Thinking about becoming a plumberโor just curious how much they earn? Youโre not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, well-paying alternatives to traditional college paths. If youโve ever asked, โHow much does a plumber make an hour?โ youโre in the right place. In this guide, weโll break down current earnings, regional differences, experience levels, and what you can do to maximize your income in this essential professionโall based on the latest data from trusted sources.
What Is the Average Hourly Wage for a Plumber in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $29.32. That translates to roughly $61,000 annually for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
But averages only tell part of the story. Your actual earnings depend on several key factors:
Geographic location
Years of experience
Type of employer (residential vs. commercial vs. industrial)
Union membership
Overtime and emergency call availability
For example, entry-level plumbers may start around $18โ$22/hour, while seasoned professionals in high-demand areas can earn $45โ$60/hour or moreโespecially if they run their own businesses.
How Do Plumber Salaries Vary by State?
Location dramatically impacts plumbing wages. States with high costs of living or labor shortages often pay more. Hereโs a snapshot of the top 5 highest-paying states for plumbers (BLS, 2023):
1
Illinois
$42.10
$87,570
2
Alaska
$41.35
$85,990
3
Hawaii
$39.80
$82,780
4
New Jersey
$38.90
$80,910
5
Massachusetts
$38.50
$80,080
In contrast, states like Mississippi and West Virginia report average hourly wages below $22.
๐ก Pro Tip: Urban centers like Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco often pay above state averages due to higher demand and cost of livingโeven if the state overall ranks lower.
How Experience Level Affects Hourly Pay
Plumbing is a career where skills = salary. As you gain certifications and hands-on experience, your earning potential grows significantly.
Typical Hourly Wage by Career Stage:
Apprentice (0โ2 years): $15โ$22/hour
Paid while learning; often sponsored by unions or contractors
Self-Employed vs. Company-Employed Plumbers: Who Earns More?
This is a common questionโand the answer isnโt straightforward.
Company-Employed Plumbers
โ Pros:
Steady paycheck
Benefits (health insurance, retirement)
No overhead costs
โ Cons:
Capped earning potential
Less scheduling flexibility
Self-Employed (Independent) Plumbers
โ Pros:
Keep 100% of profits
Set your own rates ($75โ$150/hour is common for solo contractors)
Build equity in a business
โ Cons:
Must cover insurance, tools, marketing, and taxes
Income can fluctuate
Real-World Example: A solo plumber in Austin, Texas, charging $95/hour with 25 billable hours/week earns ~$123,500/year before expenses. After costs (vehicle, software, insurance), net profit may be $70,000โ$90,000โstill competitive with many white-collar jobs.
Want to boost your plumbing income? Hereโs a step-by-step roadmap:
Get Licensed: Most states require journeyman and master licenses. Higher credentials = higher pay.
Specialize: Focus on high-demand niches like:
Gas line installation
Medical gas systems
Green plumbing (water-efficient fixtures)
Work Overtime or On-Call: Emergency jobs often pay double.
Join a Union: Union plumbers (e.g., UA Local) often earn 15โ25% more than non-union peers.
Upskill with Tech: Learn to use drain cameras, leak detection tools, or smart plumbing systemsโclients pay premiums for tech-savvy pros.
Start Small: Offer side gigs (e.g., weekend faucet installs) to build a client base before going full-time solo.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Hourly Wages
Q1: Do plumbers really make six figures?
A: Yesโespecially in high-cost states or if self-employed. Master plumbers in California, New York, or Illinois regularly earn $80,000โ$120,000/year. Top 10% earners (per BLS) make over $102,000 annually.
Q2: How much do apprentice plumbers make per hour?
A: Typically $15โ$22/hour. Apprenticeships last 4โ5 years and include classroom training plus paid on-the-job work.
Q3: Are plumbing wages increasing?
A: Yes. The BLS projects 5% job growth (2022โ2032)โfaster than averageโdriven by infrastructure upgrades and new construction. Wage growth has averaged 3โ4% yearly since 2020.
Q4: Whatโs the difference between a plumber and a pipefitter?
A: Plumbers work on water, waste, and gas systems in homes/buildings. Pipefitters handle high-pressure industrial systems (e.g., in power plants). Pipefitters often earn slightly more due to complexity.
Q5: Can I become a plumber without college?
A: Absolutely. Most plumbers enter via apprenticeships (no degree required). Trade schools offer 1โ2 year programs, but on-the-job training is the most common path.
Q6: How do tips affect a plumberโs income?
A: While not expected, many homeowners tip $20โ$50 for excellent serviceโespecially on emergency calls. Itโs not a major income source but adds up over time.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber make an hour? The answer ranges from $18 for beginners to over $60 for expertsโwith location, experience, and business model playing huge roles. Plumbing isnโt just about fixing leaks; itโs a recession-resistant, high-demand career with clear paths to financial stability and even entrepreneurship.
Whether youโre considering this trade or just comparing salaries, one thing is clear: skilled plumbers are essentialโand well-compensated.
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