Plumbers keep our homes and businesses running smoothly by installing, maintaining, and repairing complex water and sewage systems. Whenever a pipe becomes clogged, they’re the superheroes coming to the rescue. But being our go-to heroes, how much do plumbers make in the United States?
A plumber can earn anything from $40,000 to over $100,000, depending on location, specialization, and years of experience. Whether you’re starting a new plumbing business or are a seasoned professional aiming to maximize your earnings, it’s always good to know what factors shape the current industry’s salaries.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look at how much does a plumber make in all of America and explore areas that contribute to higher pay. Let’s jump in!
The average plumber’s salary is about $30.69 per hour, or $63,835 per year, according to Finturf’s evaluation of the most recent U.S. employment, wage, and recruitment statistics.
Plumbers in states with higher living costs or more robust construction markets, where demand for skilled labor is high, may see significantly higher pay. Conversely, those areas with fewer major building projects or lower living costs might fall on the lower end. In addition, years of experience and specific certifications, like gas fitting or advanced pipefitting, can influence a plumber’s earning potential.
The average plumber hourly rate in the United States is $30.69, but can range from $22.60 to $48.56. The exact rate may be on the higher or lower end of the spectrum, depending on your specialization, geographic location, and certification level.
The average plumber salary per year in the United States is $63,835. However, this number can vary widely depending on factors such as the state you work in, your area of specialization, licensing qualifications, years of experience, and even the type of projects you handle. For example, plumbers in high-demand states with robust construction markets tend to earn more than those in regions with fewer large-scale projects. Specializations such as plumbing engineering or master plumbing can also lead to higher salaries, as these roles often require advanced skills and certifications. Additionally, plumbers with more years of experience or those who own their own businesses generally earn higher incomes.
Washington, Alaska, and Illinois have the highest annual plumber salaries. This is mainly due to the higher living costs and demand in these states. On the contrary, West Virginia, Florida, and Arkansas offer the lowest average salary for a plumber in America.
Interested in learning how much money plumbers make in different states? Here’s a breakdown of the average plumber yearly salary in each state.
State | Average Annual Salary |
Alabama | $52,400 |
Alaska | $79,810 |
Arizona | $54,113 |
Arkansas | $49,412 |
California | $59,095 |
Colorado | $59,402 |
Connecticut | $67,114 |
Delaware | $62,763 |
Florida | $48,061 |
Georgia | $50,493 |
Hawaii | $62,812 |
Idaho | $56,783 |
Illinois | $76,154 |
Indiana | $57,610 |
Iowa | $56,377 |
Kansas | $51,550 |
Kentucky | $53,982 |
Louisiana | $52,141 |
Maine | $66,453 |
Maryland | $63,902 |
Massachusetts | $71,428 |
Michigan | $54,382 |
Minnesota | $66,992 |
Mississippi | $49,597 |
Missouri | $55,829 |
Montana | $66,944 |
Nebraska | $61,925 |
Nevada | $58,613 |
New Hampshire | $69,136 |
New Jersey | $61,470 |
New Mexico | $56,310 |
New York | $63,288 |
North Carolina | $53,153 |
North Dakota | $62,922 |
Ohio | $55,392 |
Oklahoma | $70,729 |
Oregon | $80,030 |
Pennsylvania | $57,880 |
Rhode Island | $61,798 |
South Carolina | $52,580 |
South Dakota | $62,668 |
Tennessee | $52,899 |
Texas | $56,896 |
Utah | $59,076 |
Vermont | $63,099 |
Virginia | $56,917 |
Washington | $97,210 |
West Virginia | $47,087 |
Wisconsin | $70,348 |
Wyoming | $61,604 |
*The information in the table above is an aggregated result retrieved from Housecall Pro, Salary.com, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed.
The average salary of a plumber is also different depending on their niche area of expertise. Below is a breakdown of how different specializations stack up in terms of annual salaries.
