Thinking about becoming a plumber in New York—or already one and wondering if you’re earning fairly? You’re not alone. With rising living costs and high demand for skilled trades, knowing the average salary for a plumber in New York can help you make smarter career or hiring decisions. Whether you’re in Brooklyn, Buffalo, or Albany, this guide breaks down real earnings, influencing factors, and how to maximize your income in 2025.
What Is the Average Salary for a Plumber in New York in 2025?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and recent industry reports from sources like ZipRecruiter and Indeed, the average salary for a plumber in New York is approximately $78,500 per year as of 2025. However, this number varies significantly based on location, experience, and specialization.
- Entry-level plumbers: $52,000–$62,000/year
- Mid-career (5–10 years): $70,000–$88,000/year
- Experienced or master plumbers: $90,000–$120,000+/year
In New York City specifically, salaries tend to be 15–25% higher than the state average due to cost of living and demand density. Some union-affiliated plumbers in Manhattan report annual earnings exceeding $130,000, especially with overtime and emergency call-outs.
💡 Fun fact: Plumbers in New York are among the highest-paid in the U.S., second only to those in Alaska and Illinois (per BLS data).
How Does Location Within New York Affect Pay?
Not all parts of New York pay equally. Urban centers offer higher wages but come with steeper living expenses.
| New York City | $88,000 – $120,000 | 187 (Very High) |
| Long Island | $82,000 – $105,000 | 165 (High) |
| Albany | $72,000 – $88,000 | 112 (Moderate) |
| Buffalo | $65,000 – $80,000 | 98 (Below Avg) |
| Rochester | $68,000 – $84,000 | 105 (Moderate) |
*Cost of Living Index compared to U.S. average = 100 (Source: Council for Community and Economic Research)
Plumbers working in high-rise construction, hospital maintenance, or commercial HVAC-plumbing hybrids often earn premium rates—especially in NYC’s dense infrastructure landscape.
What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Earnings in New York?
Several key variables determine how much a plumber earns:
- Licensing Level:
- Apprentice: Lower pay, but training is paid.
- Journeyman: Licensed to work independently; median pay ~$78K.
- Master Plumber: Can run a business, supervise teams, and pull permits; often earns $100K+.
- Union vs. Non-Union:
Union plumbers (e.g., through UA Local 1 or Local 147 in NYC) typically receive higher base wages, health benefits, and pension plans. Non-union contractors may offer flexibility but less job security. - Specialization:
- Residential plumbing: Steady but moderate income.
- Commercial/industrial: Higher complexity = higher pay.
- Green plumbing (water-efficient systems): Growing niche with premium rates.
- Overtime & Emergency Calls:
Many plumbers earn time-and-a-half after 40 hours or charge $150–$300/hour for after-hours emergencies—common in NYC winters with frozen pipes.
For more on licensing tiers, see Wikipedia’s overview of plumbing regulations .
How to Increase Your Plumbing Income in New York
If you’re already in the trade, here’s how to boost your earnings—step by step:
- Get Your Master License
- Complete 1–2 years as a journeyman.
- Pass the New York State Master Plumber exam (administered by the Department of State).
- Fee: ~$100–$150; study materials available via trade schools.
- Join a Union
Contact UA Local 1 (NYC) or your regional United Association chapter. Union apprenticeships often lead to guaranteed wage increases. - Offer Niche Services
Train in:- Backflow prevention certification ($200 course, 1 weekend)
- Gas line installation (requires additional state endorsement)
- Smart home plumbing tech (e.g., leak detection systems)
- Start a Small Business
In New York, sole proprietors can register for under $50. With strong Google Reviews and local SEO, many independent plumbers net $120K–$180K/year after 3–5 years. - Work Seasonally Smart
- Peak season: October–March (heating system checks, pipe repairs).
- Slow season: Summer—use it for certifications or marketing.
Average Salary for a Plumber in New York vs. Other States
How does New York stack up nationally?
| New York | $78,500 |
| California | $76,200 |
| Texas | $62,000 |
| Florida | $59,800 |
| Illinois | $81,000 |
| National Avg | $66,300 |
New York ranks #2 in the Northeast and top 5 nationally for plumbing wages. Only plumbers in major metro areas like Chicago or San Francisco rival NYC’s earning potential.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries in New York
Q1: Do plumbers in NYC really make six figures?
A: Yes—many do. Master plumbers, especially those in unions or running their own businesses, regularly earn $100,000–$140,000/year when including overtime, bonuses, and emergency calls. According to a 2024 survey by the New York State Department of Labor, 32% of licensed plumbers in NYC reported incomes over $110K.
Q2: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in New York?
A: Typically 4–5 years:
- 1 year: Apprentice registration + classroom training
- 3–4 years: On-the-job training (5,000–8,000 hours)
- Pass journeyman exam → work 1–2 more years → take master exam
Trade schools like New York City College of Technology offer accelerated programs.
Q3: Are plumbing jobs in demand in New York?
A: Absolutely. The BLS projects 11% job growth for plumbers in New York through 2030—faster than average. Aging infrastructure, new construction, and strict building codes drive consistent demand.
Q4: What’s the difference between a plumber and a pipefitter in NY?
A: While both work with piping systems, plumbers focus on water, waste, and gas in residential/commercial buildings. Pipefitters handle high-pressure systems (e.g., steam, chemicals) in industrial plants. Pipefitters often earn slightly more but require specialized training.
Q5: Can I make good money as a female plumber in New York?
A: Yes. Gender doesn’t affect pay in licensed trades—only skill and certification matter. Organizations like Women in Trades NYC support women entering plumbing, and many report strong earning potential and workplace respect.
Q6: Do I need a college degree to become a plumber in NY?
A: No. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient. Most training happens through apprenticeships (paid on-the-job learning) or vocational programs. No student debt required!
Conclusion
The average salary for a plumber in New York isn’t just competitive—it’s among the best in the nation, especially in urban hubs like NYC. With clear pathways to advancement, strong job security, and opportunities to earn well into six figures, plumbing remains a smart, future-proof career choice in the Empire State.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to level up, now’s a great time to invest in your skills, get licensed, and tap into New York’s booming demand for reliable plumbing professionals.
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Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), New York State Department of Labor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, UA Local 1.
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