Plumber Salary in USA 2025

Plumber Salary Overview

This guide covers plumber salary in the US for 2025, including national averages, pay by state, and how earnings change with experience and license level. Whether you're considering a plumbing apprenticeship, evaluating job offers, or planning to upgrade your license, these figures provide the benchmarks you need.

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial water supply, drainage, gas, and piping systems. Their work is essential for public health and safety—without properly functioning plumbing, buildings cannot operate. This fundamental need drives steady demand and solid wages across the country.

Plumbing is one of the most accessible high paying jobs without a degree, offering competitive wages, strong job security, and clear advancement paths. The data here draws from BLS estimates, trade salary surveys, and industry reports, presented as realistic ranges rather than exact locked-in numbers.

What Plumbers Earn: National Snapshot

Plumber pay in the US provides solid middle-class income with strong growth potential. BLS data for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters shows median annual wages around $63,000 (approximately $30/hour), while various 2025 salary guides report average salaries in the low-to-mid $60,000s.

These are gross pay estimates before taxes. Actual take-home depends on overtime, emergency calls, and union status. Plumbers who work consistent overtime or handle emergency service calls can earn $75,000–$95,000+ annually.

To convert hourly wages to annual salary or vice versa, use our salary calculator. For context on how plumber pay compares to other professions, see our guide to average salary in the US.

Plumber Salary by Experience and License Level

Plumber compensation follows a clear progression tied to licensing milestones. Each step up—apprentice to journeyman to master—brings meaningful pay increases and expanded work authority.

Apprentice / Helper Plumber

Apprentice plumbers and helpers earn while they learn, typically making $38,000–$48,000 annually ($18–$23/hour) depending on region and program. While below the overall plumber average, this is competitive pay for someone in training—especially compared to unpaid internships or minimum-wage jobs in other fields.

Plumbing apprenticeships typically last 4–5 years, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Pay usually increases each year as skills develop. By the final year of apprenticeship, many earn close to journeyman starting wages.

Journeyman Plumber

Journeyman plumbers—fully licensed professionals who have completed their apprenticeship and passed required exams—see significant pay increases. Most journeymen earn $55,000–$75,000 annually ($26–$36/hour), with higher figures in strong markets and for those working consistent overtime.

This is where most plumbers spend the bulk of their careers. Journeymen have authority to perform plumbing work independently (within licensing requirements) and can take on more complex residential and commercial projects. Union journeymen in major metros often earn toward the higher end of this range with comprehensive benefits packages.

Master Plumber

Master plumbers have achieved the highest license level, demonstrating advanced expertise through additional exams and experience requirements. Master plumber salaries typically range from $75,000–$100,000+ annually, with significant variation based on role and market.

Many master plumbers take on supervisory roles, run crews, handle complex commercial projects, or start their own contracting businesses. In some states, only master plumbers can pull permits or own plumbing companies, making this credential essential for business ownership.

Foreman and Business Owner

Plumbers who move into foreman (crew supervisor) or estimator roles often earn premiums above standard journeyman or master wages—typically $75,000–$95,000+ in many markets. Business owners' income varies widely—successful plumbing contractors can earn $100,000–$200,000+ in good years, though income depends on jobs won, overhead costs, and local market conditions.

Plumber Salary by State

Plumber pay varies widely by state. Geographic location is one of the biggest factors affecting what you'll earn—differences of $15,000–$25,000+ between high-paying and low-paying states are common.

Highest-Paying States for Plumbers

Multiple salary surveys consistently identify these states among the highest-paying for plumbers: Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, California, and New Jersey. Plumbers in these states often earn $70,000–$85,000+ on average, with journeymen in major metros earning even more.

These higher wages often reflect strong union presence, high construction activity, and elevated cost of living.

Mid-Range States

States like Minnesota, Connecticut, Nevada, Colorado, Maryland, and Hawaii offer competitive plumber wages—typically around the national average or slightly above ($58,000–$68,000). These markets often provide good balance between compensation and cost of living.

Lower-Paying States

Some southeastern and rural states report average plumber salaries in the $45,000–$55,000 range. Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of the rural South typically fall into this category. However, lower cost of living in these areas often means comparable purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.

For context on wage floors across states, see our guide to minimum wage by state.

Plumber Salary by Industry and Work Type

Not all plumbing work pays the same. The type of projects you work on and the settings you work in significantly affect earning potential.

Residential Service

Residential service plumbers handling home repairs, drain cleaning, fixture installations, and water heater replacements typically earn around the national average. The work is varied and can offer flexibility, especially for those doing service calls. Many residential plumbers eventually start their own small businesses.

New Construction

Plumbers working on new home or commercial building construction often earn competitive wages with more predictable schedules than service work. New construction involves roughing in entire plumbing systems—work that's often steadier but tied to the construction market cycle.

Commercial and Industrial

Commercial and industrial plumbers working on office buildings, hospitals, factories, and large-scale projects often earn above-average wages—sometimes 10–20% more than general residential work. These projects are larger and more complex, requiring advanced skills and often paying accordingly.

Specialty Work

Plumbers specializing in medical gas systems, high-pressure steam, industrial process piping, or fire sprinkler systems command premium rates. These specializations require additional certifications and expertise, but compensation reflects the specialized knowledge.