Specialization | Average Annual Salary |
Plumbing Engineer | $88,000–$104,000 |
Plumbing Designer | $79,000–$94,000 |
Master Plumber | $75,000–$85,000 |
Plumbing Foreman | $67,000–$77,000 |
Residential Plumber | $65,000–$75,000 |
Commercial Plumber | $55,000–$65,000 |
Service and Repair Plumber | $60,000–$70,000 |
Pipefitter | $58,000–$62,000 |
Steamfitter | $75,000–$83,000 |
Gas Fitter | $56,000–$64,000 |
Plumbing Inspector | $60,000–$65,000 |
Drainage Plumber | $61,000–$66,000 |
Solar Water Heater Installer | $55,000–$60,000 |
Sewer and Drain Technician | $50,000–$60,000 |
Apprentice Plumber | $35,000–$45,000 |
*The information in the table above is derived by taking the averages from ZipRecruiter and Indeed.
On average, a plumbing business owner’s salary can range between $94,000 and $120,000 per year. Plumbing business owners typically oversee everything from hiring and training employees to maintaining equipment and marketing. Additionally, they are responsible for meeting local regulations, investing in insurance, and managing daily operations, which contributes to their higher pay.
The income of a plumbing business owner can vary depending on the size and success of the business, geographic location, local market conditions, competition, and services offered.
As a plumbing business owner, you typically determine your own salary. To determine an optimal and competitive amount, you have to cover overhead costs such as employee wages, marketing, tools, vehicles, and insurance while still generating enough profit to pay yourself a comfortable salary.
The demand for skilled plumbers and the number of projects you take on also play a role. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the number of plumbing jobs will increase by 26,300 or 6% by 2033 compared to 2023. By diversifying your services, keeping pace with evolving regulations, and maintaining a strong reputation, you can capitalize on industry trends and increase your and your business’s earning potential over the long term.
A plumber’s salary is shaped by a broad range of factors that include regional demand, specialized skill sets, and even personal branding. Professionals who understand these interconnected elements are better positioned to command higher rates. Here are the major factors that impact a plumber’s salary.
Plumbers who have spent years honing their craft often earn higher wages than those new to the field. Experts with 10 or more years of experience in plumbing receive the highest salaries. As you accumulate more years in the field, you enhance your skills and build a reputation that can attract higher-paying clients and more complex projects.
Education and certifications also play a role. A high school diploma alone may not be enough to generate higher salaries. Many states require continuing education, which helps you stay updated on evolving codes and best practices. Additionally, obtaining a master plumber license can further elevate your status and income, as it often qualifies you for supervisory roles. Certifications in emerging fields like green plumbing or smart home technologies usually give a competitive edge. As sustainability becomes one of the core plumbing industry trends, plumbers who can install and maintain eco-friendly systems are likely to see growing demand for their services.
Endorsements for medical gas installation, high-pressure piping, or backflow prevention can further boost your earning potential. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and technical mastery.
Location is another determining factor for plumbers’ salaries. Plumbers working in metropolitan areas or regions with high construction activity typically earn more than those in rural or less economically vibrant areas.
The demand for plumbing services is closely related to broader economic and industry trends. During periods of economic growth, particularly in the construction and real estate sectors, the need for skilled plumbers rises sharply. New residential and commercial developments, infrastructure projects, and renovations all contribute to increased job opportunities and, consequently, higher wages. Conversely, during economic downturns, construction slows, and the demand for plumbing services decreases, potentially affecting plumber’s salary per year.
The rise of smart home automation technologies, eco-friendly plumbing solutions, and advanced water conservation technologies create new avenues for specialization. Plumbers who get certified in these areas can integrate them into their service offerings and tap into lucrative market opportunities.
Seasonal variations and regional economic shifts also play a role in shaping demand. For example, areas prone to extreme weather are more likely to experience burst pipes in winter months, leading to increased opportunities for plumbers and higher pay.
