How Much Does a Plumber Make an Hour in 2024?

Home ยป How Much Does a Plumber Make an Hour in 2024?

Thinking about becoming a plumberโ€”or just curious how much they earn? Youโ€™re not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, well-paying alternatives to traditional college paths. If youโ€™ve ever asked, โ€œHow much does a plumber make an hour?โ€ youโ€™re in the right place. In this guide, weโ€™ll break down current earnings, regional differences, experience levels, and what you can do to maximize your income in this essential professionโ€”all 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 moreโ€”especially 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. Hereโ€™s a snapshot of the top 5 highest-paying states for plumbers (BLS, 2023):

1Illinois$42.10$87,570
2Alaska$41.35$85,990
3Hawaii$39.80$82,780
4New Jersey$38.90$80,910
5Massachusetts$38.50$80,080

In contrast, states like Mississippi and West Virginia report average hourly wages below $22.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Urban centers like Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco often pay above state averages due to higher demand and cost of livingโ€”even if the state overall ranks lower.

How Much Does A Plumber Make An Hour

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 (0โ€“2 years): $15โ€“$22/hour
    • Paid while learning; often sponsored by unions or contractors
  • Journeyman (2โ€“5 years): $25โ€“$35/hour
    • Licensed to work independently in most states
  • Master Plumber (5+ years): $35โ€“$55+/hour
    • Can supervise teams, pull permits, and start a business

Many plumbers also earn overtime (1.5x base rate) or emergency service premiums (e.g., +$50โ€“$100 per after-hours call).

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) , 68% of plumbing contractors report difficulty hiring skilled workersโ€”making experienced plumbers highly valuable.


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

This is a common questionโ€”and the answer isnโ€™t straightforward.

Company-Employed Plumbers

โœ… Pros:

  • Steady paycheck
  • Benefits (health insurance, retirement)
  • No overhead costs

โŒ Cons:

  • Capped earning potential
  • Less scheduling flexibility

Self-Employed (Independent) Plumbers

โœ… Pros:

  • Keep 100% of profits
  • Set your own rates ($75โ€“$150/hour is common for solo contractors)
  • Build equity in a business

โŒ 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€“$90,000โ€”still competitive with many white-collar jobs.

For more on trade careers, see the Wikipedia entry on plumbing .


How to Increase Your Hourly Earnings as a Plumber

Want to boost your plumbing income? Hereโ€™s a step-by-step roadmap:

  1. Get Licensed: Most states require journeyman and master licenses. Higher credentials = higher pay.
  2. Specialize: Focus on high-demand niches like:
    • Gas line installation
    • Medical gas systems
    • Green plumbing (water-efficient fixtures)
  3. Work Overtime or On-Call: Emergency jobs often pay double.
  4. Join a Union: Union plumbers (e.g., UA Local) often earn 15โ€“25% more than non-union peers.
  5. Upskill with Tech: Learn to use drain cameras, leak detection tools, or smart plumbing systemsโ€”clients pay premiums for tech-savvy pros.
  6. 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: Yesโ€”especially 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 4โ€“5 years and include classroom training plus paid on-the-job work.

Q3: Are plumbing wages increasing?

A: Yes. The BLS projects 5% job growth (2022โ€“2032)โ€”faster than averageโ€”driven by infrastructure upgrades and new construction. Wage growth has averaged 3โ€“4% yearly since 2020.

Q4: Whatโ€™s 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 1โ€“2 year programs, but on-the-job training is the most common path.

Q6: How do tips affect a plumberโ€™s income?

A: While not expected, many homeowners tip $20โ€“$50 for excellent serviceโ€”especially on emergency calls. Itโ€™s 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 expertsโ€”with location, experience, and business model playing huge roles. Plumbing isnโ€™t just about fixing leaks; itโ€™s a recession-resistant, high-demand career with clear paths to financial stability and even entrepreneurship.

Whether youโ€™re considering this trade or just comparing salaries, one thing is clear: skilled plumbers are essentialโ€”and well-compensated.

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