How Much Does A Journeyman Plumber Make in Washington State? (You’re Not Alone Asking This)
If you’re considering a career in plumbing — or you’re already a licensed journeyman wondering if you’re being paid fairly — you’re not alone. Thousands of skilled tradespeople across Washington State ask this same question every day: “How much does a journeyman plumber make in Washington State?”
The truth? Salaries vary wildly depending on where you work, your experience, and even the season. But here’s the good news: plumbing is one of the most stable, well-paying skilled trades in the U.S. — and Washington State pays above the national average.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much you can expect to earn — down to the hourly rate, annual salary, bonuses, and even which cities pay the most. No fluff. Just real, up-to-date data from industry sources, labor reports, and licensed plumbers on the ground.
What’s the Average Salary for a Journeyman Plumber in Washington State?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and data from Indeed and ZipRecruiter (as of Q3 2025), the average annual salary for a journeyman plumber in Washington State is:
Average Annual Salary
$78,500
Hourly Rate (Median)
$37.75
Salary Range
$62,000 – $98,000+
Top 10% Earn
Over $105,000/year
Why the big range? It’s not just about experience — location, union status, and type of employer (residential vs. commercial) play huge roles.
For example, a journeyman plumber working in Seattle for a union contractor can easily make $45–$55/hour, while someone in a rural town like Wenatchee might earn closer to $30/hour — but with lower living costs.
💡 “Plumbing is recession-proof. People always need pipes. And in Washington, with aging infrastructure and new construction booming, demand is higher than ever.” — Mark Reynolds, President, Washington State Plumbing Contractors Association
How Does Washington Compare to the Rest of the U.S.?
Let’s put it in perspective. The national average for a journeyman plumber is around $64,000/year (BLS 2024). Washington State beats that by over 22%.
Here’s how Washington stacks up against neighboring states:
Washington
$78,500
—
Oregon
$71,200
-9.3%
Idaho
$58,900
-25%
California
$82,000
+4.5%
Alaska
$85,000
+8.3%
Washington isn’t the highest — but it’s consistently in the top 5 for plumbing pay in the U.S., thanks to high demand, strong unions, and cost-of-living adjustments.
Which Cities in Washington Pay the Most for Journeyman Plumbers?
Not all parts of the state pay the same. If you’re flexible on location, here are the top 5 highest-paying cities for journeyman plumbers in 2025:
Seattle – $88,000–$105,000/year Why? High construction volume, union contracts, and premium service rates for emergency calls.
Bellevue – $85,000–$100,000/year Tech hub = luxury homes = complex plumbing systems. Many plumbers here specialize in smart home systems.
Tacoma – $79,000–$92,000/year Strong union presence (IUPAT Local 181) and port-related industrial work.
Spokane – $72,000–$85,000/year Growing market with aging infrastructure upgrades.
Vancouver – $75,000–$88,000/year Near Portland’s market, but with lower taxes — attracts skilled workers.
Pro Tip: If you’re willing to work nights, weekends, or on-call shifts, you can add $10–$25/hour in overtime pay — and many employers offer $50–$150 per emergency call-out.
How Do Union vs. Non-Union Plumbers Compare in Pay?
Union plumbers in Washington (typically part of United Association Local 181) enjoy significantly higher pay and benefits than non-union workers.
Avg. Hourly Wage
$42–$55
$30–$40
Health Insurance
✅ Full coverage
❌ Often self-funded
Retirement Plan
✅ 401(k) + pension
❌ Rare
Paid Time Off
3–4 weeks/year
1–2 weeks
Job Security
High (contracted projects)
Variable
Training Support
✅ Paid apprenticeship
❌ Often out-of-pocket
Real Story: James, a journeyman in Tacoma, joined the union after 5 years as a non-union worker. His pay jumped from $34/hour to $47/hour — and now he gets paid for training, tool allowances, and even dental coverage. “It wasn’t just about the money,” he says. “It was about knowing I’m protected.”
