Apex vs Raleigh: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Apex, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,202 | $62,066▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.98 | $29.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,736 | $44,022▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,163 | $49,589▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,498▲ | $71,774 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,212▲ | $79,566 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 2,810▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apex.
The salary gap between Apex and Raleigh is $3,864 (6.64%). Raleigh's median is -5.11% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $50,476,Raleigh spans $35,544. Apex has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($63,231 effective) pays 1.69% more than Apex ($62,182 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,212)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,066/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,231)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Apex grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Apex, NC
$51,828 (2024) → $56,771 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$44,130 (2019) → $60,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Apex or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apex and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Apex to Raleigh as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Apex vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov