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
$63,800
$5,317/mo
Entry Level
$35,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$88,300
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) at a national median of $63,800 per year (mean $72,170), or $30.67 per hour, with 465,840 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
466K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$30.67/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,317
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
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Plumber Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Plumber field.
Entry-level Plumbers earn around $35,100, while the top 10% earn $94,150 or more.
Top Paying States for Plumbers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $75,000 | +$11,200 |
| New York | $73,000 | +$9,200 |
| Illinois | $66,000 | +$2,200 |
| Texas | $63,000 | $-800 |
| Florida | $63,000 | $-800 |
Top Paying Cities for Plumbers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| ChicagoBLS metro | $103,380 | +$39,580 |
| New YorkBLS metro | $78,610 | +$14,810 |
| Los AngelesBLS metro | $71,110 | +$7,310 |
| HoustonBLS metro | $61,300 | $-2,500 |
| MiamiBLS metro | $57,760 | $-6,040 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in that city's metropolitan statistical area (5 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Plumber Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Plumber.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Plumber Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Plumber from entry level to expert.
$35,100
0-2 years
$62,000
3-7 years
$88,300
8-14 years
$100,000
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 $63,800 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152); the mean is $72,170. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $35,100, senior professionals around $88,300, and top earners at $100,000 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 466K 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 $75,000. 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 $35,100 to $88,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Plumber Salary
How we calculate Plumber salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $63,800, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters; BLS mean $72,170; BLS hourly median $30.67.
- Entry-level ($35,100) and senior-level ($88,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 465,840 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Construction sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: High School Diploma + Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $63,800; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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