Are you a homeowner looking for reliable local plumbers—or an entrepreneur eyeing the plumbing industry for your next business venture? Understanding the number of plumbing businesses in the United States in 2024 gives you critical insight into market saturation, competition, and service availability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the latest verified data, regional trends, and what these numbers mean for you—whether you’re hiring, starting a business, or simply curious.
How Many Plumbing Businesses Are There in the U.S. in 2024?
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 County Business Patterns (CBP) report, there are approximately 142,000 plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors operating across the United States. Of these, over 120,000 are classified primarily as plumbing businesses (NAICS code 238220).
This represents a 3.2% increase from 2023, reflecting steady growth driven by rising housing demand, aging infrastructure, and increased emphasis on water efficiency and sustainable plumbing solutions.
💡 Did You Know? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032—faster than the average for all occupations.
Which States Have the Most Plumbing Businesses?
The distribution of plumbing businesses isn’t uniform across the U.S. Population density, construction activity, and climate significantly influence regional concentrations.
Here’s a snapshot of the top 5 states by number of plumbing businesses in 2024:
| 1 | California | 14,500 |
| 2 | Texas | 12,800 |
| 3 | Florida | 9,200 |
| 4 | New York | 7,600 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 6,100 |
These states account for nearly 35% of all plumbing businesses nationwide. California leads due to its massive population (over 39 million) and constant housing development. Meanwhile, Florida’s growth is tied to hurricane recovery efforts and rapid residential construction.
You can explore more about industry classifications on Wikipedia’s NAICS page .
What’s Driving Growth in the Plumbing Industry?
Several key factors explain why plumbing businesses are thriving in 2024:
1. Aging Infrastructure
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave U.S. drinking water infrastructure a C- grade in its 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. Over 6 billion gallons of treated water are lost daily due to pipe leaks—creating urgent demand for repairs and replacements.
2. Home Renovation Boom
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, home improvement spending reached $485 billion in 2023, with plumbing upgrades (like tankless water heaters and low-flow fixtures) among the top priorities.
3. Labor Shortages = Opportunity
With a national shortage of skilled tradespeople, new plumbing startups are filling the gap, especially in suburban and rural areas where established firms are scarce.
4. Regulatory Changes
New federal and state regulations (e.g., lead pipe replacement mandates, water efficiency standards) are forcing property owners to upgrade systems—boosting service demand.
Are Most Plumbing Businesses Small or Large?
Over 95% of plumbing businesses in the U.S. are small operations—defined as having fewer than 10 employees. In fact:
- 72% operate with just 1–3 employees (often a solo plumber plus helpers).
- Only 2% employ more than 50 people (typically regional or national franchise brands like Roto-Rooter or Mr. Rooter).
This highlights a fragmented market with low barriers to entry but high competition in saturated urban areas.
Pros and Cons of a Fragmented Market
| Easier to start your own business | Harder to scale without systems |
| Local trust and personalized service | Limited resources for marketing/tech |
| Faster response times in communities | Inconsistent service quality |
| Niche specialization (e.g., green plumbing) | Vulnerability to economic downturns |
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
If you’re hiring a plumber in 2024, the growing number of businesses is mostly good news:
✅ More options = better pricing and availability
✅ Increased specialization (e.g., smart home plumbing, eco-friendly retrofits)
✅ Faster emergency response in most metro areas
However, always verify credentials. With so many sole proprietors, ensure your plumber is:
- Licensed in your state
- Insured (liability + workers’ comp)
- Rated on platforms like Angi, HomeAdvisor, or BBB
🔍 Pro Tip: Ask for proof of license number and check it with your state’s contractor licensing board—most offer free online verification.
What Does This Mean for Aspiring Plumbing Entrepreneurs?
The data shows strong demand and room for new entrants, especially if you differentiate:
Step-by-Step: Starting a Plumbing Business in 2024
- Get Certified/Licensed
Requirements vary by state. Most require 2–5 years of apprenticeship + passing a trade exam.
Example: In Texas, you need 4,000 hours of supervised experience. - Choose a Niche
Consider focusing on:- Emergency services (24/7 availability)
- Green plumbing (water-saving tech, solar water heaters)
- Commercial contracts (restaurants, offices)
- Register Your Business
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- Choose structure: LLC (recommended for liability protection)
- Register with your Secretary of State
- Invest in Basics
- Reliable service van ($25,000–$40,000)
- Essential tools (drain cameras, pipe cutters, pressure testers)
- Business software (e.g., Housecall Pro or Jobber for scheduling/invoicing)
- Market Smartly
- Claim your Google Business Profile
- Encourage customer reviews
- Partner with local real estate agents for referral streams
With average annual revenue per plumbing business hovering around $350,000–$600,000, and profit margins of 10–20%, the opportunity is real—if you run it professionally.
FAQ Section
Q: Is the plumbing industry growing in 2024?
A: Yes. The industry is growing at a 3–4% annual rate, fueled by infrastructure needs, housing demand, and climate-related repairs (e.g., pipe bursts from extreme cold).
Q: How many new plumbing businesses started in 2023–2024?
A: The U.S. Census estimates roughly 4,200 new plumbing businesses launched between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024—a 3.6% net increase after accounting for closures.
Q: Are franchise plumbing companies taking over?
A: Not significantly. Franchises make up less than 8% of the market. Most consumers still prefer local, independent plumbers for trust and pricing.
Q: Which city has the highest density of plumbers per capita?
A: Las Vegas, NV leads the nation, with 1 plumbing business per 1,200 residents—driven by rapid population growth and older housing stock.
Q: Do I need a license to start a plumbing business?
A: Yes, in all 50 states. Requirements vary: some allow handyman-level work without a full license, but any pipe installation or gas line work requires state certification.
Q: How can I verify the number of plumbing businesses near me?
A: Use the U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Builder tool or check your state’s Secretary of State business registry. Google Maps searches filtered by “plumbing” also give real-time local counts.
Conclusion
The number of plumbing businesses in the United States in 2024—over 120,000 and growing—reflects a resilient, essential industry adapting to modern challenges. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking trustworthy service or an aspiring tradesperson building a legacy business, this data empowers smarter decisions.
💡 Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend, contractor, or fellow entrepreneur on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (Twitter)! Your share could help someone fix a leak—or launch their dream business.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau (2024 CBP), Bureau of Labor Statistics, NAICS Association, ASCE Infrastructure Report Card.
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