Thinking about becoming a plumber in Texas—or just wondering if your current pay is competitive? You’re not alone. With Texas’s booming construction industry and growing population, plumbing is a high-demand trade. But how much does a plumber make an hour in Texas exactly? In this guide, we’ll break down real 2025 wage data, factors that affect earnings, and how you can maximize your income in this essential profession—all backed by official sources and industry insights.
What Is the Average Hourly Wage for Plumbers in Texas?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and recent 2025 data from the Texas Workforce Commission, the average hourly wage for a licensed plumber in Texas is $28.50. However, this figure can vary widely based on experience, location, and specialization.
- Entry-level plumbers (0–2 years): $18–$24/hour
- Mid-career plumbers (3–7 years): $25–$35/hour
- Experienced/master plumbers (8+ years): $36–$50+/hour
Some top-tier plumbing contractors in cities like Austin or Dallas even pay $60+ per hour for emergency or commercial work.
💡 Pro Tip: Union plumbers or those working for large firms often earn 10–20% more than independent contractors—though they may have less scheduling flexibility.
How Do Texas Plumbing Salaries Compare to the National Average?
Nationally, plumbers earn an average of $29.85/hour (BLS, May 2024). Texas sits just slightly below this average—but with a significantly lower cost of living, especially outside major metros, plumbers here often enjoy greater purchasing power.
| Texas (Statewide) | $28.50 | 88 (U.S. avg = 100) |
| California | $35.20 | 152 |
| New York | $38.10 | 187 |
| Florida | $27.90 | 97 |
Source: Council for Community and Economic Research, 2025
This means a plumber earning $28/hour in Houston can often live more comfortably than one making $35/hour in Los Angeles.
Which Texas Cities Pay Plumbers the Most?
Location matters—a lot. Urban centers with high construction activity and skilled labor shortages offer the best pay.
Top 5 Highest-Paying Metro Areas for Plumbers in Texas (2025):
- Austin-Round Rock: $32.40/hour
- Dallas-Fort Worth: $31.80/hour
- Houston-The Woodlands: $30.60/hour
- San Antonio: $27.90/hour
- El Paso: $25.30/hour
Rural areas typically pay less ($20–$24/hour), but may offer lower overhead for self-employed plumbers (e.g., cheaper van insurance, tools, and housing).
📌 Note: Emergency call-outs, weekend work, and commercial plumbing jobs in these cities can boost hourly rates by 25–50%.
What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Hourly Rate in Texas?
Your pay isn’t just about turning wrenches—it’s shaped by several key variables:
- License Level: Texas requires plumbers to be licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Journeyman plumbers earn more than apprentices; master plumbers command the highest rates.
- Specialization: Gas line installers, medical gas plumbers, or green plumbing (water-efficient systems) specialists often earn 15–30% more.
- Employment Type:
- Company-employed: Steady pay + benefits
- Self-employed: Higher hourly potential but variable income
- Overtime & Emergency Work: Many plumbers charge 1.5x–2x their standard rate after hours.
- Union Membership: Union plumbers (e.g., through UA Local 68 in Dallas) often secure better wages and job protections.
For more on licensing, see the Texas plumbing regulations overview on Wikipedia .
How to Increase Your Hourly Earnings as a Plumber in Texas
Want to move from $25/hour to $40+? Here’s a step-by-step roadmap:
- Get Licensed: Complete your apprenticeship (typically 4 years) and pass the Texas journeyman exam.
- Specialize: Take certified courses in areas like backflow prevention, solar water heating, or trenchless sewer repair.
- Build a Reputation: Use platforms like Angi or HomeAdvisor to collect reviews—clients pay premium rates for trusted pros.
- Go Mobile-Efficient: Invest in GPS routing apps and digital invoicing to handle more jobs per day.
- Offer Emergency Services: Advertise 24/7 availability—many Texans will pay $75–$125/hour for a burst pipe at 2 a.m.
✅ Real Example: Miguel R., a master plumber in San Antonio, increased his hourly rate from $32 to $48 by adding video sewer inspections and offering same-day service—without raising his base price for regular jobs.
Plumbing vs. Other Skilled Trades in Texas: Who Earns More?
How does plumbing stack up against electricians, HVAC techs, or welders?
| Plumber | $28.50 |
| Electrician | $29.10 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.80 |
| Welder | $25.40 |
| Construction Manager | $42.00 |
While plumbers aren’t the highest-paid, they enjoy strong job stability (plumbing is recession-resistant) and lower startup costs than many trades. Plus, demand is surging—Texas adds ~300,000 residents yearly, all needing pipes!
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries in Texas
Q1: Do plumbers in Texas make good money?
A: Yes—especially with experience. The top 10% of plumbers in Texas earn over $60/hour, and many self-employed plumbers clear $80,000–$120,000 annually after expenses.
Q2: How much do apprentice plumbers make in Texas?
A: Apprentices typically earn $15–$20/hour while training. Pay increases each year as they gain skills and classroom hours.
Q3: Is plumbing a good career in Texas?
A: Absolutely. With a projected 14% job growth through 2030 (faster than average) and constant demand for residential/commercial services, plumbing offers long-term security and upward mobility.
Q4: Do I need a license to work as a plumber in Texas?
A: Yes. Texas law requires all plumbers to be licensed at the apprentice, journeyman, or master level. Working without a license can result in fines or legal action.
Q5: Can plumbers make six figures in Texas?
A: Yes—especially if you own your business, specialize in high-demand niches (like commercial plumbing), or work in fast-growing cities like Austin or Frisco.
Q6: How many hours do plumbers work per week in Texas?
A: Most work 40–50 hours/week. Overtime is common during peak seasons (summer AC installs, winter pipe freezes), and many offer weekend availability for extra income.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber make an hour in Texas in 2025? On average, $28.50—but with the right skills, location, and hustle, you can easily earn $40–$60/hour or more. Whether you’re entering the trade or leveling up your career, Texas offers fertile ground for plumbers to thrive thanks to its growth, low taxes, and steady demand.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend considering a trade career—or tag a plumber who deserves a raise! 💧🔧
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