Thinking about becoming a plumber—or just curious how much they actually make in the U.S.? You’re not alone. With rising demand for skilled trades and steady job growth, many Americans are exploring plumbing as a stable, well-paying career. In this guide, we’ll break down how much a plumber earns in the USA—including entry-level wages, experienced pro salaries, and which states pay the most.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in the USA?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in May 2024 was $60,090. That translates to roughly $28.89 per hour.
But salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and specialization:
- Entry-level plumbers: $35,000–$45,000/year
- Mid-career plumbers (5–10 years): $50,000–$70,000/year
- Experienced or master plumbers: $75,000–$100,000+/year
💡 Pro Tip: Union plumbers or those working in urban centers like New York or San Francisco often earn 20–30% more due to higher cost of living and union wage scales.
Which States Pay Plumbers the Most?
Location dramatically impacts earnings. Based on BLS data, here are the top 5 highest-paying states for plumbers in 2025:
| State | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $87,320 |
| Alaska | $85,110 |
| Massachusetts | $83,900 |
| New Jersey | $82,540 |
| Hawaii | $81,820 |
Conversely, states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia report average plumber wages below $45,000.
If you’re considering relocation for better pay, factor in cost of living. For example, while Alaska pays well, housing and goods can be expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
How Does Experience Affect a Plumber’s Earnings?
Like most skilled trades, plumbing rewards tenure and certification. Here’s a realistic progression:
- Apprentice (0–4 years)
- Paid hourly while learning (typically 40–50% of journeyman wage)
- Avg: $16–$22/hour
- Must complete 4–5 years of on-the-job training + classroom instruction
- Journeyman Plumber (5+ years, licensed)
- Can work independently
- Avg: $25–$35/hour ($52,000–$73,000/year)
- Master Plumber (8–10+ years, advanced license)
- Can own a business, pull permits, design systems
- Avg: $40–$55/hour or $85,000–$115,000/year
- Top earners in commercial or industrial plumbing may exceed $130,000
📌 Fun Fact: Master plumbers who start their own businesses often double their income within 3–5 years—especially in high-demand markets.
Do Specializations Boost a Plumber’s Income?
Absolutely. General residential plumbing pays well, but niche skills can significantly increase earnings:
- Commercial Plumbing: Works on offices, hospitals, schools → +15–25% pay premium
- Industrial Plumbing: Handles factories, power plants, refineries → $75,000–$120,000+
- Green Plumbing / Water Conservation: In-demand in eco-conscious states like California and Oregon
- Medical Gas Installation: Requires special certification; pays $50+/hour
Specialized plumbers often complete additional certifications through organizations like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) or UA (United Association).
Self-Employed vs. Company-Employed Plumbers: Who Earns More?
This is a common dilemma. Let’s compare:
| Factor | Company-Employed | Self-Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Steady Income | ✅ Yes (hourly/salary) | ❌ Variable (depends on clients) |
| Benefits | ✅ Health insurance, retirement | ❌ Must pay for own |
| Earning Potential | ❌ Capped (unless promoted) | ✅ Unlimited (with good marketing) |
| Overhead Costs | ❌ None | ✅ Truck, tools, insurance, ads |
| Avg. Net Income (after expenses) | $55,000–$80,000 | $70,000–$120,000* |
*Top 25% of self-employed plumbers in metro areas report six-figure net profits.
⚠️ Warning: Self-employment requires business acumen. A plumber in Austin, TX, reported earning $140,000 in 2024—but only after investing in SEO, Google Ads, and a customer service team.
How to Maximize Your Plumbing Income (5 Practical Steps)
Want to climb the earning ladder? Follow this step-by-step roadmap:
- Get Licensed
- Every state requires a journeyman license. Without it, you can’t work legally or charge premium rates.
- Pursue Master Certification
- Opens doors to commercial projects and business ownership. Takes 2–4 years post-journeyman.
- Specialize Early
- Choose a high-demand niche (e.g., tankless water heaters, backflow prevention).
- Track Every Dollar
- Use apps like QuickBooks or Jobber to monitor profit margins per job.
- Build an Online Presence
- 89% of homeowners search “plumber near me” online. A professional website and Google Business Profile can double your leads.
📈 Case Study: A plumber in Denver increased annual revenue by $38,000 just by adding before/after photos and customer reviews to his Google profile.
How Does Plumbing Compare to Other Skilled Trades?
Curious how plumbing stacks up? Here’s a quick comparison (2024 median wages):
- Plumber: $60,090
- Electrician: $60,240
- HVAC Technician: $51,390
- Carpenter: $49,730
- Welder: $47,010
Plumbing consistently ranks among the top 3 highest-paid trades, with stronger job security due to constant demand (everyone needs running water!).
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
FAQ: How Much Does a Plumber Earn in the USA?
Q1: Do plumbers really make six figures?
Yes—especially master plumbers, those in high-cost states, or business owners. The top 10% of earners make over $103,000/year, per BLS data.
Q2: How long does it take to start earning a good salary as a plumber?
Most apprentices begin earning $40,000+ by year 3. After licensing (typically year 4–5), wages jump to $55,000+.
Q3: Are plumbing jobs in demand?
Absolutely. The BLS projects 5% job growth from 2022–2032—faster than average—due to infrastructure upgrades and retirements.
Q4: Can I become a plumber without going to college?
Yes! Most plumbers train through apprenticeships (paid on-the-job training). No college degree is required—just a high school diploma or GED.
Q5: Do emergency plumbers earn more?
Yes. Emergency calls (nights, weekends, holidays) often charge 1.5x–2x standard rates, boosting annual income by $10,000–$20,000.
Q6: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job?
Industrial or offshore plumbers (e.g., oil rigs, power plants) can earn $120,000–$150,000, but require advanced certifications and travel.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber earn in the USA? The answer ranges from $35,000 for beginners to over $130,000 for seasoned pros—with plenty of room to grow through licensing, specialization, and entrepreneurship.
Plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks; it’s a recession-resistant, high-demand career with real upward mobility. Whether you’re exploring a new trade or hiring a pro, understanding this earning potential helps you make smarter decisions.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or with someone considering a career in the trades! Your share could spark someone’s next big opportunity.
Remember: In a world of AI and automation, skilled hands will always be in demand. 💧🔧
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