Key takeaways:
Exploring the different types of plumbers can help you choose a specialty, understand potential earnings, and map out your ideal plumbing career path.
- Plumbing specialties offer varied roles and salaries. Plumbers can specialize in residential, commercial, service and repair, water supply, sanitary, or construction plumbing, each with unique tasks and earning potential.
- Earnings depend on specialty, experience, and location. Average salaries range from about $60,000 to $72,000 annually, with commercial and construction plumbers typically earning at the higher end. Business owners and master plumbers can earn even more.
- Career progression expands opportunities. Advancing from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber increases responsibility, independence, and pay. Master plumbers can run their own businesses and lead complex projects.
- Plumbers can increase income by diversifying skills and services. Expanding into higher-demand specialties, earning advanced licenses, and moving into new markets can help maximize earnings.
- Understanding plumbing service types helps businesses grow. Offering a broad mix of residential, commercial, and emergency plumbing services enables plumbing businesses to attract more clients and build a strong reputation.
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Becoming a plumber can be the first step towards creating a profitable company and rewarding career. But when it comes to choosing your specialty, there are many options to choose from.
Whether you focus on commercial work, serve local homeowners, or pursue specialized certifications, your choice will shape the jobs you take on and how much you can earn.
In this article, we’ll highlight six types of plumbers and the types of plumbing work they offer. Use this information to choose the route that best matches your goals.
How much do plumbers make?
As far as trade work goes, the plumbing industry has plenty of opportunities for high earning potential. On average, plumbers earn $61,550 per year or an average hourly rate of $22.64.
Depending on the company you work for, plumbers may also enjoy other benefits such as:
- Paid vacation (PTO)
- Flexible work schedules
- Opportunity for overtime pay
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Parental leave
- Disability insurance
- 401(k) or comparable retirement plans
While benefits are an important part of the job, your earning potential can also vary based on the type of plumbing work you do. Here’s a closer look at how salaries compare across different plumbing roles:
| Type of plumber | Average annual salary (national) | Average hourly rate (national) | Work setting | Key skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential plumber | $71,920 | $34.39 | Homes, apartments, small residential buildings | Fixture installation, drain cleaning, routine repairs |
| Commercial plumber | $58,820 | $28.28 | Offices, schools, hospitals, large buildings | System design, code compliance, large-scale installs |
| Service and repair plumber | $62,992 | $30.17 | Residential and light commercial service calls | Troubleshooting, customer service, diagnostics |
| Water supply plumber | $67,230 | $32.32 | New builds, infrastructure, municipal systems | Pipe installation, water systems, blueprints |
| Sanitary plumber | $62,970 | $30.27 | Residential and commercial drainage systems | Waste systems, venting, sewer line installation |
| Construction plumber | $71,605 | $34.42 | Construction sites, new residential or commercial builds | Blueprint reading, rough-ins, system installation |
6 different types of plumbers by specialty
You can choose any plumbing specialties that align with your entrepreneurial, career, or personal goals. Let’s take a closer look at the top plumbing categories:
1. Residential plumber
A residential plumber specializes in residential plumbing systems and helps ensure clients’ homes have running water and working toilets. According to the most recent data from ZipRecruiter, the national salary average for residential plumbers is currently $70,920.
Many homeowners also rely on residential plumbers during kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects. Plumbers can provide important repair work or maintenance as needed to complete these projects.
A residential plumber can offer the following services:
- Installing plumbing systems and different piping (like PVC pipe, copper pipe, iron pipe, or PEX pipe) in home additions or renovations
- Installing, repairing, and servicing a plumbing system or plumbing fixture in a single- or multi-family home
- Installing water and gas pipes for kitchens, bathrooms, water heaters, appliances, and outdoor plumbing systems
- Diagnosing and fixing a plumbing problem (like a burst water pipe, clogged drain, or low water pressure) in a residential setting
If you’re interested in becoming a residential plumber, start your journey with an apprenticeship through a residential plumbing company.