🌐 Learn more about plumbing apprenticeships and union pathways at Wikipedia: Plumbing
What Else Adds to a Journeyman Plumber’s Income?
Salary isn’t just base pay. Many journeyman plumbers in Washington earn extra income through:
Overtime & Emergency Calls – Often 1.5x–2x hourly rate after 40 hours/week.
Seasonal Bonuses – Winter heating system repairs = peak season. Many get $1,000–$3,000/year in bonuses.
Side Gigs – Fixing leaks for Airbnb hosts, doing home inspections, or teaching classes.
Commission on Sales – If you sell water heaters, sump pumps, or smart valves, you can earn 5–15% commission.
Contracting Your Own Work – Once you have 5+ years’ experience, many journeyman plumbers start their own small businesses.
Example: Lisa, a journeyman in Everett, works 40 hours/week for a company ($43/hr) + does 10 hours/month of private residential work ($60/hr). She makes $92,000/year — without owning a company.
How to Become a Journeyman Plumber in Washington State (Step-by-Step)
If you’re thinking about entering the field — here’s how to get there:
Get Your High School Diploma or GED (Basic math and reading skills are essential.)
Apply for an Apprenticeship Join a WA State-approved program (like those run by WA Plumbing Contractors Association or IUPAT). Most require 4–5 years of on-the-job training + 576+ classroom hours.
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam Administered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Start Earning! Once licensed, your pay jumps 20–30% compared to apprentice rates.
⚠️ Note: You cannot legally work as a journeyman plumber in Washington without a state license. Unlicensed work = fines + liability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is plumbing a good career in Washington State in 2025?
Absolutely. Washington faces a critical shortage of skilled plumbers. The state estimates a need for 1,200+ new plumbers by 2030. With high demand, job security is excellent — and wages keep rising.
Q2: Do journeyman plumbers make more than electricians in Washington?
Almost the same. Electricians average $81,000/year, while plumbers average $78,500. The difference is minimal — and both trades offer similar growth, benefits, and overtime potential. Choose based on interest, not just pay.
Q3: Can I make $100,000+ as a journeyman plumber in Washington?
Yes — if you work in Seattle, Bellevue, or the Puget Sound region, take on overtime, and specialize in high-end residential or commercial projects. Many plumbers hit six figures by age 35–40.
Q4: Do I need a college degree to become a plumber?
No. Plumbing is a skilled trade, not a white-collar profession. You need hands-on training, licensing, and experience — not a bachelor’s degree. That means less debt and faster entry into the workforce.
Q5: What’s the job outlook for plumbers in Washington?
Excellent. The BLS projects 10% growth in plumbing jobs nationwide by 2032 — Washington is expected to exceed that. New construction, retrofitting old buildings, and water system upgrades are driving demand.
Q6: Are there opportunities for women in plumbing in Washington?
Definitely. Organizations like Women in Plumbing (WIP) and WA L&I’s Tradeswomen Initiative actively support women entering the field. Female plumbers are in high demand — and often get hired faster due to diversity initiatives.
The short answer: Between $75,000 and $105,000 a year — with real potential to earn more.
This isn’t just a job. It’s a lucrative, stable, respected career that doesn’t require student loans, offers flexible hours, and gives you tangible results every day. Whether you’re fixing a leak in a Seattle high-rise or installing a new water heater in a Kent home, you’re solving real problems — and getting paid well for it.
And if you’re ready to take the next step? 👉 Start by contacting your local union or WA L&I to find an apprenticeship program near you.
Share This Guide If You Found It Helpful!
Know someone thinking about a plumbing career? Or maybe you’re a plumber who just got a raise? Share this guide on Facebook, Reddit, or with your crew on WhatsApp.
让更多人知道：在华盛顿州，管道工的收入远超你的想象。 (Let more people know: In Washington State, plumbers earn way more than you think.)
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments below — we answer every one. 📲 Follow us for more career guides in skilled trades: #PlumbingWA #TradesLife
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