How Much Do Plumbers Make? Compare Average Wages Across the U.S.
Published on: 9th December, 2024
There are several reports on how much do plumbers make. The number is quite unsure– but within the range of $40K to $65K per year. Even this number is also variable due to several factors.
- In 2022, the median salary of plumbers was around $60,090. The best-paid plumbers earned $78,960, and the lowest-paid ones earned $46,630 annually.
- According to Forbes, the current salary range of a professional plumber is between $48,119 to $81,626 (July 2024).
- Plumbers with service businesses have an hourly rate of $29.22 (Entry-level plumbers).
In another report, entry-level plumbers get earnings of $46,800 per year while the Oregon state plumbers have the highest-paid plumbers– $96,117 per year.
Even though this scrapped information will provide you with a clear idea of how much do plumbers make a year or at an hourly rate– still the actual earnings can vary widely based on experience, location, certifications, the type of plumbing work performed, and a few other factors.
This blog is to discuss those hindsight and come out with a precise idea of plumber salary. Also, in this blog, you’ll learn about the average plumber salary by state, plumber’s salary vs others, and a summarized overview.
How Much Do Plumbers Make?
There are two types of charge models among the plumbers– hourly rate and flat rate. Most plumbers charge hourly rates. Especially those who are into short-term plumbing jobs like repairs, home decor, or installations.
In the case of jobs like conducting regular maintenance services, annual inspections, repiping, lawn care, etc– a flat rate is the ideal choice. Some even go for a yearly contract following their flat rates.
Based on these two factors the plumber average salary does vary.
How much do plumber make a year?
The median annual plumber salary is somewhere between $63,215 right now in 2024.
Plumbers who specialize in more complex or large-scale projects, or who have long-term contracts, may earn significantly more. For example, those involved in commercial projects or who manage ongoing maintenance for multiple properties often see higher annual earnings due to the stability and scale of their work.
How much do plumbers make an hour?
The average hourly rate til August 2024 is $30.39. According to some other sources the charge is around $31 per hour.
The top 10% of plumbing jobs have an earning of $46.72 per hour. Meanwhile, the bottom 10% have $15.72 per hour. Most of the highly-paid plumbers are seasoned.
Plumber Salary By State
We had an overview of how much do plumbers make. Now let’s find out the average plumber salary according to states:There are several reports on how much do plumbers make. The number is quite unsure– but within the range of $40K to $65K per year. Even this number is also variable due to several factors.
The 10th percentile is the portion that gets paid the least for plumbing services. And, the 90th percentile are the ones that get paid the most.
So from this information on how much do plumbers make, it's clear that Florida pays the least to its plumbers. Furthermore, as you are farther in the Sunshine States– the average plumber salary increases.
Citywide Average Plumber Salary
Let’s find out the cities with the highest plumbing salary.
- Peoria, IL: $90,903 per year wage
- Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC: $88,364 per year wage
- Flint, MI: $86,799 per year wage
- Anchorage, AK: $86,407 per year wage
- Fort Wayne, IN: $84,927 per year wage
- Toledo, OH: $81,685 per year wage
- Madison, WI: $81,549 per year wage
- Springfield, MA-CT: $78,393 per year wage
- Worcester, MA-CT: $77,138 per year wage
- Ann Arbor, MI: $76,669 per year wage
- New Haven, CT: $76,059 per year wage
- Eugene, OR: $75,318 per year wage
- Salem, OR: $75,051 per year wage
- Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH: $73,195 per year wage
- Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL: $72,611 per year wage
This information is acquired until June 29, 2024.
Factors Affecting The Plumber Average Salary
The average salary of a plumber is affected by a lot of factors. Already it’s visible that the salary fluctuates heavily based on their location.
While in one state the salary is $70K+, in another state the salary is below $50K.
Aside from this, there are also other reasons why the plumber salary might be influenced. Some factors could even incur fluctuations like– you’re getting a salary of $30 grand while your friend from the same team is getting around $50 grand. It might be due to his level of expertise, or he might have a plumber certificate that you don’t have. Or, maybe he has a union membership. Let’s find out
Experience and skill level
Seasoned plumbers with years of experience and specialized skills tend to command higher wages. Master plumbers or those with advanced certifications often earn more.
Areas of working (Location)
Plumber salaries vary by region due to differences in cost of living. Also, demand for services and local wage standards play an important role in that case.
Urban areas or regions with a high cost of living typically offer higher pay. Meanwhile, a suburban area with a low cost of living will offer a lower price to its plumbers.
Type of work
Plumbing indulges in some level of safety and hazardous issues. So, definitely plumbers who are offering service to a comparatively riskier demographic are likely to get paid higher. Also, if it's a high-risk project– your contact remuneration will be higher.
Overall, plumbers specializing in complex, large-scale, or high-risk projects (e.g., commercial buildings, and industrial systems) usually earn more than those focusing on routine residential work.