READ MORE: How to price a plumbing job: a simple formula for quoting
2. Commercial plumber
A commercial plumber works in large commercial settings like office buildings, schools, and hospitals. They have experience working with a large number of pipes and outlets, and they understand the complexities involved in larger plumbing systems.
Because commercial plumbers can secure higher-paying contracts per client, their earning potential can be slightly higher. Glassdoor reveals that the national average is anywhere from $76,000 to $124,000 annually.
A commercial plumber’s list of plumbing services can include:
- Installing pipes and water tanks in large commercial settings
- Installing and securing waste removal and water systems by digging trenches and putting in piping to connect the building to a local sewage system and water reserve
- Providing regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to plumbing systems on commercial or large-scale properties
If you’re interested in becoming a commercial plumbing contractor, find an apprenticeship with a company that offers commercial plumbing services.
This hands-on commercial experience will help you grow your knowledge and gain relevant experience serving this unique set of clients.
READ MORE: The best plumbing tools for professional plumbers
Residential vs. commercial plumbing: what’s the difference?
The overall tasks and job responsibilities aren’t the only things that differ between residential and commercial plumbing. Here are a few things you should know if you’re deciding which specialty you’d rather work in:
- Building codes: Depending on the type of building (e.g., hospital, school, factory) commercial plumbers will need to know and follow many different building codes to perform their job safely and effectively. Residential plumbers, on the other hand, will only need to know one building code.
- Permit requirements: Commercial plumbers often require a permit to install, maintain, repair, or modify a building’s water infrastructure. The type of plumbing permit required will depend on the job. Although not as common, residential plumbers may also need a permit to complete major plumbing work in a home. Check your local state or county regulations to make sure you have the right permit before you begin.
- Plumbing equipment: Commercial settings require larger plumbing equipment to move water throughout the building. This means commercial plumbers can expect to work on bigger boilers, site sewer lines, and lift stations that require an understanding of extremely complex plumbing systems.
- Time on the job: Because commercial plumbing systems are larger and more complex, repairs are typically much bigger and can take a lot longer than residential plumbing jobs. For example, finding a leak in a two-story home will be a much easier task than finding a leak in a 20-story building.
- Customer service: Residential plumbers work in a client’s home. They need to provide a higher level of customer service to educate the homeowner about the problem at hand and the solution they’ve provided. Commercial plumbers, on the other hand, work in a larger setting. They often have little to no communication with the building owner on-site.
3. Service and repair plumber
Service and repair plumbers are called specifically to troubleshoot and repair plumbing systems in both residential and commercial settings.
They have strong problem-solving skills and know how to fix a variety of plumbing issues on the spot. Similar to residential plumbers, service plumbers often earn around $35 per hour.
Service and repair plumbers perform professional plumbing services like:
- Fixing issues with water pressure
- Cleaning and servicing plumbing systems
- Repairing leaks and unclogging drains
- Responding to plumbing emergencies
Service and repair plumbers usually work on-call shifts and respond to plumbing emergencies beyond the standard nine-to-five schedule.
They must be prepared to work with homeowners and business owners to quickly investigate plumbing issues and provide fast emergency repairs.
4. Water supply plumber
Water supply plumbers are responsible for the flow of water into a home, business, school, hospital, or other building that is regularly in use. They install and repair various water tanks and supply lines, like kitchen sinks, overhead storage tanks, bathroom tanks, and pipes.
The types of jobs a water supply plumber offers include:
- Installing water supply lines and sanitation systems in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms
- Performing water supply services like unclogging drains and toilet repairs
Water supply plumbers are often residential or commercial plumbers who specialize in various water supply systems. As a result, their typical salary usually falls in line with the national average.
On the popular r/Plumbing Reddit board, plumbers share a typical earning potential of $40,000–$80,000 yearly.
READ MORE: How to bid plumbing jobs and win more work
5. Sanitary plumber
Sanitary plumbers specialize in troubleshooting and repairing issues related to sanitary pipes, tanks, and plumbing systems in residential or commercial bathrooms. This type of plumbing is also focused on safe and sanitary waste removal.
