How Much Do Plumbers Make in the United States? [2026 Plumber Salary Guide]
Key takeaways:
If you want to know how much plumbers make in the U.S., this guide breaks down salaries by experience level, location, and specialty—helping you understand earning potential and how to maximize it.
- Average salaries vary by experience and region. U.S. plumbers earn an average of $69,940 per year, but pay depends heavily on experience level (apprentice, journeyman, or master), region, and whether you own a business or work for a company.
- Career progression leads to higher pay. Apprentices typically start around $33,200–$49,000, journeymen can earn $46,000–$104,000, and master plumbers top out at $54,500–$129,000 annually, with opportunities to earn more by running your own business or tackling specialized roles.
- State and specialty make a big impact. Pay varies greatly across the U.S.—top states like Oregon and New Jersey offer annual averages of $87,000–$92,000, while lower-paying states average around $51,000–$55,000. Specializations such as plumbing engineers, foremen, or medical gas installers can boost your income substantially.
- Union membership increases total compensation. Union plumbers typically earn 10–20% more than non-union workers, with greater job security, benefits, and structured apprenticeships that add value beyond base wages.
- There are multiple ways to increase plumber salaries. Advancing your license level, specializing in high-demand services, working overtime, moving to higher-paying markets, joining a union, or starting your own business can all significantly increase your earning potential.
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Plumbing is more than fixing leaky pipes. It’s a stable, in-demand career that offers high earning potential and the opportunity to run your own flexible business.
If you’re considering a future in the plumbing industry, one of your first questions might be, “How much does a plumber make?” In this guide, we’ll break down average plumber salaries across the U.S. by experience level, region, and business type.
From apprentices just starting out to seasoned pros ready to launch a new company, this article shows you what to expect and how to boost your earning potential.
Average plumber salary in the U.S.
The average plumber in the U.S. earns around $69,940 USD per year. That number, however, only tells part of the story. Salaries can vary widely depending on your plumbing license level, service region or location, and whether you’re self-employed or work for a company.
How much do plumbers make a year? Here’s a look at the national averages:
| Low | 25th Percentile | Average | 75th Percentile | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $40,670 | $48,860 | $69,940 | $81,900 | $105,150 |
| Monthly | $3,390 | $4,072 | $5,829 | $6,825 | $8,763 |
| Weekly | $848 | $1,018 | $1,458 | $1,707 | $2,191 |
Let’s say you’re making $48,860 per year. This puts you in the 25th percentile, meaning you’re essentially paid more than 25% of others in the industry.
Entry-level plumbers earn closer to the bottom of each range, while a licensed plumber and business owners can earn significantly more based on their expertise, years of experience, and the local market.
Plumber hourly rate
The national average hourly rate is $33.63. That rate varies by license level, such as apprentice, journeyman, and master.
Apprentice plumber salary
Apprentice plumbers earn an average rate of $20.97/hour. This is on the lower side because they’re just getting started in their careers. They are often working under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Apprentices typically earn less, but they’re also gaining valuable on-the-job training to use later in their careers. Serving as an apprentice is a necessary first step to unlock higher-earning tiers.
Here’s a look at the pay ranges, from the lower end to the highest earners:
| Low | Average | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $33,227 | $49,054 | $72,420 |
| Monthly | $2,352 | $3,473 | $5,127 |
| Weekly | $608 | $898 | $1,325 |
| Hourly | $14.20 | $20.97 | $30.95 |
READ MORE: How to become a plumber
Journeyman plumber salary
Journeymen earn an average rate of $34.75/hour. They are fully licensed to work independently, which means they can take on a wide range of plumbing jobs without direct oversight.
They also often supervise apprentices, passing along skills and ensuring that plumbing work meets code. Journeymen earn a predictable living and are often in high demand in both residential and commercial plumbing settings.
Here’s a look at the pay ranges, from the lower end to the highest earners:
| Low | Average | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $46,610 | $69,510 | $103,661 |
| Monthly | $3,884 | $5,792 | $8,638 |
| Weekly | $932 | $1,390 | $2,073 |
| Hourly | $23.30 | $34.75 | $51.83 |
Master plumber salary
Master plumbers earn the highest rate of $38.49/hour because they hold the highest level of plumbing licensing in the trade.
