Thinking about becoming a plumber in Michigan—or just curious how much plumbers earn in the Great Lakes State? You’re not alone. With skilled trades in high demand and cost-of-living concerns rising, knowing how much a plumber makes in Michigan can help you plan your career path or hiring budget. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date salary data, regional differences, and factors that can boost your plumbing income—all backed by official sources and real-world insights.
What’s the Average Plumber Salary in Michigan in 2025?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and recent data from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, the average annual salary for a plumber in Michigan is $62,480 as of 2025. This translates to roughly $30.04 per hour for full-time work.
But remember—this is just an average. Your actual earnings can vary widely depending on:
Years of experience
Level of licensure (Apprentice vs. Journeyman vs. Master)
Geographic location within Michigan
Type of employer (residential, commercial, union vs. non-union)
For context, the national average plumber salary in 2025 is about $64,010, meaning Michigan pays slightly below the U.S. norm—but with a lower cost of living in many areas, this often balances out.
How Does Pay Vary by Experience Level?
Plumbing is a tiered profession. Your earning potential grows significantly as you advance through licensing stages:
Apprentice
$35,000 – $45,000
$17 – $22
Journeyman
$55,000 – $70,000
$26 – $34
Master Plumber
$75,000 – $95,000+
$36 – $46+
Apprentices typically earn while they learn—often through union programs like those offered by the United Association (UA) or local community colleges. After 4–5 years and passing the journeyman exam, plumbers see a major pay jump. Master plumbers, who can run their own businesses or supervise teams, command the highest wages.
💡 Pro Tip: In Michigan, you must be licensed at the journeyman or master level to work independently. More on licensing below.
Ohio plumbers liability insurance
Which Michigan Cities Pay Plumbers the Most?
Location matters. Urban centers with higher housing demand and commercial construction tend to offer better pay. Here’s how plumber salaries compare across key Michigan cities in 2025:
Detroit
$66,200
Grand Rapids
$63,800
Lansing
$61,500
Ann Arbor
$68,900
Traverse City
$59,300
Flint
$57,200
Ann Arbor tops the list, driven by its strong economy, university presence, and higher cost of living. Detroit follows closely, with steady demand from aging infrastructure and urban redevelopment projects.
If you’re willing to travel or work on-call, you might also earn overtime premiums (1.5x regular pay) or emergency service fees—common in residential plumbing.
What Factors Can Increase a Plumber’s Earnings in Michigan?
Beyond experience and location, several strategies can boost your income:
Specialize: Pipefitters, gas line installers, or green plumbing experts often earn 10–20% more.
Start Your Own Business: Self-employed plumbers keep 100% of profits (after expenses). Many solo operators in Michigan clear $80K–$120K annually.
Join a Union: Union plumbers (e.g., UA Local 565 in Detroit) typically receive higher base wages, health benefits, and pension plans.
Get Certified in High-Demand Areas: Certifications in backflow prevention, medical gas, or solar water heating can open premium-paying jobs.
According to the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), over 12,000 licensed plumbers are active in the state—yet demand still outpaces supply, especially in rural and northern regions.
How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Michigan: Step-by-Step
Michigan requires licensing to work legally as a plumber. Here’s the path:
📌 Note: Michigan follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC), which aligns with national standards. More on plumbing codes can be found on Wikipedia’s plumbing page .
Plumbing Salary vs. Other Skilled Trades in Michigan
How does plumbing compare to other hands-on careers in the state? Here’s a snapshot:
Electrician
$65,200
HVAC Technician
$58,900
Carpenter
$54,300
Plumber
$62,480
Welder
$49,700
Plumbing ranks second only to electrical work in earning potential among common skilled trades—plus it offers strong job security. The BLS projects 11% job growth for plumbers nationwide through 2032, faster than average.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries in Michigan
Q: Do plumbers in Michigan make good money? A: Yes. With median earnings near $62K and top earners clearing $90K+, plumbing offers solid middle-class income—especially with experience or business ownership.
Q: How much do apprentice plumbers make in Michigan? A: Apprentices typically start at $17–$20/hour, with raises every 1,000 work hours. Many programs also include health benefits and tuition support.
Q: Are plumbers in demand in Michigan? A: Absolutely. Aging infrastructure, new construction, and a wave of retirements mean thousands of openings are expected over the next decade.
Q: Can I work as a plumber in Michigan without a license? A: No. Michigan law requires a journeyman or master license to perform plumbing work for pay. Working unlicensed can result in fines up to $5,000.
Q: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job in Michigan? A: Master plumbers who own businesses or specialize in industrial/commercial systems (e.g., hospitals, factories) often earn $90K–$130K annually.
Q: How do union vs. non-union plumber salaries compare? A: Union plumbers usually earn 15–25% more, plus benefits. However, non-union roles may offer more scheduling flexibility.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber make in Michigan? On average, about $62,480 per year—but with room to earn far more through experience, specialization, or entrepreneurship. Whether you’re exploring a new career or hiring for a project, understanding Michigan’s plumbing pay landscape gives you a real advantage.
Plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks; it’s a stable, respected, and financially rewarding trade in a state that values skilled workers.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend considering a trade career—or post it on LinkedIn to help others in Michigan explore high-demand jobs! 💧🔧
Leave a Reply