Plumber Salary in 2026
Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, and gas piping systems in residential and commercial buildings. They diagnose plumbing problems and ensure code compliance.
Median Salary
$60,000
$5,000/mo
Entry Level
$33,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$83,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Plumber Overview
Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, and gas piping systems in residential and commercial buildings. They diagnose plumbing problems and ensure code compliance.
Education
High School Diploma + Apprenticeship
Experience
4-5 year apprenticeship
Industry
Construction
Total Jobs (US)
500K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$28.85/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,000
Plumber Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Plumber salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Plumber Salary
$66,000
$5,500/month · $2,538/biweekly · $31.73/hr
Plumber Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Plumber field.
Entry-level Plumbers earn around $33,000, while the top 10% earn $88,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Plumbers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $71,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $69,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $62,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $59,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $59,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Plumbers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $71,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $67,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $63,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $61,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $59,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Plumber Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Plumber from entry level to expert.
$33,000
0-2 years
$58,000
3-7 years
$83,000
8-14 years
$94,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Plumber Salary FAQ
How much does a Plumber make in 2026?
The median salary for a Plumber in the United States is $60,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $33,000, while senior professionals earn up to $83,000. Top earners in the field can make $94,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Plumber?
A Plumber typically requires a High School Diploma + Apprenticeship with 4-5 year apprenticeship of experience. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Water Systems, Drain Cleaning. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman License or Master Plumber can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Plumbers?
The job market for Plumbers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 500K Plumber positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Plumbers the most?
The highest-paying states for Plumbers include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $71,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Plumber salary?
To increase your Plumber salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Pipe Fitting and Water Systems. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 4-5 year apprenticeship of experience, you can progress from $33,000 to $83,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Plumber Salary
How we calculate Plumber salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $60,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Plumber in the Construction sector.
- Entry-level ($33,000) and senior-level ($83,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 500K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Construction sector wages.
- Education requirement: High School Diploma + Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $60,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Plumber compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Plumber job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Construction
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Plumber salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Pipe Fitting, Water Systems, Drain Cleaning), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.