Plumbing is a profession that often requires flexibility and the willingness to work beyond standard hours. Offering emergency services by being available for after-hours calls can increase your revenues. Emergency plumbing jobs, such as fixing burst pipes or addressing severe leaks, typically come with premium rates due to the urgent nature of the work.
In addition to emergency work, some plumbers earn extra through overtime. Completing projects ahead of schedule or handling multiple projects simultaneously can lead to additional pay and performance bonuses.
Whether you work for someone else or run your own plumbing business, the key to an increased salary is a combination of strategies and informed decision making. Here are a few strategies for increasing your plumbing salary.
Many plumbers enter the field with basic training or an apprenticeship, but continuing education can propel your career to a new level. Many states require ongoing education, which you can often fulfill through industry bodies like the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). Use the programs offered there to both meet licensing requirements and expand your skill set.
Stay ahead of the curve by familiarizing yourself with the latest technologies in the field. For instance, modern appliances and fixtures come with digital or eco-friendly components. Learn how to install and repair these upgrades to make your service invaluable to clients who want the latest solutions.
General plumbing skills are always in demand, but specialization can elevate your earning potential. Position yourself as an expert in a specific field, such as industrial pipefitting or high-tech water filtration. These specializations often require more profound technical know-how that not every plumber can tackle.
Research the local demand to find out which services are underserved. For instance, if there’s a shortage of plumbers who can handle medical gas lines in your region, become certified in that area to command top dollar.
Additionally, refine your techniques by adopting advanced skills. The ability to do complex soldering and 3D CAD modeling for pipeline layouts can open the doors to high-paying commercial and industrial projects.
Those who want to branch out and open their own plumbing business can tap into new income streams and far greater earning potential as a plumbing business owner. But beyond your plumbing experience, you need to understand budgeting, pricing, and plumbing marketing strategies. You also need to set competitive yet profitable rates, as you must cover overheads like insurance, equipment, and payroll.
If your goal is to scale, investing in competent employees who can maintain the same quality of service is key. Establish your credibility with a professional website, social media presence, and customer testimonials. Positive reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google can solidify your reputation and attract new clients.
Another effective strategy for boosting your income is offering plumbing financing. Many customers might put off major plumbing projects due to budget constraints, but financing makes these services more accessible to everyone. By partnering with a reputable financing organization, you can offer to break down the cost of your services into multiple installments. This can broaden your customer base, build lasting relationships, and potentially command higher revenues.
Whether you’re just starting out as an apprentice or looking to grow your established plumbing business, understanding how much plumbers make is only the first step. By continuing your education, exploring specializations, and leveraging entrepreneurial strategies, you’ll be on your way to professional fulfillment and financial success. As the field evolves with eco-friendly technologies, staying educated and adaptable will ensure you remain at the forefront.
Everyone in nearly every state needs a plumber’s license to operate. A license ensures you meet local requirements, pass safety tests, and have sufficient training. Requirements for obtaining a plumber’s license include a combination of coursework, hands-on experience, and exams in almost all states.
To start a plumbing business, focus first on acquiring a license and establishing your business structure. Next, create a business plan, purchase the necessary tools and equipment, and develop a marketing strategy to build your client base.
Plumber salaries are the lowest in West Virginia, Florida, and Arkansas. This is mainly due to a combination of lower living costs in these states and fewer large construction projects.
Washington ranks as the highest-paying state for plumbers. There is a massive shortage of tradespeople there, which contributes to higher paychecks. Despite this, the demand for skilled tradespeople is high, especially in cities like Seattle and Tacoma which are experiencing a rapid rise in construction.
A plumbing engineer is the highest-paid plumber job, with an average salary of $88,000 to $104,000. Plumbing engineers are typically responsible for designing and overseeing plumbing systems on large-scale projects, involving everything from potable water supply to fire suppression systems.
In Washington or Alaska, plumber annual salary can climb to $90,000 or more, especially with a master license.
For an apprentice, the yearly salary can start near $35,000, with the potential to jump as you gain more experience.