Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Smithfield, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31.2% of gross income.
Smithfield rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Smithfield, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Smithfield
View full rent data for Smithfield, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Smithfield, NC?
Median rent in Smithfield is $1,640 a month. A typical plumber in North Carolina earns about $63,074 a year, which makes that rent 31.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Smithfield?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in North Carolina (~$63,074/yr) supports up to $1,577 a month in rent. Smithfield's current median rent is $1,640/mo, which is $63/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Smithfield?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a plumber in North Carolina works roughly 54.1 hours a month to cover Smithfield's median rent of $1,640.
Where is rent cheaper than Smithfield for a plumber?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Morrisville ($1,639/mo), Newport ($1,638/mo), Leland ($1,638/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.