Thinking about becoming a plumber—or just wondering if your current pay stacks up? You’re not alone. Many Americans are exploring skilled trades as stable, well-paying career paths, especially amid rising demand for home services. If you’ve ever asked, “How much money does a plumber make per hour?”, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down real earnings, regional differences, experience levels, and how you can boost your income—backed by the latest data and industry insights.
What Is the Average Hourly Wage for a Plumber in 2025?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in May 2024 was $29.50. That translates to roughly $61,360 annually for full-time work (2,080 hours/year).
But here’s the key: “Average” doesn’t tell the whole story. Your actual hourly rate can vary dramatically based on location, experience, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own business.
| Apprentice (0–2 yrs) | $16 – $22 |
| Journeyman (3–7 yrs) | $25 – $35 |
| Master Plumber (8+ yrs) | $35 – $50+ |
| Self-Employed/Owner | $40 – $100+ (varies widely) |
💡 Pro Tip: Self-employed plumbers often charge $75–$150/hour for service calls—but after expenses (insurance, vehicle, tools, taxes), net hourly income may be closer to $40–$60.
What Factors Influence a Plumber’s Hourly Pay?
Several real-world variables determine how much a plumber earns per hour:
1. Geographic Location
Plumbers in high-cost states like California, New York, or Massachusetts typically earn more due to higher living expenses and demand. For example:
- Alaska: $38.20/hour (highest in U.S.)
- Hawaii: $36.90/hour
- Mississippi: $22.10/hour (among the lowest)
Use the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool to check your state’s data.
2. Certification & Licensing
Licensed master plumbers command higher rates than journeymen. Some states require additional certifications for gas line or backflow prevention work—these specialties can add $5–$15/hour to your rate.
3. Work Setting
- Residential service: $30–$60/hour
- Commercial/industrial: $35–$55/hour
- Union vs. non-union: Union plumbers (e.g., through UA – United Association) often earn 15–25% more, plus better benefits.
4. Overtime & Emergency Calls
Many plumbers earn time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week. Emergency calls (nights, weekends, holidays) can fetch double or triple standard rates—$100–$200/hour isn’t uncommon for urgent leak repairs.
How Do Plumbers Compare to Other Skilled Trades?
Plumbing remains one of the highest-paying skilled trades—often outpacing electricians, HVAC techs, and carpenters in median income.
| Plumber | $29.50 |
| Electrician | $28.75 |
| HVAC Technician | $26.40 |
| Carpenter | $24.80 |
Source: U.S. BLS, May 2024
Plumbing also offers strong job security. The BLS projects 5% job growth from 2022–2032—faster than average—driven by aging infrastructure, new construction, and increasing demand for water-efficient systems.
For more context on skilled trades, see Wikipedia’s overview of plumbing as a profession .
Can You Make Six Figures as a Plumber?
Yes—absolutely. While the median plumber earns around $61K/year, top earners regularly surpass $100,000. Here’s how:
✅ Path to $100K+ as a Plumber
- Get licensed as a master plumber (typically requires 4–8 years of experience + exam).
- Specialize in high-demand niches:
- Medical gas installation
- Green plumbing (tankless water heaters, greywater systems)
- Commercial high-rise plumbing
- Go independent: Start your own business. Charge $85–$125/hour, manage 4–5 jobs/day, and keep overhead low.
- Offer 24/7 emergency services with premium pricing.
📌 Real Example: A master plumber in Austin, TX, running a solo business with one van and minimal staff reported $112,000 net income in 2024 after taxes and expenses—working 45 hours/week.
Apprentice vs. Journeyman vs. Master: Pay Differences Explained
Understanding career progression is key to maximizing earnings:
| Apprentice | 0–4 years; paid training (2,000 hrs/yr) | $16–$22 | Learn while earning; union programs often include health benefits |
| Journeyman | Licensed after apprenticeship exam | $25–$35 | Can work independently; eligible for commercial jobs |
| Master | 2–4+ years post-journeyman + exam | $35–$60+ | Can pull permits, start a business, train apprentices |
Most states require continuing education to maintain licenses—another reason experienced plumbers stay in demand.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Hourly Pay
Q: Do plumbers get paid hourly or per job?
A: Both models exist. Employees (especially apprentices) are usually hourly. Self-employed plumbers often use flat-rate pricing per job (e.g., $150 to fix a leaky faucet), which can increase effective hourly earnings if jobs are completed efficiently.
Q: How much do union plumbers make per hour?
A: Union plumbers (e.g., UA Local unions) typically earn $32–$48/hour, plus health insurance, retirement plans, and paid training. Total compensation can exceed $70/hour when benefits are included.
Q: Can beginners really earn $20/hour as plumbing apprentices?
A: Yes. Most registered apprenticeships start at 40–50% of journeyman wages and increase every 6–12 months. By year 4, many earn $25+/hour while still in training.
Q: Do plumbers make more than college graduates?
A: Often, yes. The median plumber ($61K) earns more than the average bachelor’s degree holder in fields like psychology ($48K), social work ($50K), or early education ($45K)—and without student debt.
Q: What’s the highest-paying plumbing specialty?
A: Medical gas piping and industrial/commercial plumbing in refineries or power plants can pay $50–$80/hour due to certification requirements and hazardous conditions.
Q: Are plumbing wages expected to rise in 2025–2026?
A: Yes. With a national shortage of skilled tradespeople and rising construction costs, wages are projected to grow 3–5% annually through 2026.
Conclusion: Plumbing Pays—If You Know the Levers
So, how much money does a plumber make per hour? The honest answer: Anywhere from $16 to over $100, depending on your choices. With the right training, license, location, and business strategy, plumbing isn’t just a job—it’s a lucrative, recession-resistant career with room to grow.
Whether you’re a student weighing career options or a current tradesperson looking to level up, understanding these pay drivers puts you in control of your earning potential.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with someone considering a trade career!
💬 Tag a future plumber on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn—and help bust the myth that college is the only path to a good income.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), United Association (UA) wage surveys, industry interviews.
Last updated: October 2025
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