Thinking about becoming a plumber—or already turning wrenches and wondering if you’re earning what you’re worth? You’re not alone. Many skilled tradespeople ask, “How much do you get paid as a plumber?”—especially with rising demand and cost-of-living pressures. The good news? Plumbing isn’t just stable—it can be surprisingly lucrative. In this guide, we’ll break down real earnings, factors that boost your paycheck, and how to maximize your income in this essential trade.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $60,090 as of May 2023—translating to about $28.89 per hour. But that’s just the midpoint.
- Bottom 10% earned less than $37,950
- Top 10% pulled in over $101,830 annually
These numbers reflect full-time work, often including overtime—common in emergency or commercial plumbing.
💡 Pro Tip: Location matters. A plumber in San Francisco can earn 30–50% more than one in rural Mississippi due to cost of living and local demand.
How Does Experience Affect Plumber Pay?
Your paycheck grows as your skills (and license level) do. Here’s a typical progression:
| Apprentice | $35,000 – $45,000 | Learning on the job under supervision; paid while training (typically 4–5 years) |
| Journeyman | $50,000 – $70,000 | Works independently; handles residential/commercial jobs |
| Master Plumber | $70,000 – $100,000+ | Runs own business, supervises crews, handles complex systems |
Becoming a master plumber usually requires 2–5 years of journeyman experience plus passing a state exam. Many top earners are licensed contractors who own their own plumbing businesses.
Which States Pay Plumbers the Most?
Geography plays a huge role in earnings. Based on BLS 2023 data, here are the top 5 highest-paying states for plumbers:
- Illinois – $92,830
- Alaska – $89,590
- Massachusetts – $87,220
- New Jersey – $86,950
- Hawaii – $85,470
Conversely, states like Mississippi ($44,320) and West Virginia ($46,180) offer lower averages—but often come with a much lower cost of living.
🌐 Fun Fact: Union plumbers in major cities (e.g., NYC, Chicago) often earn $50–$70/hour plus benefits, thanks to collective bargaining agreements.
What Types of Plumbing Jobs Pay the Most?
Not all plumbing gigs are created equal. Specialization can significantly boost income:
- Commercial Plumbing: Installing systems in offices, hospitals, or factories—often $65,000–$90,000/year
- Industrial Plumbing: Working in power plants or refineries—requires advanced certifications; salaries can exceed $100,000
- Service & Repair (Residential): Steady work, but income varies with call volume; top earners make $75,000+ with overtime
- Pipefitting & Steamfitting: Higher technical skill = higher pay (often grouped with plumbers in BLS data)
Self-employed plumbers who run their own businesses have the highest earning potential—especially if they offer 24/7 emergency services or specialize in high-end renovations.
How to Increase Your Plumbing Income (Step-by-Step)
Want to move from “okay” pay to six figures? Follow this roadmap:
- Get Licensed: Start with your journeyman license (requirements vary by state).
- Specialize: Train in green plumbing, medical gas systems, or backflow prevention—certifications that command premium rates.
- Go Mobile: Use scheduling apps (e.g., Jobber, ServiceTitan) to reduce downtime and book more jobs/day.
- Upsell Smartly: Offer water heater inspections, leak detection, or pipe insulation during service calls.
- Start Small: Begin with side gigs (e.g., weekend drain cleaning) before launching a full LLC.
- Build Reviews: 92% of homeowners check online reviews before hiring—maintain a 4.8+ rating on Google and Angi.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid undercharging. The average service call should start at $100–$150, plus parts and labor ($75–$150/hour).
Plumber Salary vs. Other Skilled Trades
How does plumbing stack up against similar careers?
| Plumber | $60,090 |
| Electrician | $60,240 |
| HVAC Technician | $51,390 |
| Carpenter | $52,820 |
| Welder | $48,240 |
Plumbing consistently ranks among the top 3 highest-paid skilled trades, especially when you factor in overtime and self-employment opportunities. Plus, plumbing work is recession-resistant—people always need running water and functioning toilets.
For more on skilled trades, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics overview (note: while Wikipedia isn’t the primary source here, plumbing as a profession is well-documented in public domain resources like BLS and industry associations).
FAQ: How Much Do You Get Paid as a Plumber?
Q1: Do plumbers really make six figures?
A: Yes—especially master plumbers, business owners, or those in high-demand areas. With overtime, emergency calls, and commercial contracts, $100,000+ is achievable within 10–15 years.
Q2: How long does it take to start earning a good plumber salary?
A: Most apprentices earn $20–$25/hour by year 3. After licensing (typically 4–5 years), you can expect $50,000–$70,000. Income grows steadily with experience.
Q3: Is plumbing a good career for financial stability?
A: Absolutely. The BLS projects 5% job growth (2022–2032)—faster than average. With aging infrastructure and new construction, demand remains strong nationwide.
Q4: Can I make more as a self-employed plumber?
A: Often, yes. While you handle marketing and overhead, you keep 100% of profits. Many solo plumbers net $80,000–$120,000/year after expenses.
Q5: Are there bonuses or benefits for plumbers?
A: Union and corporate plumbers often receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid training. Self-employed plumbers must secure their own benefits but gain tax deductions (e.g., vehicle, tools).
Q6: What’s the highest-paying plumbing niche?
A: Industrial and medical gas plumbing top the list. These require specialized certifications but can pay $60–$90/hour in sectors like healthcare or energy.
Conclusion
So, how much do you get paid as a plumber? The answer ranges from $40,000 as a beginner to over $100,000 as a seasoned pro—with plenty of room to grow through skill, certification, and entrepreneurship. Plumbing offers not just a paycheck, but long-term financial security, job satisfaction, and independence.
If you’re considering this path (or looking to level up), now’s the time: demand is high, wages are rising, and the work is essential.
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