Thinking about a career in plumbingโor just curious how much plumbers actually earn? Youโre not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, well-paying alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. If youโve ever asked, โHow much does a plumber make a year?โ, youโre in the right place. In this guide, weโll break down real salary data, factors that affect earnings, and what you can expect at every career stageโbacked by official sources and industry experts.
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 in May 2023. That translates to about $28.89 per hour.
But โaverageโ doesnโt tell the whole story. Earnings vary widely based on experience, location, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own business.
Bottom 10% earned less than $37,000/year
Top 10% earned more than $103,000/year
๐ก Fun fact: Master plumbers in high-demand metro areas like San Francisco or New York often clear six figuresโespecially if they own their own shop.
How Does Location Affect a Plumberโs Salary?
Where you work mattersโa lot. Cost of living, local demand, union presence, and state licensing requirements all influence pay.
Hereโs a snapshot of top-paying states for plumbers (BLS, 2023):
Illinois
$85,540
Alaska
$84,920
Massachusetts
$83,220
New Jersey
$82,110
Hawaii
$81,850
Conversely, states like Mississippi ($45,210) and Arkansas ($46,780) pay significantly less.
๐ Pro Tip: Urban areas generally offer higher wages but come with higher living costs. Always compare salary relative to local expenses.
How Experience Level Impacts Earnings
Plumbing is a career that rewards time and skill. Most plumbers start as apprentices and climb the ladder:
Apprentice (0โ4 years)
Earn 40โ60% of a journeymanโs wage
Typical pay: $15โ$22/hour
Youโre learning on the job while attending trade school
Can pull permits, design systems, and run a business
Average salary: $70,000โ$100,000+
Business owners often earn $120,000+ after 10+ years
๐ง Real-World Example: James, a master plumber in Chicago, started as an apprentice at 19. By 32, he owned a two-truck plumbing company grossing over $500K annually.
Specializations That Boost Income
Not all plumbing jobs pay the same. Specializing can dramatically increase your earning potential:
Commercial Plumbing: Works on large buildings, hospitals, or factories. Pays 10โ20% more than residential work.
Pipefitting & Steamfitting: Handles high-pressure systems in industrial settings. Median wage: $65,000+
Service & Emergency Calls: Many plumbers charge time-and-a-half for nights, weekends, or holidays.
Green Plumbing: Expertise in water-saving tech and sustainable systems is in rising demandโespecially in California and the Pacific Northwest.
Self-Employed vs. Company Plumbers: Who Earns More?
This is a common dilemma. Letโs compare:
Steady Income
โ Yes (hourly/salary)
โ Variable
Benefits
โ Health insurance, retirement
โ Must pay for own
Earning Ceiling
โ Capped by employer
โ Unlimited (scales with clients)
Startup Costs
โ None
โ $10Kโ$50K (van, tools, license, insurance)
Avg. Net Profit
$50Kโ$75K
$80Kโ$150K+ (after 3โ5 years)
While self-employment involves risk, successful plumbing businesses often double or triple employee earningsโonce established.
How to Maximize Your Plumbing Income (Step-by-Step)
Want to earn more as a plumber? Follow this roadmap:
Get Licensed in Multiple States
Some states have reciprocity agreements. More licenses = more job opportunities.
Add High-Demand Certifications
EPA 608 Certification (for handling refrigerants)
Backflow Prevention Tester Certification
OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training
Track Every Job Digitally
Use apps like Jobber or ServiceTitan to reduce admin time and invoice faster.
Offer 24/7 Emergency Services
Charge $150โ$300/hour for after-hours calls (common in major cities).
Upsell Maintenance Plans
Recurring revenue from annual inspections builds predictable income.
Start Small, Scale Smart
Begin as a solo contractor, then hire 1โ2 techs once you hit $200K/year in revenue.
FAQ: How Much Does a Plumber Make a Year?
Q1: Do plumbers really make six figures?
A: Yesโespecially master plumbers in high-cost states or those who own businesses. The top 10% earn over $103,000, and many exceed $120,000 with overtime or commercial contracts.
Q2: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
A: Typically 4โ5 years: 1โ2 years of trade school + 2โ4 years as a paid apprentice. Requirements vary by state.
Q3: Is plumbing a good career for women?
A: Absolutely. While only ~2% of plumbers are women, those who enter the field report high job satisfaction and strong demand. Organizations like Women in Trades offer support and mentorship.
Q4: Do plumbers get paid hourly or per job?
A: Both. Employees usually earn hourly. Self-employed plumbers often use flat-rate pricing (e.g., $250 to fix a leaky faucet) for transparency and efficiency.
Q5: Can you make good money as a part-time plumber?
A: Yes! Many side hustlers earn $25โ$50/hour doing weekend drain cleaning or fixture installs. Just ensure youโre properly licensed and insured.
Q6: How does plumbing compare to other trades?
A: Plumbers earn slightly more than electricians ($60,240 median) and HVAC techs ($51,390), per BLS data. All three trades offer strong job security and growth.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber make a year? The answer ranges from $37,000 to over $120,000โdepending on your skills, location, and ambition. Plumbing isnโt just about fixing leaks; itโs a recession-proof, high-demand career with real upward mobility. Whether youโre a student, career-changer, or curious homeowner, understanding plumbing salaries helps you make smarter decisions.
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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC), Indeed Salary Reports.
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