This means they’re qualified to take on the most complex plumbing projects, including large-scale commercial installations and more intricate residential remodels.
They often lead teams of journeymen and apprentices, oversee quality control, and handle important tasks like securing permits and certifications.
Because they can combine a strong base compensation with higher-paying contracts and specialized jobs, master plumbers have a much wider earning scale than other license levels.
Here’s a look at the pay ranges, from the lower end to the highest earners:
| Low | Average | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $54,500 | $80,053 | $129,000 |
| Monthly | $4,500 | $6,671 | $10,800 |
| Weekly | $1,000 | $1,539 | $2,500 |
| Hourly | $26.20 | $38.49 | $62.02 |
With the highest level of licensing, master plumbers can take on the most complex plumbing projects and also run their own businesses.
Owning a plumbing company opens the door to scaling up, bidding on larger contracts, and setting personalized rates, all of which can significantly improve annual income totals.
How much do plumbers make by state?
Your paycheck can swing wildly depending on where you work and how experienced you are, but you’ll likely earn between $33,200 and $131,420 a year.
When you look at the average licensed plumber salary by state, a few factors start to shape the numbers:
- Cost of living (higher in places like the Northeast and West Coast)
- Construction demand (city areas mean more jobs and higher rates)
- Weather (freeze cycles, storm damage, etc.)
For example, a journeyman in Massachusetts or Washington might earn significantly more than someone in the Midwest. Same work, but different economic backdrops.
Areas with housing booms or aging infrastructure can also have higher demand for plumbers. This means greater pay for in-demand service providers, but a higher cost of living.
First, here are the states that pay the most:
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary | Low End Annual Salary | High End Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $44.46 | $92,480 | $53,930 | $131,420 |
| New Jersey | $42.94 | $89,320 | $50,430 | $133,260 |
| Illinois | $42.87 | $89,180 | $47,880 | $123,290 |
| Massachusetts | $42.02 | $87,390 | $47,830 | $140,500 |
| Washington | $42.00 | $87,360 | $47,570 | $139,280 |
Here are the states that pay the least:
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary | Low End Annual Salary | High End Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $24.82 | $51,630 | $33,200 | $69,940 |
| Florida | $25.79 | $53,630 | $37,400 | $67,500 |
| North Carolina | $26.02 | $54,120 | $37,690 | $72,650 |
| Alabama | $26.31 | $54,720 | $34,990 | $74,480 |
| South Dakota | $26.48 | $55,090 | $39,080 | $75,290 |
And here’s a breakdown of wages for every state, in alphabetical order:
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary | Low End Annual Salary | High End Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $26.31 | $54,720 | $34,990 | $74,480 |
| Alaska | $40.46 | $84,160 | $61,610 | $105,800 |
| Arizona | $32.22 | $67,010 | $44,340 | $98,310 |
| Arkansas | $24.82 | $51,630 | $33,200 | $69,940 |
| California | $37.67 | $78,350 | $45,480 | $126,790 |
| Colorado | $32.22 | $67,020 | $46,370 | $98,680 |
| Connecticut | $33.42 | $69,500 | $44,570 | $98,720 |
| Delaware | $31.36 | $65,220 | $40,630 | $86,900 |
| Florida | $25.79 | $53,630 | $37,400 | $67,500 |
| Georgia | $28.59 | $59,470 | $36,990 | $83,070 |
| Hawaii | $41.02 | $85,320 | $46,900 | $115,160 |
| Idaho | $28.42 | $59,110 | $39,340 | $79,550 |
| Illinois | $42.87 | $89,180 | $47,880 | $123,290 |
| Indiana | $33.42 | $69,500 | $44,390 | $97,900 |
| Iowa | $31.18 | $64,860 | $41,840 | $92,690 |
| Kansas | $33.03 | $68,710 | $39,260 | $104,300 |
