embrace technology (diagnostic tools, digital invoicing) and specialize will see the greatest opportunity.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $61,962 salary stretches much further here. Homeownership is within reach.	Lower Ceiling: Salaries are below major metros like Charlotte/Raleigh. Major wealth accumulation may require owning a business.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Not reliant on one industry. Steady demand from healthcare, education, and manufacturing.	Slower Pace: The job market moves at a deliberate pace. Less "boom" growth compared to Raleigh.
Central Location: You’re in the heart of the Triad. Easy to find work in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or surrounding areas.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Manageable Scale: You can learn the local market and build a reputation faster than in a huge city.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid, which can make outdoor plumbing work challenging.
Strong Network: The local trade associations are tight-knit, offering good support for apprentices and new business owners.	Limited Upscale Housing: If you’re looking for luxury apartment life, options are more limited than in Raleigh.

Final Recommendation: High Point is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s particularly ideal for:

• Early-career plumbers looking to get licensed without drowning in debt.
• Journeyman plumbers ready to buy their first home.
• Experienced plumbers considering starting their own contracting business with lower overhead.

If you’re ambitious, willing to specialize, and can manage the initial grind, High Point offers a clear, attainable path to a comfortable middle-class life and even business ownership.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new licensed plumber?
A: It’s not fierce, but it’s not empty either. Having your North Carolina license and a clean driving record puts you ahead of the pack. The most competition is for entry-level apprentice spots; once licensed, demand is steady.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: There’s a slight dip in residential new construction in the winter, but commercial work and repair/service calls continue year-round. The busiest season is typically late spring through fall.

Q: Do I need my own tools?
A: As an apprentice, the company usually provides major tools. As a journeyman or service tech, you are expected to have your own basic hand tools. Companies typically supply specialty tools and vehicles.

Q: What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship?
A: Contact the North Carolina Department of Labor for registered apprenticeship programs. Also, reach out directly to local contractor associations (TPHCA) and major employers like Cone Health or larger contractors. Word-of-mouth is powerful here.

Q: How does the licensing exam work?
A: The exam is administered by PSI Exams. You’ll need to apply to the state board first, get approved, then schedule the test. It’s a written exam covering the NC State Plumbing Code, business law, and trade practices.