Thinking about becoming a licensed plumber in Texas—or already working in the trade and wondering if you’re earning what you’re worth? You’re not alone. With Texas’s booming construction industry and growing population, plumbing is a high-demand, recession-resilient career. But what’s the real average pay for licensed plumbers in the state of Texas? In this guide, we’ll break down current wages, geographic differences, bonuses, career progression, and what you can do to maximize your earnings—backed by trusted data and industry insights.
What Is the Average Pay for Licensed Plumbers in Texas?
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a licensed plumber in Texas is $59,840, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). On an hourly basis, that translates to roughly $28.77 per hour.
However, this is just the median. Actual earnings can vary significantly based on experience, location, employer type, and specialty. For example:
- Entry-level licensed plumbers (1–3 years): $45,000–$52,000
- Mid-career plumbers (4–9 years): $52,000–$68,000
- Experienced/master plumbers (10+ years): $68,000–$90,000+
Top earners—especially those running their own businesses or specializing in commercial/industrial systems—can pull in over $100,000 annually.
💡 Pro Tip: Licensing in Texas is tiered (Apprentice → Journeyman → Master). Each level unlocks higher pay potential and more job autonomy.
How Does Texas Compare to Other States?
Texas offers competitive plumbing wages—especially when adjusted for cost of living. Here’s how it stacks up against other top plumbing markets:
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Cost of Living Index* |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $59,840 | 88.7 (Below U.S. avg) |
| California | $68,500 | 149.9 (Very high) |
| New York | $72,300 | 134.2 |
| Florida | $52,100 | 92.1 |
| Illinois | $65,900 | 95.8 |
* Cost of Living Index: 100 = U.S. average (Source: Missouri Economic Research)
While California and New York pay more on paper, Texas’s lower taxes (no state income tax!) and housing costs mean your paycheck stretches further. Many plumbers relocate to Texas specifically for this balance of high demand + affordability.
For more on national plumbing trends, see the plumber occupation overview on Wikipedia.
Which Texas Cities Pay Plumbers the Most?
Not all Texas cities pay equally. Urban centers with rapid development and labor shortages tend to offer the highest wages:
- Austin – $66,200 avg.
Booming tech-driven construction keeps demand high. - Dallas-Fort Worth – $63,500 avg.
Large metro area = steady commercial & residential work. - Houston – $62,100 avg.
Industrial and petrochemical sectors need specialized plumbers. - San Antonio – $58,900 avg.
Growing but slightly lower than DFW or Austin. - El Paso – $52,400 avg.
Lower cost of living, but also lower wage ceiling.
📌 Key Insight: If you’re flexible on location, targeting fast-growing suburbs like Round Rock, Frisco, or Katy can yield even better hourly rates—especially for emergency or weekend work.
What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Earnings in Texas?
Beyond location, several variables impact your paycheck:
- License Level: Master plumbers earn 20–35% more than journeymen.
- Employment Type:
- Self-employed: Highest income potential (but variable cash flow).
- Union vs. Non-union: Union plumbers (e.g., UA Local 68) often get better wages + benefits.
- Specialization:
- Gas line installation: +10–15% premium
- Medical/commercial plumbing: +12–20%
- Green plumbing (water efficiency systems): Emerging niche with growing demand
- Overtime & Emergency Calls: Many plumbers earn $75–$125/hour for after-hours emergency calls.
How to Increase Your Plumbing Salary in Texas (Step-by-Step)
Want to earn more as a licensed plumber in Texas? Follow this roadmap:
- Upgrade Your License
- Complete 4,000 hours of supervised work to become a Journeyman.
- Then log 8,000 total hours + pass the Master exam to become a Master Plumber.
- Get Certified in High-Demand Areas
- Obtain backflow prevention certification (required for many municipal jobs).
- Train in medical gas piping (ASSE 6010) or solar water heating.
- Track Overtime & Weekend Availability
- Offer weekend or holiday availability—charge 1.5x–2x your standard rate.
- Start a Side Business
- Begin with small jobs on platforms like Angi or HomeAdvisor.
- Once licensed as a Master, you can legally own a plumbing company in Texas.
- Join a Union or Trade Group
- Organizations like UA Local 1046 (Austin) or Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) offer job boards, training, and wage negotiation support.
Average Pay vs. Cost of Living: Is Plumbing a Good Career in Texas?
Absolutely—especially long-term.
- Job Growth: Texas projects 14% growth for plumbers through 2030 (faster than national average).
- Low Barrier to Entry: You can start as an apprentice at 18 with just a high school diploma.
- Stability: Plumbing is non-outsourceable and always in demand—homes break, pipes leak, and new builds need installers.
- Retirement Potential: Many plumbers build businesses worth $300,000–$1M+ by retirement.
Plus, with no state income tax, your take-home pay is effectively 5–10% higher than in comparable states.
FAQ: Licensed Plumber Salaries in Texas
Q1: How much do apprentice plumbers make in Texas?
Apprentices typically earn 40–60% of a journeyman’s wage, averaging $14–$19/hour. Most programs last 4–5 years and include paid on-the-job training + classroom instruction.
Q2: Do plumbers in Texas make good money?
Yes. The median salary ($59,840) exceeds the Texas median household income ($67,000) for a single earner. Top-tier plumbers comfortably earn $80,000–$110,000, especially if self-employed.
Q3: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job in Texas?
Master plumbers who own their own companies or specialize in industrial, medical gas, or high-rise commercial systems earn the most—often $90,000–$130,000/year.
Q4: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Texas?
- Apprentice: Start immediately (no license needed under supervision).
- Journeyman: Minimum 4,000 hours (≈2 years full-time).
- Master: Additional 4,000 hours + exam (≈4+ years total).
Q5: Are plumbing salaries expected to rise in Texas?
Yes. With Texas adding over 1,000 new residents daily and an aging plumbing workforce, wages are projected to increase 3–5% annually through 2030.
Q6: Can I make six figures as a plumber in Texas?
Absolutely—if you advance to Master status, take on emergency calls, or start your own business. Many solo plumbing contractors in metro areas report $100,000–$150,000 in annual revenue.
Final Thoughts
The average pay for licensed plumbers in the state of Texas is not just competitive—it’s a springboard to financial independence, especially given the state’s low taxes and high demand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your trade business, Texas offers one of the best environments in the U.S. for plumbing professionals.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone considering a skilled trade career—or tag a plumber who deserves a raise! 💪🚰
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