Thinking about becoming a plumber—or already turning wrenches and wondering if you’re being paid fairly? You’re not alone. Many people ask, “How much do you make as a plumber?”—and the answer isn’t as simple as a single number. Plumbing is a skilled trade with high earning potential, but your actual income depends on experience, location, and whether you work for yourself or a company. In this guide, we’ll break down real-world plumber salaries across the U.S., backed by the latest data and expert insights.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in 2025?
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 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $100,000 per year. While 2025 data is still preliminary, industry trends suggest a 3–5% annual increase due to rising demand and labor shortages in the skilled trades.
- Entry-level plumbers: $35,000–$45,000/year
- Mid-career (5–10 years): $50,000–$70,000/year
- Experienced/master plumbers: $75,000–$100,000+/year
💡 Note: Overtime, emergency calls, and specialty services (e.g., gas line installation or commercial plumbing) can significantly boost take-home pay.
How Does Location Affect Plumber Earnings?
Where you work matters—a lot. Cost of living, local demand, and union presence heavily influence pay.
| Alaska | $87,940 | High demand, remote work, cold-weather premiums |
| Illinois | $82,140 | Strong union presence in Chicago |
| New Jersey | $79,320 | High cost of living but robust commercial plumbing market |
| Florida | $52,100 | Lower average, but steady residential demand year-round |
| Mississippi | $45,200 | Among the lowest, but lower living costs offset this |
Urban areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Boston often pay 20–30% above national averages, especially for licensed journeyman plumbers. However, always factor in housing, insurance, and transportation costs.
For a full breakdown of regional differences, see the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (U.S. government source).
Apprentice vs. Journeyman vs. Master Plumber: How Pay Scales Differ
Your certification level directly impacts income. Here’s how the three main tiers compare:
1. Apprentice Plumber
- Duration: 4–5 years of paid on-the-job training + classroom instruction
- Pay: 40–60% of journeyman wages ($15–$22/hour)
- Benefits: Earn while you learn; often includes health insurance and pension
2. Journeyman Plumber
- Requirements: Completion of apprenticeship + state exam
- Pay: $25–$40/hour ($52,000–$83,000/year)
- Freedom: Can work independently but cannot pull permits in most states
3. Master Plumber
- Requirements: 2+ years as journeyman + advanced exam
- Pay: $40–$65+/hour ($83,000–$135,000+)
- Perks: Can own a plumbing business, train apprentices, and bid on large contracts
🛠️ Pro Tip: Becoming a master plumber opens doors to entrepreneurship. Many plumbers who start their own businesses report 6-figure incomes within 3–5 years.
What Factors Boost a Plumber’s Income?
Beyond experience and location, these variables can dramatically increase your earnings:
- Overtime & Emergency Calls: Weekend or holiday emergency jobs often pay 1.5x–2x standard rates.
- Specialization: Sewer line camera inspection, backflow prevention, or green plumbing (e.g., tankless water heaters) command premium pricing.
- Self-Employment: Independent plumbers set their own rates. While overhead exists (insurance, van, tools), profit margins can reach 30–50%.
- Commercial vs. Residential: Commercial plumbing (hospitals, factories, high-rises) typically pays 15–25% more per hour.
🔍 Example: A master plumber in Austin, TX, specializing in commercial retrofits reported $118,000 in 2024—including $22,000 from after-hours emergency calls.
Plumber Salary vs. Other Skilled Trades
How does plumbing stack up? Here’s a quick comparison of median annual wages (2024 BLS data):
| Plumber | $60,090 |
| Electrician | $60,240 |
| HVAC Technician | $51,390 |
| Carpenter | $51,370 |
| Welder | $47,540 |
Plumbing ranks among the highest-paying skilled trades, especially when you factor in long-term job stability and low automation risk. Unlike many office jobs, plumbing can’t be outsourced or easily replaced by AI.
For context, the average U.S. worker earns $59,384/year (U.S. Census, 2024)—meaning experienced plumbers often out-earn college graduates without student debt.
Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Your Plumbing Income
Want to earn more? Follow this actionable roadmap:
- Complete a Formal Apprenticeship
→ Enroll through a union (e.g., UA Plumbers & Pipefitters) or trade school.
→ Duration: 4–5 years. You’ll earn ~$18/hour while training. - Get Licensed in Multiple States (If Mobile)
→ Some states (like Texas and Florida) have reciprocity agreements.
→ More licenses = more job opportunities. - Add High-Demand Certifications
→ Backflow tester ($100–$300 course)
→ GreenPlumber® certification (sustainability focus)
→ OSHA 30-hour safety certification - Track Every Job & Raise Rates Annually
→ Increase rates by 3–7% yearly to match inflation and skill growth.
→ Use apps like Jobber or ServiceTitan to manage pricing and invoices. - Start Small, Then Go Independent
→ Work for a reputable company for 3–5 years.
→ Save 6–12 months of expenses before launching your LLC.
→ Charge $85–$150/hour as a solo owner in metro areas.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries
Q: Do plumbers really make six figures?
A: Yes—especially master plumbers in high-demand areas. According to HomeAdvisor, 31% of self-employed plumbers earned over $100,000 in 2024. Emergency services, commercial contracts, and efficient business operations make this possible.
Q: Is plumbing a good career for beginners with no experience?
A: Absolutely. Most apprentices start with zero plumbing knowledge. You’ll earn while learning, avoid college debt, and enter a field with 11% projected job growth (2022–2032)—much faster than average.
Q: How much can a plumbing business owner make?
A: Profit varies, but a well-run solo plumbing business averages $80,000–$150,000 net profit/year after expenses. Larger firms with 5+ employees can clear $300,000+ annually.
Q: Are female plumbers paid the same?
A: The trade is working toward equity. Female plumbers report similar base pay, though they’re underrepresented (only ~2% of plumbers are women). Organizations like Women in Plumbing are helping close the gap.
Q: Does union vs. non-union affect pay?
A: Yes. Union plumbers (e.g., UA Local) often earn 10–20% more with better benefits, but may have less scheduling flexibility. Non-union roles offer quicker advancement in some markets.
Q: What’s the highest-paying plumbing specialty?
A: Medical gas plumbing and high-rise commercial plumbing top the list. These require advanced certifications but can pay $70–$100/hour. Industrial pipefitters in oil/gas also earn premium rates.
Final Thoughts: Plumbing Pays—If You Know Your Worth
So, how much do you make as a plumber? It depends—but with the right training, location, and hustle, $70,000 to $100,000+ is absolutely within reach, even without a college degree. Plumbing offers job security, recession resistance, and the pride of solving real problems every day.
If you’re already in the trade, audit your rates and consider adding certifications. If you’re considering it as a career—go for it. The U.S. faces a shortage of 250,000+ skilled tradespeople by 2028, meaning your skills will be in high demand.
📚 Found this guide helpful? Share it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter to help someone discover a rewarding career in plumbing!
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), HomeAdvisor Contractor Income Report, National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), United Association (UA) union data.
For background on the plumbing profession, see Plumber – Wikipedia .
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