Plumber Salary Guide

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain piping systems, fixtures, and appliances that carry water, gas, and waste. They read blueprints, diagnose problems, join and cut pipes, ensure code compliance, and may specialize in areas like residential, commercial, or industrial plumbing.

What is the average Plumber salary?

Entry Level

$35,000 - $50,000

Mid Level

$50,000 - $75,000

Senior Level

$75,000 - $110,000

How does Plumber salary grow with experience?

$30,000 - $45,000

0-2

$45,000 - $65,000

3-5

$60,000 - $85,000

6-10

$75,000 - $110,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $110k

Plumber salary by location

New York City, NY$55,000 - $115,000

Los Angeles, CA$50,000 - $105,000

Houston, TX$45,000 - $95,000

Chicago, IL$48,000 - $100,000

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$60,000 - $120,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Plumber's salary?

Licensure and certifications (apprentice, journeyman, master, medical gas, backflow)
Geographic cost of living and regional demand
Specialization (commercial/industrial pipefitting, service plumbing, hydronics)
Union membership vs non-union and employer size
Self-employment, overtime, emergency call fees, and contract work

Frequently Asked Questions About Plumber Salaries

How much does a plumber make on average in the U.S.?

Average plumber pay varies by experience and location; typical ranges are about $35,000–$50,000 for entry-level, $50,000–$75,000 mid-career, and $75,000–$110,000 for senior plumbers.

What factors most affect plumber salaries?

Key factors include geographic location, licensure level (apprentice, journeyman, master), years of experience, specialization (e.g., medical gas, pipefitting), and whether you work for a contractor or are self-employed.

Do plumbers earn overtime and bonuses?

Yes. Plumbers frequently earn overtime for emergency calls and weekends; experienced or self-employed plumbers can also earn performance bonuses, call-out fees, and higher hourly rates for specialized work.

Is apprenticeship required to become a plumber?

Most plumbers complete a registered apprenticeship combining paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction; apprenticeships are a common path to journeyman licensure.