Thinking about becoming a plumber—or just wondering if it’s a well-paying trade? You’re not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, recession-resistant careers with strong earning potential. If you’ve ever asked, “How much does a licensed plumber make an hour?”, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down real-world earnings, regional differences, and what you can do to maximize your income in this in-demand profession.
What Is the Average Hourly Wage for a Licensed Plumber in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2024, the median hourly wage for licensed plumbers in the United States is $29.83. That translates to an annual salary of roughly $62,040 for full-time work.
But here’s the key: “Median” doesn’t tell the whole story. Earnings can vary widely based on experience, location, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own business.
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | $22 – $26 |
| Mid-career (3–7 yrs) | $27 – $34 |
| Senior (8+ yrs) | $35 – $48+ |
| Master Plumber / Owner | $50 – $100+ |
Note: Top earners—especially those in high-cost states or with niche certifications—can charge well over $100/hour for emergency or commercial services.
What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Hourly Rate?
Several variables directly impact how much a licensed plumber makes per hour:
1. Geographic Location
Plumbers in urban or high-cost-of-living areas typically earn more. For example:
- Alaska: $38.50/hour (highest in the U.S.)
- Illinois: $35.20/hour
- Texas: $27.90/hour
- Mississippi: $22.10/hour (among the lowest)
Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle often pay 20–30% above the national average due to demand and living expenses.
2. Type of Employer
- Residential plumbing companies: $25–$35/hour
- Commercial/industrial firms: $30–$45/hour (due to complex systems)
- Government or municipal jobs: $28–$40/hour + strong benefits
- Self-employed: $40–$100+/hour (after overhead, net profit varies)
3. Certifications & Specializations
Holding additional credentials boosts earning power:
- Backflow prevention certification
- Medical gas piping license
- Green plumbing (water efficiency) training
- Journeyman vs. Master Plumber status
A Master Plumber—the highest licensing tier in most states—can legally pull permits, design systems, and supervise teams, often commanding premium rates.
💡 Pro Tip: In California, a Master Plumber with medical gas certification can earn 25% more than a standard licensed plumber.
4. Overtime & Emergency Calls
Many plumbers earn time-and-a-half for weekend, holiday, or after-hours work. Emergency drain cleaning or burst pipe repairs at 2 a.m.? That’s often a $125–$200 flat-rate call, not hourly—but it reflects high hourly value.
How Do Plumbers Get Licensed? (And Why It Matters for Pay)
Becoming a licensed plumber isn’t instant—it requires training, experience, and exams. Here’s the typical path:
- Complete a high school diploma or GED
- Enroll in a plumbing apprenticeship (4–5 years, paid on-the-job training + classroom hours)
- Accumulate 4,000–8,000 supervised work hours (varies by state)
- Pass a state licensing exam (covers code, safety, math, and local regulations)
Only after licensure can you legally work independently or charge premium rates. Unlicensed handymen may charge $30/hour, but they can’t handle gas lines, sewer systems, or commercial jobs—limiting their income ceiling.
📌 Fun Fact: Licensing requirements are regulated at the state level, which is why wages and rules differ so much across the U.S. Learn more about occupational licensing on Wikipedia .
Licensed Plumber vs. Handyman: Who Earns More?
Many confuse plumbers with handymen—but their pay and scope differ significantly:
| Hourly Rate | $28–$100+ | $15–$40 |
| Legal Scope | Full plumbing systems | Minor repairs only |
| Licensing Required? | Yes (in all 50 states) | Often no |
| Liability Insurance | High (due to risk) | Lower |
| Career Growth | High (to business owner) | Limited |
If you’re serious about long-term income, plumbing offers a clearer path to six figures—especially if you start your own company.
Can You Make Six Figures as a Licensed Plumber?
Absolutely—yes. While the median plumber earns around $62K, top-tier professionals regularly clear $100,000+ annually. Here’s how:
- Work 45–50 hours/week at $40–$50/hour = $93,600–$117,000/year
- Add emergency call premiums (+$10K–$20K)
- Start a small plumbing business (net profit margins of 15–30% are common)
A 2023 survey by HomeAdvisor found that 32% of self-employed plumbers reported annual incomes over $100,000, with some exceeding $150,000 in high-demand markets.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries
Q: Do plumbers get paid hourly or per job?
A: Both models exist. Employees are usually paid hourly. Self-employed plumbers often use flat-rate pricing (e.g., $150 to fix a leaky faucet) but calculate it based on estimated hourly value plus parts and overhead.
Q: How much do apprentice plumbers make?
A: Apprentices typically earn 50–60% of a journeyman’s rate, starting around $15–$20/hour and increasing yearly as they gain skills.
Q: Which states pay plumbers the most?
A: As of 2024, the top-paying states are Alaska, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Hawaii, according to BLS data.
Q: Is plumbing a good career for financial stability?
A: Yes. Plumbing is recession-resistant (people always need running water!), offers low student debt (vs. college), and has strong union and non-union opportunities.
Q: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
A: Most states require 4–5 years of apprenticeship plus passing an exam. Some accelerated programs exist, but hands-on experience is non-negotiable.
Q: Can women succeed as licensed plumbers?
A: Absolutely. While historically male-dominated, the field is diversifying. Organizations like Women in Trades support female plumbers, and employers increasingly value diversity and skill over gender.
Conclusion: A Lucrative, Future-Proof Career
So, how much does a licensed plumber make an hour? The honest answer: Anywhere from $22 to over $100, depending on your choices, location, and ambition. With strong demand (the BLS projects 2% job growth through 2032, plus retirements creating openings), plumbing offers stability, upward mobility, and real financial independence—without a four-year degree.
If you’re considering this path, start with an apprenticeship, aim for your Master Plumber license, and never stop learning. The pipes aren’t going anywhere—and neither is the paycheck.
Found this helpful? Share it with someone exploring a trade career! 💧🔧
#PlumbingCareer #SkilledTrades #EarnMoreDoMore
Leave a Reply