| Kentucky | $31.97 | $66,500 | $39,210 | $92,970 |
| Louisiana | $30.06 | $62,520 | $38,190 | $77,610 |
| Maine | $31.61 | $65,740 | $47,810 | $80,380 |
| Maryland | $33.65 | $69,980 | $42,730 | $105,610 |
| Massachusetts | $42.02 | $87,390 | $47,830 | $140,500 |
| Michigan | $35.02 | $72,830 | $41,710 | $100,620 |
| Minnesota | $40.13 | $83,470 | $48,870 | $121,380 |
| Mississippi | $27.64 | $57,490 | $36,710 | $77,270 |
| Missouri | $33.84 | $70,380 | $43,140 | $107,400 |
| Montana | $35.15 | $73,120 | $46,400 | $93,960 |
| Nebraska | $33.01 | $68,660 | $45,540 | $93,350 |
| Nevada | $32.39 | $67,380 | $40,870 | $108,690 |
| New Hampshire | $30.81 | $64,080 | $40,330 | $85,480 |
| New Jersey | $42.94 | $89,320 | $50,430 | $133,260 |
| New Mexico | $29.37 | $61,090 | $38,100 | $84,090 |
| New York | $40.63 | $84,510 | $46,040 | $128,540 |
| North Carolina | $26.02 | $54,120 | $37,690 | $72,650 |
| North Dakota | $31.62 | $65,760 | $44,940 | $89,630 |
| Ohio | $32.18 | $66,940 | $40,720 | $96,310 |
| Oklahoma | $27.35 | $56,890 | $37,190 | $79,880 |
| Oregon | $44.46 | $92,480 | $53,930 | $131,420 |
| Pennsylvania | $35.55 | $73,950 | $45,070 | $108,770 |
| Rhode Island | $34.98 | $72,760 | $47,880 | $106,530 |
| South Carolina | $26.63 | $55,390 | $35,460 | $77,660 |
| South Dakota | $26.48 | $55,090 | $39,080 | $75,290 |
| Tennessee | $28.57 | $59,430 | $38,080 | $81,570 |
| Texas | $28.61 | $59,500 | $37,320 | $81,510 |
| Utah | $30.10 | $62,600 | $39,770 | $81,460 |
| Vermont | $30.40 | $63,230 | $46,220 | $91,990 |
| Virginia | $28.28 | $58,820 | $41,050 | $76,650 |
| Washington | $42.00 | $87,360 | $47,570 | $139,280 |
| Washington, D.C. | $40.31 | $83,840 | $48,730 | $107,270 |
| West Virginia | $26.79 | $55,730 | $35,260 | $81,360 |
| Wisconsin | $39.91 | $83,020 | $48,960 | $114,460 |
| Wyoming | $29.84 | $62,070 | $44,750 | $81,220 |
Highest-paying plumbing jobs
The jobs that pay the most tend to sit at the intersection of technical complexity, specialization, and responsibility. The more your work affects safety and system performance, the higher your pay climbs.
Here are some of the top-earning types of plumbers:
Plumbing engineer
This role bridges the gap between hands-on plumbing and engineering, earning $95,484 on average. Plumbing engineers design water supply, drainage, and gas systems for commercial or industrial buildings like hospitals and manufacturing plants.
The job often requires an engineering degree or technical background. Licensing can boost your earning potential, and the pay is driven by your design responsibilities and the size of the project.
Plumbing designer
Averaging $88,079 per year, designers take concepts and turn them into buildable plans using CAD or BIM software. They make sure everything fits and passes inspection.
The job comes with strong pay growth if you get more experience doing commercial and multi-story projects. You need to have knowledge of code compliance and system efficiency.
Plumbing foreman / supervisor
Foremen earn $77,354 per year, so leadership pays off. These supervisors take on crew management and coordination with general contractors and inspectors.
They’re responsible for keeping jobs on time and on budget, acting as the bridge between field crews and project management.
As a foreman, you could double your hourly earnings over time—especially on large commercial jobs—since you’re ensuring all the work gets done.
Medical gas installer
Earning an average salary of $63,215, medical gas installers work on systems that deliver oxygen and other critical gases in healthcare settings. Everything must meet strict standards like NFPA 99.
Few specialties carry this level of precision and pressure. Certification is required because of the risk and the limited number of certified professionals.
