How Much Does a Plumber Earn a Year in 2025?

Thinking about a career in plumbing—or just curious how this essential trade stacks up financially? You’re not alone. Many Americans wonder, “How much does a plumber earn a year?” especially as skilled trades gain recognition for offering stable, well-paying careers without the burden of student debt. Whether you’re exploring vocational paths or comparing job markets, understanding plumbing salaries can help you make informed decisions.

What Is the Average Annual Salary for a Plumber 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 in May 2023—translating to about $28.89 per hour. But this is just the midpoint. Earnings can vary dramatically based on experience, location, specialization, and work setting.

• 10th percentile (entry-level): ~$37,000/year
• 25th percentile: ~$47,000/year
• 75th percentile: ~$79,000/year
• 90th percentile (top earners): $100,000+ annually

Many experienced plumbers—especially those who go independent or specialize in commercial or emergency services—routinely exceed six figures.

💡 Fun Fact: In high-demand areas like Alaska, Illinois, or New York, top-tier plumbers can earn $110,000–$130,000/year due to cost of living, union rates, and emergency service premiums.

What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Yearly Earnings?

Several key variables determine how much a plumber earns a year. Let’s break them down:

1. Geographic Location

Plumbers in urban centers or states with high construction activity typically earn more.

Source: U.S. BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

🌎 Note: While salaries are higher in places like NYC, remember that cost of living also rises—so net disposable income may not always be greater.

2. Experience & Certification Level

• Apprentices: Earn 40–60% of a journeyman’s wage (~$20,000–$35,000/year) while training.
• Journeymen: Licensed after 4–5 years; average $50,000–$75,000/year.
• Master Plumbers: Require additional exams and experience; often earn $80,000–$120,000+, especially if running their own business.

Certifications in areas like backflow prevention, medical gas installation, or green plumbing can add $5,000–$15,000 to annual income.

3. Employment Type

• Self-employed: Highest earning potential but with variable income and overhead costs.
• Union plumbers: Often earn 20–30% more than non-union peers, plus benefits.
• Commercial vs. Residential: Commercial projects (hospitals, factories) usually pay 15–25% more per hour than home repairs.

Can Plumbers Really Make $100K a Year?

Yes—absolutely. Here’s how top earners hit or exceed $100,000 annually:

1. Work Overtime or Emergency Calls: Emergency plumbing services (nights, weekends, holidays) often charge double or triple rates.
2. Own a Business: After covering expenses, successful plumbing business owners net $90,000–$200,000/year.
3. Specialize: Plumbers certified in hydronics, solar water heating, or industrial piping command premium rates.
4. Upsell Services: Offering related services like water filtration installation or sewer camera inspections boosts revenue per job.

📈 Real-World Example: A licensed master plumber in Chicago reported earning $118,000 in 2024—$65,000 from hourly work, $38,000 from emergency calls, and $15,000 from selling water softeners.

Plumbing vs. Other Skilled Trades: Salary Comparison

How does plumbing compare to other hands-on careers? Here’s a snapshot of median U.S. annual wages (2023 BLS data):

Plumbing consistently ranks among the highest-paying skilled trades, especially with specialization and entrepreneurship.

For more context on vocational careers, see the Wikipedia page on skilled trades in the United States .

Steps to Maximize Your Plumbing Income

If you’re entering or already in the trade, here’s how to increase your yearly earnings—step by step:

1. Complete a Formal Apprenticeship (3–5 years): Combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
2. Obtain State Licensure: Required in most states to work independently.
3. Earn Advanced Certifications: Focus on high-demand niches (e.g., backflow prevention, medical gas).
4. Track Overtime Opportunities: Sign up for on-call emergency rotations with local firms.
5. Start a Side Business: Begin with weekend jobs; reinvest profits into tools, insurance, and marketing.
6. Build Online Reviews: A strong Google Business profile can increase client bookings by 30–50%.

✅ Pro Tip: Use free tools like HomeAdvisor or Angi to find local jobs while building your reputation.

FAQ Section

Q1: Do plumbers make more than nurses or teachers?

A: In many cases, yes. The median registered nurse earns ~$81,220 (BLS 2023), and K–12 teachers average $63,630. However, top plumbers—especially business owners—can surpass both, often with less education debt and faster career entry.

Q2: How long does it take to become a high-earning plumber?

A: Most plumbers reach $70K–$90K within 5–8 years of starting. Reaching $100K+ typically requires master licensure, specialization, or business ownership, which can take 7–10 years.

Q3: Is plumbing a stable career with good future growth?

A: Absolutely. The BLS projects 2% job growth from 2022–2032, with approximately 48,000 openings yearly due to retirements and infrastructure demands. Aging pipes, green building codes, and housing growth all support long-term demand.

Q4: Can women succeed and earn well in plumbing?

A: Yes! While only ~2% of plumbers are women, those in the field report equal pay for equal work and growing support through organizations like Women in Plumbing and NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction).

Q5: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job?

A: Master plumbers in commercial or industrial settings, emergency service owners, and those working on offshore oil rigs or government contracts can earn $120,000–$180,000/year.

Q6: Do plumbers get benefits like health insurance?

A: Union and full-time employees usually receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Self-employed plumbers must secure their own benefits but can deduct costs as business expenses.

Conclusion

So, how much does a plumber earn a year? The answer ranges from $37,000 for beginners to $130,000+ for seasoned professionals—with plenty of room to grow through skill, hustle, and smart career choices. Plumbing offers financial stability, low student debt, and high demand, making it one of the most reliable skilled trades in today’s economy.

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