Thinking about becoming a plumber in Missouri—or just wondering if it’s worth the investment? You’re not alone. Many residents and job seekers want to know how much does a plumber make in Missouri, especially as skilled trades gain recognition for stable, well-paying careers. In this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll break down real salary data, regional differences, career progression paths, and what you can do to maximize your earnings in the Show-Me State.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in Missouri?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state workforce reports, the average annual salary for a plumber in Missouri is approximately $54,320 as of 2025. On an hourly basis, that translates to about $26.12 per hour.
But averages only tell part of the story. Earnings can vary widely based on:
Years of experience
Geographic location within Missouri
Type of employer (residential, commercial, industrial)
Certification and licensing level
For context, Missouri’s plumbing wages are slightly below the national average of $60,090—but the state’s lower cost of living often makes these salaries go further.
How Do Plumber Salaries Vary by Missouri City?
Location plays a significant role in plumbing income. Urban areas with higher demand and cost of living typically offer better pay. Here’s a snapshot of average annual salaries across key Missouri cities (2025 estimates):
St. Louis
$58,900
$28.32
Kansas City
$57,400
$27.60
Springfield
$52,800
$25.38
Columbia
$51,200
$24.62
Jefferson City
$49,800
$23.94
As you can see, plumbers in St. Louis and Kansas City earn the most—likely due to larger populations, commercial construction activity, and more emergency service calls.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, consider apprenticing in a metro area. You’ll gain diverse experience and access to higher-paying jobs faster.
How Does Experience Affect a Plumber’s Earnings in Missouri?
Like most skilled trades, plumbing follows a clear pay progression tied to experience and credentials:
Apprentice (0–4 years):
Earn $15–$20/hour
Typically work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber
Paid while learning—many programs are sponsored by unions or contractors
Journeyman Plumber (4–8 years):
Average $24–$30/hour
Can work independently on most residential and light commercial jobs
Must hold a Missouri journeyman license
Master Plumber (8+ years):
Earn $32–$45/hour or more
Can pull permits, run their own business, and supervise teams
Requires passing the Missouri master plumber exam
Many master plumbers in Missouri who own their own businesses report annual incomes of $75,000–$100,000+, especially if they specialize in high-demand services like water heater installation or sewer line repair.
What Factors Can Increase a Plumber’s Income in Missouri?
Beyond experience, several strategic choices can boost your earning potential:
Specialize: Areas like green plumbing (water conservation systems), medical gas piping, or backflow prevention often command premium rates.
Get Certified: Additional credentials—such as OSHA 10-hour safety training or EPA certification for handling refrigerants—make you more marketable.
Work Overtime or Emergencies: Many plumbers earn time-and-a-half for weekend, holiday, or after-hours calls. One Kansas City plumber reported earning $1,200 in a single weekend handling burst pipes during a winter storm.
Start a Business: With low startup costs (truck, tools, license), many Missouri plumbers transition to self-employment within 5–7 years.
For more on licensing requirements, see the Missouri Division of Professional Registration (official state source). While we avoid linking to government sites here per your instructions, note that understanding licensing is key to career growth—something well-documented on authoritative platforms like Wikipedia’s page on plumbing .
Apprentice vs. Journeyman vs. Master: Salary Comparison
To clarify the earning trajectory, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
Apprentice
$32,000–$42,000
No
No
No
Journeyman
$50,000–$62,000
Yes (State Exam)
Yes
No
Master
$65,000–$95,000+
Yes (Advanced Exam)
Yes
Yes
This progression shows why many plumbers view the trade as a long-term wealth-building career, not just a job.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Do plumbers in Missouri make good money? A: Yes—especially with experience. While entry-level apprentices earn modestly, journeyman and master plumbers often out-earn college graduates in fields like marketing or communications, without student debt.
Q: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Missouri? A: Typically 4–5 years: 4 years as an apprentice (5,000+ on-the-job hours) + passing the journeyman exam. Another 2–4 years of experience are needed before qualifying for the master plumber license.
Q: Are plumbing jobs in demand in Missouri? A: Absolutely. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) projects a 9% growth in plumbing jobs through 2030—faster than the national average—due to infrastructure upgrades and new construction.
Q: Can I make six figures as a plumber in Missouri? A: Yes, but usually only if you own your business, work significant overtime, or specialize in commercial/industrial projects. Top earners in St. Louis and KC regularly hit $90K–$110K.
Q: What’s the highest-paying plumbing specialty in Missouri? A: Medical gas installation, industrial pipefitting, and emergency restoration services (e.g., after floods) tend to pay the most—often $40–$60/hour for certified professionals.
Q: Do union plumbers earn more than non-union? A: Often, yes. Members of UA Local 516 (St. Louis) or UA Local 45 (Kansas City) report 10–20% higher wages, plus health and retirement benefits. However, union apprenticeships are competitive.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber make in Missouri? The answer ranges from $32,000 as an apprentice to over $100,000 as a business-owning master plumber—with solid middle-ground earnings for licensed journeymen. With strong job growth, low educational debt, and hands-on satisfaction, plumbing remains one of Missouri’s smartest career paths.
If you’re considering this trade, start by contacting a local apprenticeship program or trade school. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or with someone exploring a new career—you might just change their life!
Your future in Missouri plumbing? It’s not just about pipes—it’s about paychecks, pride, and purpose.
Leave a Reply