Thinking about a career in plumbing—or just wondering what plumbers really earn? You’re not alone. Many people assume plumbing is just about fixing leaky faucets, but it’s actually a skilled trade with strong income potential. In this article, we’ll answer the burning question: how much does the average plumber make per year—and explore what influences those earnings across the U.S.
Whether you’re a student, a career switcher, or just budgeting for home repairs, understanding plumber salaries can help you make smarter decisions. Let’s dive in.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in the U.S.?
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $60,090 as of May 2023. This means half of all plumbers earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
But averages can be misleading. Actual earnings vary widely based on experience, location, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own business.
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | $38,000 – $48,000 |
| Mid-career (3–7 yrs) | $48,000 – $65,000 |
| Experienced (8+ yrs) | $65,000 – $90,000+ |
| Master Plumber / Owner | $80,000 – $120,000+ |
💡 Note: Top earners in high-demand states like Alaska, Illinois, or New York often exceed $100,000 annually—especially if they specialize in commercial or industrial plumbing.
What Factors Affect a Plumber’s Earnings?
Several key variables determine how much a plumber can make. Let’s break them down:
1. Geographic Location
Plumbers in urban areas or states with high costs of living typically earn more. For example:
- Alaska: Average salary ≈ $87,000
- Illinois: ≈ $82,000
- Mississippi: ≈ $45,000
Higher demand, union presence, and local regulations all play a role.
2. Level of Certification
- Journeyman plumbers earn more than apprentices.
- Master plumbers (licensed to run their own businesses) command the highest rates.
- Specialized certifications (e.g., in gas fitting or backflow prevention) can boost income by 10–20%.
3. Employment Type
- Self-employed plumbers often earn more per job but face overhead costs (insurance, marketing, tools).
- Union plumbers usually receive higher wages and benefits but may have less scheduling flexibility.
- Commercial/industrial plumbers generally earn more than residential plumbers due to project complexity.
4. Overtime and Emergency Calls
Many plumbers charge time-and-a-half for nights, weekends, or emergency calls. A single weekend emergency job can bring in $300–$800—significantly boosting monthly income.
How Do Plumber Salaries Compare to Other Trades?
Plumbing remains one of the highest-paying skilled trades in the U.S. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Plumber | $60,090 |
| Electrician | $60,240 |
| HVAC Technician | $51,390 |
| Carpenter | $51,370 |
| Welder | $47,540 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
While electricians edge out plumbers slightly, plumbing offers greater job stability—people will always need clean water and functioning drains, even during economic downturns.
For more on skilled trades, see this overview on Wikipedia’s page on vocational education .
Can You Make Six Figures as a Plumber?
Yes—absolutely. While the average plumber earns around $60K, many exceed $100,000 annually. Here’s how:
- Own a plumbing business: Successful small business owners often net $100K–$200K after expenses.
- Work in high-demand regions: Cities like Chicago, Seattle, or Boston pay premium rates.
- Specialize: Medical gas installers, green plumbing experts, or inspectors can charge $80–$150/hour.
- Offer 24/7 emergency services: These calls often come with $150–$300 service fees plus hourly labor.
🛠️ Real-World Example: Mike, a master plumber in Denver, runs a two-person shop. By focusing on water heater replacements and slab leak repairs (high-margin services), he averages $115,000/year after taxes and expenses.
Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Your Plumbing Income
If you’re entering or already in the trade, follow these steps to boost your earnings:
- Complete an apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years) to gain hands-on experience and journeyman licensure.
- Get your master plumber license—required in most states to run a business.
- Invest in niche certifications (e.g., backflow prevention, solar water heating).
- Build a strong online presence—90% of homeowners search for plumbers online.
- Track every job using software like Jobber or ServiceTitan to optimize pricing and scheduling.
- Offer maintenance contracts—recurring revenue from annual inspections adds stability.
Pros and Cons of a Plumbing Career
| High earning potential | Physically demanding work |
| Job security (always in demand) | On-call emergencies (nights/weekends) |
| No college debt (trade school is affordable) | Exposure to hazardous materials |
| Entrepreneurial opportunities | Licensing and insurance costs |
Despite the challenges, 87% of plumbers report high job satisfaction, citing independence, problem-solving, and financial rewards as top reasons.
FAQ Section
Q: Do plumbers really make good money?
A: Yes. While entry-level plumbers start around $40K, experienced and licensed professionals often earn $70K–$100K+. Business owners can exceed $120K.
Q: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
A: Most states require a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship (8,000+ hours of work) plus passing a licensing exam. You can start earning while you train.
Q: Is plumbing a dying trade?
A: No—it’s growing. The BLS projects 5% job growth from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, due to infrastructure upgrades and new construction.
Q: Can women succeed as plumbers?
A: Absolutely. While still male-dominated, more women are entering the field—and many report strong support, equal pay, and high demand for their services.
Q: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job?
A: Master plumbers who own businesses or specialize in industrial/commercial systems (e.g., hospitals, factories) earn the most—often $100K+.
Q: Do plumbers get benefits?
A: Union plumbers typically receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Self-employed plumbers must secure their own benefits but can deduct costs.
Conclusion
So, how much does the average plumber make per year? Around $60,000—but with the right skills, location, and hustle, six-figure earnings are very achievable. Plumbing offers a rare mix of financial stability, low education debt, and entrepreneurial freedom.
If you’re considering this career or hiring a pro, now you know the real numbers behind the wrench.
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