Industrial plumber
Industrial plumbing deals with high-pressure systems and chemicals inside plants or factories, and these roles earn $63,215 on average.
The job requires extra safety training (confined space, hazardous materials, etc.), but there’s potential for hazard pay and overtime premiums. The complexity and risk will push your wages even higher.
Pipefitter / steamfitter
Pipefitters and steamfitters are paid well ($59,574 annually), and for good reason. They fabricate and install piping systems for steam, HVAC, and industrial processes, all of which involve massive systems and high-stakes environments.
What really pushes their earning potential higher is the skill depth required. These roles often demand advanced welding, blueprint reading, and working with high-pressure systems where mistakes are expensive.
How much do union plumbers make?
Union plumbers tend to earn more ($63,215 per year) than those who aren’t in a union. But the bigger picture is the full compensation package, which doesn’t always show up on your pay stub.
Base pay
Union wages are set by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and they’re usually a step above open-shop rates.
In many regions, union plumbers earn 10–20% more than non-union workers. Journeymen in major cities (Boston, Chicago, New York, etc.) can earn $40–50 per hour, and sometimes more on large commercial projects.
Apprentices start lower, of course, but their pay increases on a scheduled progression. No awkward conversations about asking for a raise.
Benefits that stack your income
Union plumbers negotiate wages and benefits that would be costly to cover on your own:
- Health insurance: Full medical, dental, and vision
- Pension plans: Some unions still offer defined-benefit pensions, which is rare these days
- Annuities or retirement funds: Additional employer-funded savings
Employers contribute to these plans for every hour you work. In terms of dollars, it often adds $10–20 per hour in extra value on top of your base wage. So, your $45/hour job might be closer to $60–65/hour.
Money isn’t the only thing that matters for union work. The predictability does, too. CBAs lock in wage increases over time, and standardized pay scales reduce any wage gaps. There are also clear rules around overtime, breaks, and working conditions.
Training that pays
Union apprenticeships are structured and paid. You earn while you learn, instead of paying tuition upfront. Training includes classroom instruction and real experience on job sites.
Compared to someone who’s paying out-of-pocket for certifications or figuring things out on the fly, apprentices save thousands of dollars in training costs. They also have a smoother path to higher wages.
Total compensation
When you add it all up together—base pay, health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off—the gap widens:
- Union plumbers can see their total compensation package increase substantially beyond base wages
- Employer-paid benefits like healthcare and pensions can add $15–30/hour, which pushes the total compensation well above hourly pay alone
For example, a non-union plumber might make $35/hour and handle their own insurance and retirement. On the other hand, a union plumber that makes $45/hour could effectively be earning the equivalent of $60/hour when everything’s factored in.
What affects a plumber’s salary?
Many factors can shape your earning potential, including your location and the kinds of plumbing jobs you regularly accept.
These are the most common factors that determine how much you earn:
- Location: Plumbers in urban areas or states with a high cost of living typically earn a higher salary to match the demand and higher living expenses. For example, salaries in New York City or San Francisco can be thousands of dollars higher than in rural areas.
- Experience level: Like many trades, more experience often means higher hourly rates. A seasoned plumber who can troubleshoot complex issues quickly is more valuable (and better paid) than someone just starting in the plumbing industry.
- License level: A plumbing license determines the scope of work you can perform and the jobs you can bid on. Master plumbers earn significantly more because they can take on large-scale projects and run their own business.
- Type of work: Commercial and industrial plumbing sometimes pays more than routine residential service calls. Industrial projects can be larger, more complex, and require specialized knowledge over a long period of time.
- Specialties: Skills like gas fitting, solar plumbing, or medical gas installation are in high demand and can set a plumbing business apart. Plus, these services allow plumbers to charge premium rates compared to basic maintenance.
- Overtime and emergency calls: Offering 24/7 service or taking on nights and weekend work can be a major income booster, as homeowners are often willing to pay extra for urgent repairs outside normal business hours.
READ MORE: Plumbing labor statistics you need to know
How to increase your plumber salary
Pay goes up when you do things like stacking skills, chasing the right opportunities, and even stepping outside your comfort zone.
