Plumber Salary Guide 2026
Salary by Experience Level
Learning fundamentals. Pay starts around 40-50% of journeyman rate.
Handling more independent tasks. Usually at 60-80% of journeyman rate.
Licensed to work independently. Can run service calls solo.
Can design plumbing systems and pull permits.
Successful plumbing companies can be very profitable.
Salary by State
Top Paying States
Lower Paying States
Note: High-salary states often have higher costs of living. Consider local cost of living when comparing salaries.
Top Paying Metro Areas
Factors Affecting Plumber Salary
Emergency Services: After-hours and emergency calls command premium rates
Union Status: Union plumbers earn significantly more with better benefits
Residential vs Commercial: Commercial plumbers often earn more but face different demands
Business Ownership: Plumbing has one of the highest business ownership rates among trades
Job Outlook
Employment of plumbers is projected to grow 6% over the next decade. New construction, renovation, and the ongoing need for maintenance ensure steady demand. The aging U.S. housing stock creates continuous repair opportunities.
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Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. Data reflects national and state-level statistics and may not reflect local market conditions.