Some sanitary plumbing services include:
- Installing, unclogging, and cleaning bathroom and toilet pipes
- Fitting new water heater systems and boilers in showers and toilets
- Installing, maintaining, or removing bathtubs
- Ensuring that wastewater flows safely and securely to the proper system
A sanitary plumber may be able to earn or charge based on the types of specialty services they offer. ZipRecruiter classifies some work in this field as “sewer and drain” plumbing, with an average national pay of $27/hour.
READ MORE: Plumbing interview questions to find top plumbers
6. Construction plumber
Construction plumbers help plan and install plumbing systems for new residential or commercial buildings or remodels—a very important role when it comes to safe building operations.
These plumbers are essential contractors who ensure that a home or commercial building has running water. A construction plumber’s list of plumbing services includes:
- Fitting, laying, and installing new pipe systems and drainage pipes, and connecting them to local water reserves
- Connecting and testing shut-off valves and new water heaters
- Installing all plumbing fixtures such as sinks, faucets, shower heads, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets
The national average pay for construction plumbers is $71,605 annually, with higher and lower amounts based on where these plumbers live and work.
READ MORE: Best plumber apps to make your life easier
Levels of plumbers: Apprentice, journeyman, and master
As you gain experience in the plumbing trade, you’ll move through three main levels. Each one has a bit more responsibility, independence, and earning potential.
Apprentice plumber
An apprentice plumber is just starting out, typically completing a 2- to 5-year training program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. In the United States, apprentice plumbers earn an average of about $41,800 per year.
Apprentices work under the supervision of a licensed plumber. They usually can’t perform jobs independently, pull permits, or operate their own business.
Journeyman plumber
Journeyman plumbers have completed an apprenticeship and passed a licensing exam, though requirements vary by state.
For example, Texas requires at least 8,000 hours of plumbing experience plus a 48-hour training course. Colorado, on the other hand, requires four years (6,800 hours) of practical experience before you can apply for a journeyman license.
Journeyman plumbers earn about $64,000–$69,000 per year on average, depending on location and specialization.
They can work independently, handle most types of plumbing jobs, and may supervise apprentices. In some areas, journeyman roles may have some restrictions on job sites and with local permits.
Master plumber
Master plumbers often have two to six years of experience and must pass an advanced certification exam. They can apply for and manage permits required to complete plumbing work.
In the U.S., master plumbers earn an average salary of about $80,000 per year.
Additionally, they can oversee large or complex projects and often take on supervisory or management roles. Many master plumbers also go on to start independent businesses, taking on full responsibility for operations, hiring, and growth.
Plumber vs pipefitter: What’s the difference?
Plumbers and pipefitters both work with piping systems, but they specialize in different types of work and environments.
- Systems and work type: Plumbers work with low-pressure systems that carry water, gas, and waste in residential and commercial buildings. Pipefitters handle high-pressure systems that transport steam, chemicals, and gases in industrial settings like power plants and factories.
- Work environment: Plumbers routinely work in homes, offices, and small business locations. On the other hand, pipefitters typically work on large-scale industrial sites such as refineries and manufacturing facilities.
- Salary: Both careers offer strong earning potential, but pipefitters often earn more due to the complexity, risk, and industrial nature of their work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median annual salary of $61,550. Industrial pipefitters and specialized union roles can earn significantly more depending on location, overtime, and certifications.
- Licensing and training: Plumbers follow a clear path from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber with state or local licensing requirements. Pipefitters also complete apprenticeships and may earn certifications, though requirements vary more depending on the job and whether they’re part of a union.
Choosing between the two comes down to the type of work environment and systems you want to work with, as well as your long-term career goals.
Complete plumbing services list
Plumbing businesses can offer a range of services depending on their specialty, equipment, and customer base.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common jobs and tasks. Offering a mix of these service categories can help plumbing businesses meet customer needs, increase revenue opportunities, and build a reputation for excellence.
