Thinking about a career in plumbing—or just wondering if it’s as lucrative as people say? You’re not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, well-paying alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. If you’ve ever asked, “How much does a plumber make in the US?”, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down real earnings, regional differences, and what actually drives a plumber’s income—so you can make informed decisions about your future or hiring needs.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in the US?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $60,090 as of May 2023. That translates to about $28.89 per hour. But here’s the thing: this is just the median. Your actual earnings can vary widely based on experience, location, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own business.
Bottom 10% earned less than $37,060 annually
Top 10% earned more than $102,740 annually
This wide range shows that plumbing isn’t just a “job”—it’s a career with serious earning potential.
💡 Fun fact: Master plumbers in high-demand metro areas like San Francisco or New York often earn six figures—especially if they own their own business.
How Do Plumber Salaries Vary by State?
Location plays a huge role in how much a plumber makes in the US. Cost of living, local demand, union presence, and licensing requirements all influence pay.
Here’s a snapshot of top-paying states for plumbers (BLS, 2023):
Illinois
$86,120
Alaska
$83,590
Massachusetts
$82,760
New Jersey
$81,910
Hawaii
$81,550
Conversely, states like Mississippi ($45,100) and South Dakota ($47,300) report lower average wages—though cost of living is also significantly lower.
🌎 Pro Tip: If you’re willing to relocate or work in underserved rural areas, some states offer signing bonuses or loan forgiveness for licensed tradespeople.
What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Earnings?
Not all plumbers earn the same—and that’s by design. Several key factors determine your paycheck:
1. Experience Level
Apprentice: $18–$25/hour (while learning on the job)
Plumbers and electricians consistently rank among the highest-paid skilled trades, thanks to licensing requirements, physical demands, and the critical nature of their work.
Yes—absolutely. While not every plumber hits $100K+, it’s very achievable with the right strategy:
✅ Get your master license (required in most states to run a business) ✅ Specialize in high-demand areas (e.g., commercial, medical, or industrial plumbing) ✅ Start your own company—even a solo operation with 2–3 vans can generate $150K+ revenue ✅ Offer 24/7 emergency services (premium pricing) ✅ Upsell maintenance contracts (recurring revenue)
Real-world example: Mike R., a master plumber in Chicago, started his one-man shop in 2018. By 2024, he employed 5 technicians and reported $420,000 in annual revenue—with a personal take-home of $118,000 after expenses.
Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Your Plumbing Income
Want to boost your earnings? Follow this roadmap:
Complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship (paid while you learn)
Pass your journeyman exam (varies by state)
Work 2–4 years as a journeyman to build skills and reputation
Earn your master plumber license (typically requires 1–2 more years of experience)
Choose your path: Stay employed for stability, or launch a business for scale
Invest in marketing (Google Business Profile, reviews, local SEO)
Track every dollar—use accounting software to manage taxes and profits
💼 Bonus: Many states offer grants or tax credits for new trade businesses—check your local workforce development board.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries
Q: Do plumbers really make more than college graduates?
A: Often, yes. The median plumber earns more than 40% of bachelor’s degree holders (whose median income is ~$56,000). Plus, plumbers avoid student debt—most apprenticeships are paid.
Q: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
A: Typically 4–5 years through an apprenticeship (2,000 hours of on-the-job training + classroom instruction per year). After that, you can test for journeyman status.
Q: Are plumbing jobs in demand?
A: Extremely. The BLS projects 5% job growth from 2022–2032—faster than average—due to infrastructure upgrades, new construction, and retiring workers.
Q: Can women succeed in plumbing?
A: Absolutely. While only ~2% of plumbers are women, those who enter the field report high job satisfaction, strong pay, and growing support networks (e.g., Nontraditional Employment for Women).
Q: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job?
A: Industrial or offshore plumbers (e.g., on oil rigs or in power plants) can earn $90,000–$130,000+, especially with hazard pay and overtime.
Q: Do plumbers get benefits?
A: Union and full-time company plumbers usually get health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Self-employed plumbers must secure their own—but can deduct costs.
Conclusion
So, how much does a plumber make in the US? The answer is: as much as your skills, hustle, and strategy allow. From a solid $50K starting out to six figures with experience and entrepreneurship, plumbing offers one of the most reliable paths to financial stability in the skilled trades.
Whether you’re considering this career or just curious, one thing is clear: plumbers are essential, respected, and well-compensated—especially in today’s economy.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with someone exploring a trade career! 💧🔧 Tag a future plumber on social media or send this to a student weighing their options.
Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), United Association (UA), industry salary surveys. Article updated: October 2025
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