Cary vs Charlotte: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,770▲ | $60,169 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.70▲ | $28.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,027▲ | $43,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,321▲ | $48,625 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,066▲ | $65,849 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,744▲ | $77,925 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 3,840▲ |
Verdict
Cary, NC offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Cary and Charlotte is $1,601 (2.66%). Cary's median is -5.56% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $51,717,Charlotte spans $34,539. Cary 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, Cary ($65,994 effective) pays 6.77% more than Charlotte ($61,808 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,770/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,744)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,994)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Cary grew 16.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Cary, NC
$51,747 (2024) → $60,252 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$44,990 (2019) → $58,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Charlotte?
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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