Charlotte vs Wake Forest: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,169▲ | $56,997 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.93▲ | $27.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,386▲ | $41,554 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,625▲ | $44,748 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,849 | $72,956▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,925 | $88,346▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,840▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wake Forest is $3,172 (5.57%). 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,Wake Forest spans $46,792. Wake Forest has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($61,808 effective) pays 1.50% more than Wake Forest ($60,894 effective).
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)
- ✓Larger job market (3,840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,808)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,346)
- ✓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 9.5% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$44,990 (2019) → $58,690 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$50,755 (2024) → $55,596 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Charlotte or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Wake Forest as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Charlotte vs Wake Forest?
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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