How Much Does an Average Plumber Make a Year? (2025 Guide)

Thinking about becoming a plumber—or just wondering if it’s a financially smart career move? You’re not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, well-paying alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. If you’ve ever searched “how much does an average plumber make a year,” you’re likely weighing your options or planning your next career step. In this guide, we’ll break down real earnings data, regional differences, and what you can do to boost your income in this essential profession.

What Is the Average Plumber Salary in the U.S.?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2024, the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $60,090. This means half of all plumbers earned more than this amount, and half earned less.

But averages only tell part of the story. Top earners—especially those in high-demand areas or with specialized certifications—can make well over $100,000 per year. Entry-level plumbers, on the other hand, may start around $35,000–$45,000, depending on location and employer.

💡 Pro Tip: The BLS projects employment of plumbers to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations—driven by new construction and aging infrastructure.

What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Salary?

Several key variables determine how much a plumber earns. Understanding these can help you position yourself for higher pay.

1. Geographic Location

Plumbers in urban or high-cost states typically earn more:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

Plumbers in Alaska and the Northeast often command premium rates due to higher living costs and complex infrastructure needs.

2. Experience Level

• Apprentice (0–4 years): $18–$25/hour
• Journeyman (4–8 years): $25–$40/hour
• Master Plumber (8+ years + license): $40–$75+/hour

Many plumbers transition from hourly wages to flat-rate pricing or contract work, which can significantly increase earnings.

3. Specialization

Specialized skills = higher pay. Consider these niches:

• Commercial plumbing (hospitals, offices): +15–25% over residential
• Medical gas piping: Requires certification but pays $80K–$120K
• Green plumbing (water-efficient systems): Growing demand in eco-conscious markets

4. Employment Type

• Self-employed plumbers often earn more but handle business costs (insurance, marketing, tools).
• Union plumbers may have higher base pay and benefits but less scheduling flexibility.
• Emergency or after-hours service can double your hourly rate.

How Do Plumbers Get Paid? (Hourly vs. Salary vs. Contract)

Most plumbers are not salaried employees. Instead, they’re paid through:

• Hourly wages (common for employees): $20–$50/hour
• Per-job pricing (common for contractors): $150–$800+ per service call
• Flat-rate systems: Companies charge a fixed price based on job complexity—technicians earn bonuses for efficiency.

📌 Example: A master plumber in Chicago charging $125/hour for drain cleaning (2 hours) earns $250 before expenses. If they complete 3 jobs/day, 5 days/week—that’s $3,750/week or ~$195,000/year (before taxes and overhead).

How to Increase Your Plumber Income (Step-by-Step)

Want to move from average earnings to top-tier? Follow these actionable steps:

Step 1: Get Licensed as a Master Plumber

Most states require 2–5 years of experience plus an exam. A master plumber license allows you to pull permits, run your own business, and tackle complex commercial jobs.

Step 2: Add High-Demand Certifications

Consider certifications like:

• Backflow prevention
• OSHA 30-hour safety
• GreenPlumber® (water efficiency)

These can justify premium pricing and open doors to government or LEED-certified projects.

Step 3: Start Your Own Business

Self-employment lets you keep 100% of profits. Begin small:

• Register your business (LLC recommended)
• Get liability insurance ($500–$1,200/year)
• Build a simple website with SEO (use keywords like “emergency plumber in [city]”)
• Offer 24/7 emergency services (charge 1.5x–2x standard rates)

Step 4: Leverage Online Reviews & Local SEO

87% of homeowners check reviews before hiring a plumber (HomeAdvisor, 2024 ). Ask satisfied customers to leave Google reviews—and respond to every one.

Plumbing vs. Other Skilled Trades: Salary Comparison

Is plumbing the best trade for income? Here’s how it stacks up:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Plumbing is on par with electrical work and often offers more consistent demand—people always need running water, even in recessions.

For more on skilled trades, see Wikipedia’s overview of vocational careers .

FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries

Q1: Do plumbers really make six figures?

Yes—many do. Master plumbers in high-cost states (like California or New York), those running their own businesses, or specialists in commercial/industrial plumbing regularly earn $100,000–$150,000 annually. Success depends on location, hustle, and business acumen.

Q2: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?

Most apprenticeships last 4–5 years, combining 2,000 hours of on-the-job training with classroom instruction. After that, you can take the journeyman exam. Another 1–2 years of experience may qualify you for a master license.

Q3: Are plumbing jobs recession-proof?

Largely, yes. Plumbing is essential—leaks, clogs, and broken water heaters don’t wait for economic recovery. In fact, during downturns, more people repair instead of replace, increasing service calls.

Q4: Can I make good money as a part-time plumber?

Absolutely. Many plumbers start part-time while working another job. Weekend emergency calls or side gigs (e.g., installing fixtures) can bring in $1,000–$3,000/month extra.

Q5: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job?

Medical gas piping and industrial plumbing (e.g., in power plants or refineries) are among the highest-paying niches, often exceeding $120,000/year with the right certifications and safety training.

Q6: Do female plumbers earn the same as men?

The trade is working toward equity. While women represent only ~2% of plumbers, those in the field report equal pay for equal work—especially in union or government roles. Mentorship programs (like Women in Trades) are helping close the gap.

Conclusion: Plumbing Pays—If You’re Willing to Work Smart

So, how much does an average plumber make a year? The median is around $60,000, but with the right skills, location, and business strategy, $80,000–$120,000 is very achievable—without student debt or a college degree.

Plumbing offers stability, growth, and real-world impact. Whether you’re starting an apprenticeship or launching your own company, this trade rewards dedication, reliability, and continuous learning.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with someone considering a career in the trades! 💧🔧
Tag a future plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram—and help break the myth that “college is the only path to success.”