Plumber Salary

Charlotte vs Goldsboro: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Charlotte, NC and Goldsboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charlotte, NC
$60,169
$28.93/hr
Goldsboro, NC
$52,552
$25.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharlotte, NCGoldsboro, NC
Median Salary$60,169$52,552
Hourly Rate$28.93$25.26
Entry Level (P10)$43,386$37,379
25th Percentile$48,625$44,699
75th Percentile$65,849$62,117
Top Earner (P90)$77,925$70,093
Total Employed3,840160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charlotte ($60,169) and Goldsboro ($52,552) plumber salaries.CharlotteGoldsboroMedian Salary$60,169$52,552Entry Level (P10)$43,386$37,379Top Earner (P90)$77,925$70,093US Median $65,408

Verdict

Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Goldsboro.

The salary gap between Charlotte and Goldsboro is $7,617 (14.49%). Charlotte's median is -8.01% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $34,539,Goldsboro spans $32,714. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Charlotte
P10 (Entry)$43,386
P25$48,625
Median$60,169
P75$65,849
P90 (Top)$77,925
Goldsboro
P10 (Entry)$37,379
P25$44,699
Median$52,552
P75$62,117
P90 (Top)$70,093

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($61,808 effective) pays 4.04% more than Goldsboro ($59,406 effective).

Charlotte
Nominal: $60,169
CoL Index: 97.348
Adjusted: $61,808
Goldsboro
Nominal: $52,552
CoL Index: 88.462
Adjusted: $59,406

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charlotte if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,169/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($77,925)
  • Larger job market (3,840 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,808)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Goldsboro if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Charlotte grew 30.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Goldsboro over the same period.

Charlotte, NC

+30.5%

$44,990 (2019) → $58,690 (2025)

Goldsboro, NC

+36.4%

$37,570 (2019) → $51,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Charlotte or Goldsboro?

Charlotte has a higher median plumber salary at $60,169/year, compared to Goldsboro at $52,552/year — a difference of $7,617 (14.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Goldsboro?

Charlotte plumbers earn $28.93/hr while Goldsboro hygienists earn $25.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charlotte to Goldsboro as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charlotte and Goldsboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charlotte = $61,808, Goldsboro = $59,406), job availability (3,840 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Charlotte vs Goldsboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $43,386 in Charlotte and $37,379 in Goldsboro. The Charlotte area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

ST

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

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