Residential plumbing services
Residential plumbers focus on homes and small properties, handling everyday plumbing needs and repairs. Popular services include:
- Drain cleaning and unclogging
- Water heater installation and repair
- Faucet, sink, and toilet installation
- Garbage disposal installation and repair
- Leak detection and pipe repair
- Shower and bathtub installation or replacement
- Water pressure troubleshooting
- Routine maintenance and inspections
Commercial plumbing services
Commercial plumbing involves larger, more complex systems in offices, restaurants, schools, and other business properties. These jobs often require advanced planning and code compliance. These services can cover:
- Pipe installation and system design
- Grease trap installation and maintenance
- Backflow prevention and testing
- Commercial water heater and boiler services
- Restroom plumbing systems and upgrades
- Sewer line inspection and repair
- Preventative maintenance programs
- Compliance with local building and safety codes
Emergency plumbing services
Emergency plumbing services are time-sensitive and often available 24/7 to prevent property damage or safety risks. Common services include:
- Burst pipe repair
- Sewer backups and blockages
- Water main breaks
- Flooding and water damage response
- Overflowing toilets or drains
- No water or sudden loss of pressure
- Gas line issues (in some cases, depending on licensing)
How to make more money as a plumber
A plumber’s salary often depends on three main factors—professional experience, work location, and plumbing certification.
Want to make sure the odds of earning high are in your favor? Focus on the following ways to grow your business while expanding your skillset:
1. Get more professional experience
The amount of plumbing experience you have will influence how much you are paid as a plumber.
Apprentices or plumbers who have fewer years under their belt may earn less. On the other hand, veteran plumbers with higher certifications can charge a premium for their expertise, on-the-job knowledge, and reputation with customers.
If you’re just getting started, keep going. Each year brings new chances to grow professionally, expand your customer base, and earn more profit.
READ MORE: How to become a plumber
2. Choose a different work location
Where you work will also play a role in how much you make as a plumber. For example, plumbers working in California earn $65,800 on average per year, whereas plumbers earn $59,209 in Pennsylvania and $54,048 in Florida.
3. Work towards your master plumber’s license
The plumbing license you hold will also affect how much you earn.
For example, a plumber apprentice earns an average of USD $47,589 annually, while a journeyman plumber earns an average of $65,866 annually.
A master plumber is a fully licensed plumber, and the highest certification you can earn. Across the U.S., plumbers with this title earn a median yearly salary of $80,053.
Once you’ve achieved your master plumber certification, you’re considered an expert in the trade and ready to start your own plumbing business.
Find and identify what jobs make you the most money and that you’d like to get more of.
Anything that’s specific—drain clearing, flushing water heaters, looking at slab leaks—those really specific things.
Take the next steps on your plumbing journey
Whether you’re just starting out, or making the switch from one specialty to another, learning about the different types of plumbing careers is an important step for earning more money and serving more great clients.
With this information, you’ll be better equipped to decide what you want your plumbing future to look like, and what skills and experience you need to achieve those goals.
Originally published in December 2024. Last updated on May 4, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plumbers who own their own businesses or specialize in high-demand areas tend to earn the most, with top earners bringing home over $100,000 annually. Commercial plumbers, master plumbers, and those offering emergency services often command higher rates due to the complexity and urgency of their work.
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Yes, plumbers typically progress through three main levels: apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber. Each level requires more training, experience, and licensing than the one before it. Master plumbers have the highest earning potential, since they have more qualifications and are able to open their own businesses.
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Residential plumbing focuses on homes and smaller systems like water heaters, drains, and fixtures, while commercial plumbing involves larger, more complex systems in buildings like offices, hospitals, and schools. Commercial jobs often require specialized knowledge and can pay more due to scale and regulations.
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Pipefitters, steamfitters, and industrial plumbers are often among the highest paid. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they earn a median annual salary of $62,970. The highest-paid 10% earn more than $105,150 per year. These roles typically involve working on large-scale systems in industrial or commercial settings and require advanced skills and certifications.