Related Trades

For comparison with similar trades, see our guides to electrician salary and HVAC technician salary.

Hourly Pay, Overtime, and Union Impact

Many plumbers are paid hourly, which means total annual income depends heavily on hours worked. Understanding how overtime and union membership affect pay is essential for realistic expectations.

Overtime Impact

Overtime is common in plumbing, especially during busy construction seasons or for service plumbers handling emergency calls. Time-and-a-half (1.5x regular rate) for hours over 40 per week can add $10,000–$25,000+ to annual income for plumbers who regularly work 50–60 hour weeks.

Emergency call-outs—burst pipes, sewer backups, water heater failures—often pay premium rates. Plumbers willing to respond nights and weekends can significantly boost their earnings.

Union vs. Non-Union

Union plumbers (typically UA members—United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry) often earn higher base wages than non-union counterparts—sometimes $5–$15/hour more in the same market. Union positions also typically include comprehensive benefits: health insurance, pension contributions, and structured apprenticeship training.

The tradeoff: union work may involve stricter work rules, dues, and sometimes periods of downtime between assignments depending on the local market. Non-union plumbers may have more flexibility but often receive lower wages and fewer benefits.

Self-Employment Considerations

Plumbers who start their own contracting businesses have unlimited earning potential but also assume business risk. Successful plumbing contractors can earn $100,000–$200,000+, but income varies with jobs won, overhead costs, and economic conditions. Self-employed plumbers must also handle their own benefits, taxes, licensing, and business management.

How to Increase Your Plumber Salary

Strategic career moves can significantly boost your plumber income over time.

Advance Your License

The clearest path to higher pay is upgrading from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber. Each license level brings immediate pay increases and opens doors to higher-paying positions. In many states, master plumber licensure is required to start your own business or pull permits independently—making it essential for entrepreneurial plumbers.

Specialize in High-Value Work

Plumbers with specialized skills command premium wages. In-demand specializations include: medical gas certification (hospitals, labs), industrial process piping, fire sprinkler systems, green/sustainable plumbing systems, and high-end residential remodels. Pursuing additional certifications in these areas can increase your market value significantly.

Move to Higher-Paying Markets

Relocating to a higher-paying state or metro area can boost earnings 15–30%. However, weigh salary differences against cost-of-living changes—an $80,000 salary in New York may not go further than $55,000 in a lower-cost market.

Join a Union

In markets with strong union presence, joining the UA can mean significantly higher wages and better benefits than non-union alternatives.

Start Your Own Business

Experienced master plumbers who start contracting businesses can earn significantly more than employees—but with added risk and responsibility. Success requires not just plumbing skills but business acumen, customer service, and the ability to win and manage projects.

For negotiation strategies, see our salary negotiation guide.

Job Outlook and Demand

Plumber job prospects are steady to strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 2–3% through 2032, with approximately 42,000 job openings annually from new positions and retirements.

Demand Drivers

Several factors support demand for plumbers: aging infrastructure requiring repairs and upgrades (many water and sewer systems are decades old), new residential and commercial construction, building renovations and remodels, water efficiency upgrades (low-flow fixtures, tankless water heaters), and the essential nature of plumbing services—buildings cannot function without working water and waste systems.

Resilient Career Path

Plumbing work cannot be easily outsourced or automated—buildings need in-person plumbers. Even during economic downturns, emergency plumbing repairs remain necessary. This makes the trade resilient compared to many other occupations. Combined with solid wages and relatively low educational debt, becoming a plumber offers an attractive alternative to traditional four-year degrees.

For more careers offering strong pay without college degrees, see our guide to high paying jobs without a degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average plumber salary in the US in 2025?

The median plumber salary is approximately $63,000 per year (~$30/hour) according to BLS data. Average salaries from various sources range from $60,000–$68,000 depending on methodology. With overtime and emergency calls, experienced plumbers in busy markets often earn $75,000–$95,000+.

Which states pay plumbers the most?

Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and California consistently rank among the highest-paying states for plumbers, with average salaries often reaching $70,000–$85,000+. However, cost of living in these states is typically higher as well.

How much do apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbers earn?

Apprentices typically earn $38,000–$48,000 annually while training. Journeyman plumbers (fully licensed) earn $55,000–$75,000. Master plumbers, with the highest license level, typically earn $75,000–$100,000+, with business owners potentially earning significantly more.

Is becoming a plumber worth it financially?

Yes, for most people. Plumbers earn solid middle-class wages ($63,000+ median) with minimal educational debt—apprentices are paid while learning. The trade offers strong job security, clear advancement paths, and potential to earn $80,000–$100,000+ for experienced professionals or business owners. Compared to four-year college degrees with substantial debt, the plumbing path often provides better financial ROI.

How long does it take to make a good living as a plumber?

Apprentices earn decent wages ($38,000–$48,000) from day one while training. After completing a 4–5 year apprenticeship and obtaining a journeyman license, most plumbers earn $55,000–$75,000—enough to support a family in most markets. Reaching master plumber status or specializing in high-demand areas can push earnings to $80,000–$100,000+ within 8–10 years of starting the trade.