Thinking about a career in plumbing—or just curious how much plumbers really earn? You’re not alone. With rising demand for skilled tradespeople and steady job growth, many Americans are asking: “How much does a plumber get paid per year?” Whether you’re exploring vocational paths or weighing a career switch, this guide breaks down real earnings, influencing factors, and what you can expect in 2025.
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. This means half of all plumbers earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
But averages only tell part of the story. Actual earnings vary widely based on experience, location, specialization, and employment type (self-employed vs. company-employed).
💡 Pro Tip: Plumbers in unionized roles or those working on large commercial projects often earn significantly more due to overtime, hazard pay, and specialized certifications.
Which States Pay Plumbers the Most?
Location plays a huge role in plumber earnings. Cost of living, local demand, and state licensing requirements all influence pay.
Top 5 Highest-Paying States for Plumbers (BLS 2023 Data):
Illinois: $85,540
Alaska: $83,130
Massachusetts: $82,620
New Jersey: $81,950
Hawaii: $81,440
In contrast, states like Mississippi and South Dakota report average plumber salaries below $50,000. Urban centers such as Chicago, Boston, and Newark consistently offer higher wages due to complex infrastructure and high demand.
Several key variables determine how much a plumber earns annually:
Certification & Licensing: Journeyman and master plumber licenses often lead to 15–30% higher pay.
Specialization: Gas line installers, medical gas plumbers, or green plumbing experts command premium rates.
Overtime & Emergency Calls: Many plumbers earn extra through after-hours service (often 1.5x–2x base rate).
Self-Employment: Independent plumbers keep more profit but handle business costs (insurance, marketing, tools).
Union Membership: Union plumbers (e.g., through UA – United Association) typically enjoy higher wages and benefits.
For example, a master plumber running their own business in Los Angeles might charge $125/hour and complete 20 jobs weekly—translating to over $100,000 annually after expenses.
How Does Plumbing Pay Compare to Other Skilled Trades?
Plumbing remains one of the most financially stable skilled trades. Here’s how it stacks up:
Plumber
$60,090
Electrician
$60,240
HVAC Technician
$51,390
Carpenter
$50,630
Welder
$47,540
While electricians earn slightly more on average, plumbers often have lower entry barriers (shorter apprenticeships in some states) and more consistent demand—people always need running water and functioning drains!
Steps to Maximize Your Plumbing Income
Want to boost your plumber salary? Follow this actionable roadmap:
Complete a Licensed Apprenticeship Most states require 4–5 years of supervised training. Programs often pay while you learn—starting around $20/hour.
Earn Journeyman Certification After apprenticeship, pass your state’s journeyman exam. This alone can increase hourly rates by $5–$15.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas Get certified in:
Backflow prevention
Medical gas piping
Solar water heating
Green plumbing (WaterSense, LEED)
Go Independent (Carefully) Start small: offer weekend services while employed. Build a client base via referrals and Google Business Profile.
Invest in Marketing & Reviews 87% of homeowners hire plumbers based on online reviews (HomeAdvisor, 2024). A strong digital presence = more high-paying jobs.
Plumbing Salary vs. College Degree ROI
Many assume a 4-year degree guarantees higher earnings—but that’s not always true. Consider this:
Average plumber (10+ years experience): $75,000/year
Average bachelor’s degree holder (all fields): $65,000/year (Georgetown University, 2024)
And plumbers typically graduate debt-free, while the average college grad carries $37,000 in student loans.
🛠️ Bottom Line: Plumbing offers a faster, lower-risk path to middle-class income—often with better work-life balance than corporate jobs.
FAQ Section
Q: Do plumbers make six figures? A: Yes—experienced plumbers in high-cost states or those running successful businesses often earn $100,000+. Master plumbers in Illinois or Alaska regularly hit this mark, especially with overtime and emergency calls.
Q: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber? A: Typically 4–5 years through an apprenticeship (2,000+ hours of on-the-job training + classroom instruction). Some states allow accelerated paths for military veterans or prior trade experience.
Q: Are plumbing jobs in demand? A: Absolutely. The BLS projects 5% job growth from 2022–2032—faster than average—due to aging infrastructure, new construction, and retiring workers. Over 50,000 openings are expected annually.
Q: Can I start plumbing without a college degree? A: Yes! No college degree is required. Most plumbers start with a high school diploma or GED and enter paid apprenticeships through unions, trade schools, or local contractors.
Q: What’s the difference between a journeyman and master plumber salary? A: Journeyman plumbers average $55,000–$70,000. Master plumbers—qualified to design systems and run businesses—earn $75,000–$120,000+, depending on location and client base.
Q: Do female plumbers earn the same as male plumbers? A: In union and licensed roles, pay is typically standardized by experience and role, not gender. However, women remain underrepresented (<5% of the field), creating opportunities for mentorship and niche marketing (e.g., “women-owned plumbing”).
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber get paid per year? The answer ranges from $40,000 for beginners to over $120,000 for seasoned professionals—with strong growth potential, job security, and minimal student debt. In a world where skilled labor is increasingly valued, plumbing isn’t just a job—it’s a smart, sustainable career.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone considering a trade career! 💧 Follow us on social media for more insights on high-demand, high-income skilled trades in 2025 and beyond.
Your future in plumbing starts with one pipe at a time.
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