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South Carolina plumbing market report

Public-data snapshot · Updated 2026-06-21 · By J.D. Hartwell, editor

A snapshot of the plumbing market in South Carolina: who's licensed, where they work, climate context, and what homeowners typically pay. All data from official US public sources cited below.

Licensed pros
4,830
BLS OES May 2023 - 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters)
Households
1,985k
US Census ACS 2022
Climate zone
Hot-Humid
DOE/NOAA climate classification
Typical water heater install/replace
$1,350
National avg adjusted for South Carolina cost-of-living

State overview

South Carolina has approximately 1,985k households (US Census ACS 2022) and is in a hot-humid climate zone (DOE/NOAA classification). The state employs roughly 4,830 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters per the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for code 47-2152, or about 2.4 pros per 1,000 households.

Licensing

Plumbing pros in South Carolina are typically regulated by the South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board. Before hiring, verify the contractor's license number, that the license is active and in good standing, and that the licensee is bonded and insured to operate in South Carolina. License lookup is typically free at the board's public website.

Top 5 cities by listed pros

  1. Greenville — 5 listed
  2. Fort MIll — 1 listed
  3. North Charleston — 1 listed
  4. Conway — 1 listed
  5. Charleston — 1 listed

Seasonal demand pattern

Demand year-round; spikes in summer from sediment-fouled water heaters and irrigation leaks.

Typical cost range in South Carolina

Based on national HomeAdvisor and Angi 2024-2026 averages adjusted to South Carolina cost-of-living, a typical water heater install/replace in South Carolina runs around $1,350. See the full cost calculator suite for service-by-service ranges. Always get a written quote before committing to work.

Find a verified pro in South Carolina

Browse our South Carolina state hub or jump to a city: Greenville, Fort MIll, North Charleston.

See all South Carolina plumbing pros →

Data sources. Employment: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 (bls.gov/oes), occupation code 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters). Households: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates (census.gov/acs). Climate zone: U.S. Department of Energy Building America Climate Zones (energy.gov) / NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (noaa.gov). Licensing: South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board. Cost ranges: HomeAdvisor 2024 True Cost Reports (homeadvisor.com), Angi 2024 cost guides (angi.com). All figures are estimates; verify before relying on for any decision.