Employment type
Surely your earnings would be much lower than a master plumber! Because he has more experience, skills, certifications, and training.
Also, plumbers working for large companies or government agencies may have higher salaries and benefits compared to those who are self-employed or work for small businesses.
Union membership
If you are a part of a union you’ll get a better wage. These plumbers often have access to better salaries, benefits, and job security compared to non-unionized workers.
Additionally, unions provide a level of job security by protecting members' rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. This collective bargaining power helps unionized plumbers achieve a more stable and financially rewarding career compared to their non-unionized counterparts.
Education and certification
No doubt following your experience– what’ll matter most to the clients are your knowledge and certifications in the service. This proves your level of expertise. No matter if you are a self-employed plumber or trying to join a team or company.
Additional certifications or advanced training in specialized plumbing systems (e.g., green plumbing, and medical gas systems) can lead to higher pay.
Market demand
In areas where there is a high demand for plumbing services, the salary is higher. Also, with a shortage of skilled plumbers, salaries tend to be higher.
Work hours and overtime
Plumbers who work extended hours, weekends, or are on call for emergencies can earn more due to overtime pay.
That is an income which is totally up to you. It’s your independent ability to increase your earnings.
How Does Experience Affect Plumber Salary?
Experience in plumbing jobs might be the biggest factor influencing plumber salary. It directly impacts the level of expertise, efficiency, and problem-solving abilities a plumber brings to the job.
As plumbers gain experience, they become more skilled in resolving complex plumbing issues. Plumbers with much experience can easily manage large-scale installations while an apprentice or mid-level plumber will take more time and labor to do the same task.
Also, they are more advanced in working with modern-day plumbing systems like AI and automation. This enhanced expertise allows them to take on more challenging and higher-paying jobs, such as commercial plumbing projects or specialized systems like medical gas installations.
Additionally, experienced plumbers often are holders of some of the advanced certifications and licenses. That makes them more eligible for higher pay grades.
With experience, plumbers also build a reputation for quality work, which leads to a broader client base and more job opportunities. This reputation allows them to command premium rates and secure more lucrative contracts.
Examples of Some Highest-Paying Plumbing Jobs
There are several types of jobs in the plumbing industry. Not all of them are paid at the same level. That varies based on their work, projects, and complexity of tasks.
Let’s elaborate on some of the highest-paying jobs in the plumbing industry.
Plumbing engineer
These plumbers are the designers of your commercial, residential, or industrial buildings.
Sometimes you might find yourself working alongside mechanical engineers, architects, and industrial engineers if you are a plumbing engineer.
They have the highest average plumber salary. If you are a plumbing engineer, you are likely to get an earning of around $85,000 to $107,000 a year.
Plumbing designer
The major task of a plumbing designer is creating plumbing systems. They mostly work with commercial and residential clients in the current demographic.
Their work includes designing systems for potable water and wastewater, ensuring proper flow in and out of buildings. They may also specialize in specific designs, such as sprinkler systems or drainage networks.
They have the second-highest average plumbing salary– $75,500-$99,000 annually.
Plumbing foreman
Third on the list are the plumbing foremen. They have a yearly income of $61,500 to $89,500.
Plumbers who excel at leading or motivating others may become plumbing foremen. In this role, they supervise a team of plumbers working on tasks like assembling and repairing plumbing systems, installing water delivery systems, and setting up sprinklers for interiors or landscapes. They may also oversee fire suppression systems, drainage projects, and commercial plumbing needs.
Plumbing mechanic
Plumbing mechanics are mainly focused on troubleshooting issues like leaks, clogs, and pressure problems. For instance, ensuring the hydro jet or filament camera are working fine.
So their task is centered around the plumbing equipment more than the plumbing systems.
Plumbing mechanics have a salary of around $50k to $74.5K per year. You might work independently, maintaining tools for local plumbers and plumbing companies, or as part of a large team on new construction projects. Your main responsibility is ensuring the upkeep and condition of all plumbing tools and equipment.
Plumbing inspector
Quality is the main focus of the plumbing inspectors. And the range of their plumber salary is around $52,500 to $73,500 a year.
Plumbing inspectors check and test plumbing and drainage systems to ensure proper installation and compliance with local, state, and national building codes. They usually work in commercial or public-use buildings.
Their duties also include reviewing construction plans and comparing them to the existing system. They must understand current building codes and advise property or business owners on how to correct code violations.
Plumber Salary FAQs
Yes, the remuneration of plumbers is quite good. In the current market climate, their yearly wage is around $40,000 to even $120,000 based on several factors like locations, experiences, project type, and others.
The median salary for a professional plumber currently falls within the range of $48,119 to $81,626, as reported by Forbes in July 2024. The national average hourly salary is $35.
A licensed plumber average salary could be around $37 per hour or even more. According to some reports and information– they can earn over 30% more than the national average.