How Much Does a Plumber Make a Year? (2024 Salary Guide)

Home ยป How Much Does a Plumber Make a Year? (2024 Salary Guide)

Thinking about a career in plumbingโ€”or just curious how much plumbers actually earn? Youโ€™re not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, well-paying alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. If youโ€™ve ever asked, โ€œHow much does a plumber make a year?โ€, youโ€™re in the right place. In this guide, weโ€™ll break down real salary data, factors that affect earnings, and what you can expect at every career stageโ€”backed 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 โ€œaverageโ€ doesnโ€™t 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

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact: Master plumbers in high-demand metro areas like San Francisco or New York often clear six figuresโ€”especially if they own their own shop.


How Does Location Affect a Plumberโ€™s Salary?

Where you work mattersโ€”a lot. Cost of living, local demand, union presence, and state licensing requirements all influence pay.

Hereโ€™s 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.

๐ŸŒŽ Pro Tip: Urban areas generally offer higher wages but come with higher living costs. Always compare salary relative to local expenses.

How Much Does A Plumber Make A Year

How Experience Level Impacts Earnings

Plumbing is a career that rewards time and skill. Most plumbers start as apprentices and climb the ladder:

  1. Apprentice (0โ€“4 years)
    • Earn 40โ€“60% of a journeymanโ€™s wage
    • Typical pay: $15โ€“$22/hour
    • Youโ€™re learning on the job while attending trade school
  2. Journeyman Plumber (4โ€“8 years)
    • Licensed to work independently
    • Average salary: $50,000โ€“$70,000/year
    • Can handle most residential and commercial jobs
  3. Master Plumber (8+ years)
    • Highest license level
    • Can pull permits, design systems, and run a business
    • Average salary: $70,000โ€“$100,000+
    • Business owners often earn $120,000+ after 10+ years

๐Ÿ”ง 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 10โ€“20% 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 demandโ€”especially in California and the Pacific Northwest.

๐Ÿ“š Learn more about plumbing specializations on Wikipediaโ€™s plumbing page .


Self-Employed vs. Company Plumbers: Who Earns More?

This is a common dilemma. Letโ€™s compare:

Steady Incomeโœ… Yes (hourly/salary)โŒ Variable
Benefitsโœ… Health insurance, retirementโŒ Must pay for own
Earning CeilingโŒ Capped by employerโœ… Unlimited (scales with clients)
Startup CostsโŒ Noneโœ… $10Kโ€“$50K (van, tools, license, insurance)
Avg. Net Profit$50Kโ€“$75K$80Kโ€“$150K+ (after 3โ€“5 years)

While self-employment involves risk, successful plumbing businesses often double or triple employee earningsโ€”once established.


How to Maximize Your Plumbing Income (Step-by-Step)

Want to earn more as a plumber? Follow this roadmap:

  1. Get Licensed in Multiple States
    • Some states have reciprocity agreements. More licenses = more job opportunities.
  2. Add High-Demand Certifications
    • EPA 608 Certification (for handling refrigerants)
    • Backflow Prevention Tester Certification
    • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training
  3. Track Every Job Digitally
    • Use apps like Jobber or ServiceTitan to reduce admin time and invoice faster.
  4. Offer 24/7 Emergency Services
    • Charge $150โ€“$300/hour for after-hours calls (common in major cities).
  5. Upsell Maintenance Plans
    • Recurring revenue from annual inspections builds predictable income.
  1. Start Small, Scale Smart
    • Begin as a solo contractor, then hire 1โ€“2 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: Yesโ€”especially 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 4โ€“5 years: 1โ€“2 years of trade school + 2โ€“4 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 youโ€™re 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 $120,000โ€”depending on your skills, location, and ambition. Plumbing isnโ€™t just about fixing leaks; itโ€™s a recession-proof, high-demand career with real upward mobility. Whether youโ€™re a student, career-changer, or curious homeowner, understanding plumbing salaries helps you make smarter decisions.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone exploring a trade career! ๐Ÿ’ง๐Ÿ”ง
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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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