If you’ve ever wondered, “How much does a plumber earn per year?” you’re not alone. Whether you’re considering plumbing as a career, negotiating your wage, or just curious about skilled trades, understanding plumber salaries can help you make informed decisions. Plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks—it’s a stable, in-demand profession with strong earning potential across the U.S.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary 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 as of May 2023. That breaks down to about $28.89 per hour for full-time work.
But averages only tell part of the story. Your actual income as a plumber can vary dramatically based on experience, location, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own business.
💡 Pro Tip: The top 10% of plumbers earned more than $100,000 annually, showing how lucrative this trade can become with time and expertise.
What Factors Affect a Plumber’s Annual Earnings?
Several key variables influence how much a plumber makes each year:
1. Experience Level
- Entry-level plumbers (0–2 years): $35,000–$45,000
- Mid-career (3–7 years): $45,000–$65,000
- Experienced (8+ years): $65,000–$90,000+
Veteran plumbers often handle complex projects like commercial installations or emergency repairs—jobs that command premium rates.
2. Geographic Location
Salaries differ significantly by state due to cost of living, union presence, and local demand.
| Alaska | $87,030 |
| Illinois | $85,010 |
| Massachusetts | $82,650 |
| New Jersey | $80,360 |
| Hawaii | $78,120 |
States like Texas and California also offer high volume of work, though competition may be stiffer.
3. Employment Type
- Company-employed plumbers: Steady paycheck, benefits, overtime pay.
- Self-employed or contractors: Higher earning ceiling but responsible for marketing, taxes, and insurance.
- Many solo plumbers charge $75–$150/hour, especially for emergency calls after hours.
4. Specialization
General plumbers earn solid wages, but specialists often earn more:
- Gas fitters: +10–15% premium
- Commercial plumbers: Work on large-scale projects (hospitals, schools)
- Pipefitters or steamfitters: Common in industrial settings, often unionized
How Does Plumbing Compare to Other Skilled Trades?
Plumbing holds its own against other blue-collar careers. Here’s a quick comparison of median annual wages (2023 BLS data):
| Plumber | $60,090 |
| Electrician | $60,240 |
| HVAC Technician | $51,390 |
| Carpenter | $51,370 |
| Welder | $47,540 |
While salaries are close, plumbing often has lower startup costs than, say, HVAC (which requires EPA certification), and higher demand during housing booms or infrastructure upgrades.
Learn more about trade professions on Wikipedia’s skilled trades page .
Can You Make $100K as a Plumber?
Yes—absolutely. Reaching six figures is realistic with the right strategy:
Step-by-Step Path to $100K+
- Complete Apprenticeship (4–5 years): Combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
- Get Licensed: Most states require a journeyman or master plumber license to work independently.
- Specialize: Focus on high-demand niches like medical gas systems or solar water heating.
- Go Independent: Start your own business. Charge $100–$200/hour for emergency or after-hours services.
- Scale Smartly: Hire junior plumbers, invest in marketing (Google Ads, local SEO), and offer maintenance contracts for recurring revenue.
📌 Real-World Example: Mike, a master plumber in Chicago, runs a 3-person shop. By offering 24/7 emergency service and flat-rate pricing, he cleared $125,000 net profit in 2024.
Plumbing Salary vs. College Degrees: Is It Worth It?
Many assume a 4-year degree is the only path to financial stability. But consider this:
- Average student loan debt: $37,000 (Federal Reserve, 2024)
- Plumbing apprenticeship cost: Often $0 (paid training) or under $5,000 for tools/certifications
- Time to full earnings:
- College grad: 4+ years (plus job hunt)
- Plumber: Starts earning Day 1 of apprenticeship
Plumbers also enjoy job security—pipes will always need fixing, and AI can’t unclog your toilet at 2 a.m.
Common Misconceptions About Plumber Earnings
❌ Myth: “Plumbers just fix sinks—they don’t make real money.”
✅ Truth: Top plumbers earn more than many college-educated professionals, especially in high-cost areas.
❌ Myth: “You need a degree to succeed.”
✅ Truth: Licensing and hands-on skill matter far more than a diploma.
❌ Myth: “It’s a dead-end job.”
✅ Truth: Career paths include foreman, estimator, business owner, or even plumbing instructor.
FAQ: How Much Does a Plumber Earn Per Year?
Q1: Do plumbers get paid hourly or per job?
Most employed plumbers earn hourly wages with overtime pay. Self-employed plumbers often use flat-rate pricing per job (e.g., $250 to fix a leaky faucet) or hourly rates with a minimum charge.
Q2: How much do apprentice plumbers make?
Apprentices typically earn 40–60% of a journeyman’s wage. In 2024, that’s $15–$22/hour, increasing annually as they gain skills.
Q3: Which cities pay plumbers the most?
High-paying metro areas include:
- Anchorage, AK
- Chicago, IL
- Boston, MA
- San Francisco, CA
- Trenton, NJ
These cities combine high demand, union influence, and cost-of-living adjustments.
Q4: Can women succeed as plumbers?
Absolutely. While women represent only ~4% of the plumbing workforce (BLS), many report equal pay, strong demand, and supportive employers. Organizations like Women in the Trades offer mentorship and training.
Q5: Do plumbers work weekends or holidays?
Many do—especially if offering emergency services. While it’s demanding, weekend/holiday rates can be 1.5x–2x normal pay, significantly boosting annual income.
Q6: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
Typically 4–5 years of apprenticeship + passing a state licensing exam. Some states allow faster tracks for military veterans or experienced helpers.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber earn per year? The answer ranges from $35,000 for beginners to over $100,000 for seasoned pros—with location, skill, and business savvy playing major roles. Plumbing offers financial stability, low student debt, and high job satisfaction, making it one of America’s most underrated careers.
If you’re considering this path, take the first step: research local apprenticeships, talk to working plumbers, and imagine yourself solving real problems every day—with a paycheck to match.
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