Thinking about becoming a plumber—or just wondering if it pays well? You’re not alone. Many people turn to Reddit to ask, “How much do you make as a plumber?”—and the answers are as varied as the pipes they fix. In this article, we’ll dive into real plumber earnings shared on Reddit, back them up with official data, and break down what actually affects your paycheck in this skilled trade. Whether you’re considering plumbing as a career or just curious about blue-collar incomes, you’ll get honest, actionable insights.
What Do Real Plumbers Say on Reddit About Their Income?
Reddit is a goldmine for unfiltered, real-world perspectives—and r/Plumbing and r/TradeSkills are full of firsthand accounts. While salaries vary widely, common themes emerge:
- Entry-level plumbers (0–2 years): $35,000–$50,000/year
- Mid-career (3–7 years): $55,000–$75,000/year
- Master plumbers or business owners: $80,000–$120,000+/year
One Reddit user in Texas shared:
“I started at $18/hr as an apprentice. After 4 years and getting my license, I now pull in $85K with overtime. No student debt, and I bought a house at 26.”
Another in New York noted:
“Union plumber here—$110K base + benefits. But I work 60-hour weeks in winter. It’s not glamorous, but it’s stable.”
These stories align closely with national averages—but location, union status, and specialization matter a lot.
Official Data vs. Reddit: How Accurate Are the Numbers?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the median annual wage for plumbers in 2024 was $60,090. The top 10% earned more than $103,000.
Here’s how Reddit anecdotes stack up:
| Apprentice | $38,000 | $36,000 (est.) |
| Journeyman | $65,000 | $60,090 |
| Master/Owner | $95,000+ | $103,000 (top 10%) |
The match is surprisingly close—especially considering Reddit users often include overtime, side jobs, or tips that official stats might undercount.
For deeper context, plumbing is part of the broader construction and extraction field, which has seen steady wage growth due to labor shortages. You can learn more about the trade’s history and scope on Wikipedia’s plumbing page .
5 Key Factors That Determine a Plumber’s Earnings
Not all plumbers earn the same—and it’s not just about experience. Here’s what really moves the needle:
- Geographic Location
Plumbers in high-cost states like California, New York, or Alaska earn significantly more. For example:- Alaska: Avg. $85,000
- Mississippi: Avg. $48,000
- Union vs. Non-Union
Union plumbers (e.g., through UA – United Association) often earn 20–30% more, plus benefits like pensions and health insurance. - Specialization
Commercial, industrial, or medical gas plumbers command higher rates than residential-only techs. - Overtime & Emergency Calls
Many Reddit users report $75–$125/hour for after-hours emergency calls—especially during winter freezes or floods. - Business Ownership
Plumbers who start their own companies can double their income—but also take on risk, admin work, and marketing duties.
Pros and Cons of a Plumbing Career (Based on Real Reddit Experiences)
Before you grab a wrench, weigh these realities:
✅ Pros
- No college debt: Most enter via apprenticeships (paid training).
- Job security: Pipes break in recessions too.
- Clear advancement path: Apprentice → Journeyman → Master → Business Owner.
- Physical + mental challenge: Great for hands-on problem solvers.
❌ Cons
- Physically demanding: Crawling in attics, lifting heavy pipes, exposure to waste.
- Unpredictable hours: Emergency calls at 2 a.m. are common.
- Stigma: Some still view trades as “less than” white-collar jobs (though that’s changing fast).
As one Redditor put it:
“I make more than my college-educated friends, but I smell like sewer once a week. Worth it.”
How to Maximize Your Plumbing Income: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to climb the earnings ladder? Follow this roadmap:
- Complete a licensed apprenticeship (4–5 years, paid).
→ Average starting wage: $16–$22/hour. - Get your Journeyman license (requires passing a state exam).
→ Typical raise: +15–25%. - Specialize in high-demand areas:
- Medical gas piping
- Solar water heating
- Backflow prevention certification
- Join a union (if available in your area) for better wages and job protection.
- Track overtime and emergency calls—many plumbers earn 30%+ of income from these.
- Start a side business after 5+ years:
- Begin with weekend residential jobs
- Scale to full-time with proper licensing and insurance
💡 Pro Tip: Use accounting software like QuickBooks Self-Employed to track deductible expenses (tools, vehicle mileage, uniforms)—this can save $2,000–$5,000/year in taxes.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries
Q: Do plumbers really make six figures?
A: Yes—but usually after 8–10 years, with overtime, specialization, or business ownership. Top earners in high-demand areas (e.g., San Francisco, Boston) regularly hit $100K–$130K.
Q: How much do apprentice plumbers make?
A: Most earn $15–$20/hour in year one, with raises every 1,000 hours. By year 4, many make $25–$30/hour.
Q: Is plumbing a good career in 2025?
A: Absolutely. The BLS projects 5% job growth through 2032—faster than average—and a shortage of 100,000+ skilled tradespeople is expected by 2028.
Q: Can you make more as a plumber than a college graduate?
A: Often, yes. The average plumber with 10 years’ experience earns more than the median U.S. bachelor’s degree holder ($65,000), and without $30K+ in student debt.
Q: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job?
A: Industrial plumbers (working in power plants, refineries) and master contractors who own businesses typically earn the most—sometimes $150K+ with large commercial contracts.
Q: How do I find plumber salary data for my state?
A: Check your state’s Department of Labor website or use the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics tool—filter by “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.”
Conclusion
So, how much do you make as a plumber? On Reddit, the answers range from “comfortable” to “six figures”—and real data backs it up. Plumbing isn’t just about unclogging drains; it’s a recession-proof, high-demand career with a clear path to financial independence.
If you’re tired of desk jobs, drowning in student loans, or seeking hands-on work that pays well, plumbing might be your perfect fit.
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