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 asked, “How much does the average plumber make a year?” you’re in the right place. We’ll break down real 2024 data, regional differences, and how experience impacts earnings—so you can make informed decisions about your future.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in the U.S. in 2024?
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—the most recent official data available. This translates to about $28.89 per hour for full-time work.
But “average” can be misleading. Salaries vary widely based on:
Geographic location
Years of experience
Specialization (e.g., commercial vs. residential)
Union membership
Self-employment vs. working for a company
For context:
The lowest 10% earned less than $37,920 annually.
The top 10% made over $101,850 per year.
This range shows plumbing isn’t just a “good” job—it can be a high-income skilled trade with the right path.
How Does Location Affect a Plumber’s Earnings?
Where you work dramatically impacts your paycheck. High-cost states often pay more to offset living expenses—but not always. Here’s a snapshot of top-paying states for plumbers (BLS, 2023):
Illinois
$89,290
Alaska
$87,720
Massachusetts
$84,390
New Jersey
$83,780
Hawaii
$82,570
Conversely, states like Mississippi ($43,110) and West Virginia ($44,230) report significantly lower averages.
Why the difference?
Urban demand (e.g., Chicago, Boston) drives up wages.
Local licensing and union strength influence pay scales.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re mobile, consider relocating to a high-demand area early in your career—it can boost lifetime earnings by $200K+.
How Experience and Certification Boost Your Income
Entry-level plumbers typically start around $15–$20/hour. But with time and credentials, earnings climb fast:
Apprentice (0–4 years): $30,000–$45,000/year
Journeyman (4–8 years): $45,000–$70,000/year
Master Plumber (8+ years + license): $70,000–$100,000+/year
Earning a Master Plumber license—required in most states to run your own business—opens doors to higher-paying contracts and supervisory roles.
Specialized certifications also pay off:
Medical gas piping
Green plumbing (water efficiency)
Backflow prevention
These niches often command 10–25% higher hourly rates due to technical complexity and liability.
Self-Employed Plumbers vs. Company Employees: Who Earns More?
Many plumbers eventually go solo. But is it worth it? Let’s compare:
Avg. Annual Income
$50,000–$75,000
$60,000–$120,000+
Benefits
Health insurance, PTO
None (must self-fund)
Job Security
Steady hours
Variable (seasonal dips)
Overhead Costs
None
Tools, insurance, marketing
Growth Potential
Limited by employer
Unlimited (scale your biz)
While self-employed plumbers can earn significantly more, they also face business risks. Success often depends on marketing savvy, customer service, and financial management—not just wrench skills.
📌 Real-World Example: Mike R., a master plumber in Denver, started his own shop after 10 years with a contractor. Within 3 years, his annual revenue hit $180,000—with a net profit of ~$95,000 after expenses.
How Plumbing Salaries Compare to Other Skilled Trades
Plumbing holds its own against other blue-collar careers. Here’s how 2023 median salaries stack up (BLS data):
Electricians: $60,240
HVAC Technicians: $51,390
Carpenters: $51,370
Welders: $48,240
Plumbers rank among the highest-paid skilled trades, often surpassing electricians in high-demand regions. Plus, plumbing work is less likely to be automated—making it a future-proof career.
Want to land in the top 10% of earners? Follow this roadmap:
Complete a formal apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years; paid while you learn).
Get licensed in your state—most require 2–4 years of experience + exam.
Pursue Master Plumber certification to unlock commercial jobs and business ownership.
Specialize early (e.g., solar water heating, smart plumbing tech).
Build a personal brand—use social media or Google Business to attract clients if self-employed.
Join a union (like UA – United Association) for negotiated wages and benefits in some regions.
Each step compounds your value—and your paycheck.
FAQ Section
Q: Do plumbers really make six figures? A: Yes—especially master plumbers in high-cost states or those running successful businesses. The top 10% earn over $101,850, and many solo entrepreneurs clear $100K+ after expenses.
Q: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber? A: Typically 4–5 years: 2 years of classroom training + 2,000–4,000 hours of hands-on apprenticeship, followed by a state licensing exam.
Q: Is plumbing a good career for women? A: Absolutely. While still male-dominated (~97% men), more women are entering the trade—and many report high job satisfaction, strong demand, and equal pay for equal work.
Q: Do plumbers get paid overtime? A: Yes, especially emergency or weekend call-outs. Many charge 1.5x–2x their standard rate for after-hours service—boosting annual income significantly.
Q: Can you make good money as a part-time plumber? A: It’s possible (e.g., side gigs via apps like Angi), but full-time work with certifications yields far higher and more stable earnings.
Q: How does inflation affect plumber salaries? A: Plumbing services are in constant demand (people always need working toilets and pipes!), so wages tend to rise with inflation—often faster than national averages.
Conclusion
So, how much does the average plumber make a year? While the national median sits around $60,000, smart career moves—like gaining certifications, relocating, or starting your own business—can easily push earnings into the $80,000–$120,000 range.
Plumbing offers job security, low student debt, and strong upward mobility—making it one of America’s most underrated career paths. Whether you’re a high school grad, career changer, or curious homeowner, this trade delivers real financial freedom.
Found this helpful? Share it with someone considering a skilled trade! 👷♂️💧 Tag a friend on Facebook, tweet it, or save it for later—knowledge is power.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), Occupational Outlook Handbook, United Association (UA) wage surveys.
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