Some of these take years. Others you could start this week. Here are a few ways to work toward increasing your plumber salary:
- Get your master plumber license. A master license is your gateway to both independence and pay that comes with higher responsibility. It puts you in position to pull permits, run jobs, supervise crews, and bid larger commercial work. You’re responsible for the outcome of a job, and you’re paid accordingly.
- Specialize in high-demand areas. Specialization separates general labor from expertise. Consider high-value niches like gas fitting, backflow prevention, and green systems. Anyone can swap a water heater, but not everyone can handle a hospital gas line inspection.
- Move to a higher-paying market. Location can make or break your earning potential. States like California, Massachusetts, and Oregon offer higher wages due to demand and cost of living. There could be a $20K difference just by moving to a different state.
- Take on overtime and emergency calls. It’s not glamorous work, but it pays. Nights and weekends might pay up to double your base rate. And you can rake in the dollars doing emergency service calls.
- Join a union. Joining a union is good for both your paycheck and your career longevity. You get higher standardized wages and more predictable raises. Working conditions are safer, and there’s employer-funded training.
- Start your own plumbing business. This is where your income can really take off. You move from hourly wages to job-based plumbing pricing and recurring contracts. You can scale with helpers, techs, or full crews. Profit potential grows fast, but your operation needs to run smoothly.
How much do plumbing business owners make?
On average, a plumbing business owner salary can range between $94,000 and $120,000 annually. Keep in mind that top earners who earn six figures in profit or more are likely running multiple crews or servicing large commercial contracts every year.
As the owner, you’re not limited to hourly wages. You set your own rates, decide which jobs to take, and build a team to handle more work than you could manage on your own as a solo provider.
Your earning potential depends on more than just technical skill. The most common factors include:
- Pricing strategy: Charging rates that reflect your expertise and market demand can help you raise your income each month. Know your target market so you can avoid pricing too high or too low.
- Operational efficiency: Keeping your crews productive and your overhead low lets you complete more jobs in less time. Plumbing business software like Jobber helps you schedule jobs, send invoices from the field, and get paid faster—so you spend more time on billable work and less on admin.
- Customer service: Building a reputation that drives repeat business and referrals is one way to maintain profitability. When you’re a trustworthy expert, customers will know exactly who to call.
- Market focus or specialty: Serving high-demand areas or offering specialized services commands premium rates. If you’re stuck at a certain income ceiling, consider opening your services menu to include more high-tier options or service bundles.
With the right mix of business leadership and hands-on plumbing skills, your income can grow far beyond what’s possible as an employee.
If you’re ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, owning a plumbing business could be the profitable trade you’re searching for. As you scale your business, invest in the right plumbing business apps to make operations run smoothly 24/7.
Turning your skills into a profitable plumbing career
Plumbing offers a clear path from apprenticeship to six-figure business ownership. Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about growing your company, there’s increasing income potential at every stage of your business journey.
Originally published August 2025. Last updated on April 19, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes, plumbers can make (and exceed) $100,000 a year. It’s possible to cross the six-figure threshold by taking advantage of factors like:
• Experience (typically journeyman level and up, which earn $103,000 on the high end)
• Overtime or emergency service work
• Union roles or high-paying markets (like California and Massachusetts due to demand and cost of living)
• Specializations, like gas fitting or medical gas -
The short answer is yes. Plumbers do make good money, with a U.S. average of $69,940 USD per year. The plumbing industry offers solid starting pay (even as an apprentice) and steady wage growth. Compared to many careers that require a four-year degree, plumbers often earn higher pay sooner than others.
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On average, a master plumber earns $80,053 per year (or $38.49 per hour). That high pay comes from what a master license allows you to do—pull permits, run jobs, supervise crews, and take on larger contracts. The job goes beyond just doing the work.
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Your salary depends on the path you take, but the top earners are usually:
• Master plumbers: They earn $129,000/year on the high end, with the highest ceilings in strong markets.
• Plumbing business owners: Even though owner salaries range between $94,000 and $120,000, their income can climb well beyond that—especially with multiple crews and steady work.
• Journeymen in high-demand areas: In places with high cost of living, heavy construction, or extreme weather, experienced plumbers earn $103,000 on the high end, and can make even more with overtime and consistent work.