Plumbers earn a median annual salary of approximately $61,550, or about $29.59 per hour, according to 2024 BLS data for SOC 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters).
This places plumbing among the higher-paid skilled trades, with no four-year college degree required — most plumbers enter the trade through apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
The occupation is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the national average, driven by construction activity, infrastructure repair, and the installation of water efficiency and green energy systems.
The BLS estimates approximately 48,600 job openings per year on average, reflecting both new demand and the need to replace experienced plumbers who retire.
Geographic location, licensure level, union membership, and specialization — such as pipefitting, steamfitting, or gas line work — may all affect how much an individual plumber earns.
For skilled trade comparison, the electrician salary and the HVAC technician salary are the most closely related benchmarks.
For skilled-trades salary comparison, the electrician salary, the HVAC technician salary, and the welder salary reflect other high-demand trades with similar apprenticeship entry paths.
Plumber Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) earned a median annual wage of approximately $61,550 as of 2024 BLS data. The median hourly rate was approximately $29.59.
The median wage is the midpoint: half of plumbers earn more and half earn less.
The mean (average) wage may be higher, as master plumbers running their own businesses or working in high-demand metros can push averages upward.
The table below shows the estimated wage distribution based on 2024 BLS data:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | ~$37,000 | ~$17.79 |
| 25th | ~$47,000 | ~$22.60 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$61,550 | ~$29.59 |
| 75th | ~$81,000 | ~$38.94 |
| 90th | ~$102,000 | ~$49.04 |
To see exactly how wages like $29 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $29 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Plumber Pay by Experience Level
Plumber compensation is strongly influenced by experience and licensure status.
Apprentices — who are technically in training — typically earn a percentage of journeyman wages that increases each year of the apprenticeship.
After completing a five-year apprenticeship program and passing a licensing exam, plumbers become journeymen, with significantly higher earning potential.
Master plumbers, who typically need additional years of experience and another exam, may earn the most — particularly those who operate their own business.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Apprentice (Years 1–5) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Journeyman Plumber (Licensed) | $52,000 – $75,000 |
| Master Plumber / Business Owner | $75,000 – $120,000+ |
These ranges are estimates based on 2024 BLS data and industry sources. Union membership and geographic market can shift these ranges up or down.
Specialization Differences
Within the broad SOC 47-2152 category, pipefitters and steamfitters — who work on industrial piping systems for manufacturing, power generation, and HVAC — may earn more than residential service plumbers.
Gas line plumbers and those certified to work on medical gas systems also typically earn a premium.
Plumbers who obtain additional certifications in backflow prevention, gas fitting, or fire suppression systems may expand their earning potential.
Plumber Salary by State and Region
Plumber wages vary substantially by state and metropolitan area.
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, states such as Illinois, Alaska, and New Jersey tend to rank among the highest-paying, with annual median wages that may exceed $80,000 in some markets.
Strong union density in Northeastern and Midwestern states typically supports higher wages for union plumbers.
Plumbers in the South and in rural markets may see median wages closer to $45,000–$55,000, though cost of living in those regions is generally lower.
The cost of living in Texas and the cost of living in Florida illustrate the range of Southern market conditions for trades workers.
Metropolitan areas with high construction activity — such as New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston — often offer the highest nominal wages and the most consistent employment.
Conversely, rural or lower-population markets may have fewer job opportunities but lower overhead costs for self-employed plumbers.
Factors That Affect Plumber Pay
A variety of factors may affect plumber compensation, including union membership, licensure level, specialization, and the type of work performed.
Union vs. Non-Union
Union plumbers — typically members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry — often earn higher wages and receive more comprehensive benefits, including defined benefit pensions and robust health insurance, compared to non-union counterparts.
The carpenter salary and the welder salary provide useful wage comparisons for other unionized trades.
However, union membership rates and influence vary by region.
Licensure Level
Licensing requirements for plumbers vary by state.
Most states require separate licenses for apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber levels.
Master plumbers typically command the highest wages and are the only license tier authorized to obtain permits for new plumbing installations in most jurisdictions.
Requirements are set by individual state licensing boards.
Type of Work
Residential service and repair plumbers, commercial construction plumbers, and industrial pipefitters may each see different pay scales.
Commercial and industrial projects often pay more per hour due to complexity, hazardous conditions, or the specialized certifications required.
Emergency service and on-call work may also command overtime and premium pay rates.
Self-Employment
Master plumbers who operate their own businesses may earn substantially more than employed journeymen, but they also bear business expenses (insurance, tools, vehicles, licensing fees) and income variability.
Self-employed plumbers are also responsible for quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment tax on net earnings.
Building a high-yield savings account for the slower seasons and understanding retirement contribution strategies for the self-employed are both essential financial habits.
Self-employed plumbers are also responsible for quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment tax on net earnings.
Plumber Career Outlook
The employment outlook for plumbers is steady.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all occupations.
The BLS estimates approximately 48,600 job openings per year on average over the decade.
Growth drivers include ongoing residential and commercial construction, aging infrastructure requiring repair and replacement, and new demand related to water-efficient fixtures, green building systems, and alternative energy installations (such as geothermal heat pump systems).
The skilled trades — including plumbing — are expected to face a persistent shortage of qualified workers as experienced plumbers retire, which may support wage growth for those entering the field through apprenticeship programs.
Plumbers who understand how to negotiate salary are better positioned when moving to larger contractors or commercial clients, and tracking retirement savings targets early in a trade career takes advantage of decades of compounding.
A Roth IRA can supplement union pension benefits for tradespeople who want tax-diversified retirement income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a plumber?
According to 2024 BLS data, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) earned a median annual wage of approximately $61,550, or about $29.59 per hour. Earnings vary by licensure level, location, and specialization.
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
Most plumbers complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
After completing the apprenticeship and passing a licensing exam, they become journeymen.
Additional years of experience — typically 2–5 depending on the state — are required to qualify for a master plumber license.
Do union plumbers earn more than non-union plumbers?
Union plumbers often earn higher base wages and receive more comprehensive benefit packages — including defined benefit pensions and employer-paid health insurance — compared to non-union plumbers.
For context, the electrician salary shows similar union premium dynamics in the IBEW-represented electrical trade.
The wage premium varies by region and market conditions.
Union membership and influence are generally stronger in the Midwest and Northeast.
Can plumbers earn six figures?
Yes, some plumbers — particularly master plumbers, business owners, and those in high-wage metro areas — may earn $100,000 or more per year.
According to 2024 BLS data, the 90th percentile wage for plumbers is approximately $102,000 annually.
The electrician salary at the 90th percentile is also above $100,000, confirming that top trade earners approach six figures.
Self-employment and specialty certifications may support higher earnings.
What is the job growth outlook for plumbers?
The BLS projects 6% employment growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 48,600 openings per year. New construction, infrastructure repair, and growing demand for water-efficient and green energy systems are among the projected growth drivers.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Plumbers (47-2152.02). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2152.02
Last updated: April 27, 2026