Plumber Salary
Average $62,970/year (Trades) · $30.27/hour at 40 hrs/week
On a $62,970 plumber salary, expect about $11,600 in total federal deductions (income tax, Social Security, and Medicare), leaving roughly $51,400 before state taxes. Plumber wages range from about $40,700 at the apprentice level to over $88,000 in top-paying states like Illinois and New Jersey.
Entering the trade requires a high school diploma followed by a 4-5 year apprenticeship, with no college degree needed. Licensed master plumbers and business owners can earn well above these averages. Tax estimates, top-paying states, and licensing requirements are covered in the sections that follow.
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Estimates only. Not tax or legal advice. Consult a tax professional for accuracy.
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Plumber Salary Range
A shrinking labor pool keeps plumber wages strong. Fewer young workers enter the trades each year, so licensed journeyman and master plumbers face less competition and more negotiating power. Plumbers who handle commercial, industrial, or medical gas systems earn more than residential-focused plumbers.
Union plumbers in states like Illinois, New Jersey, and Alaska earn some of the highest wages in the trade, with pension plans and health coverage included. Even in non-union markets, steady demand and limited supply keep pay competitive.
Additional certifications expand earning potential. Backflow prevention, medical gas, and green plumbing certifications open doors to higher-paying specialty work. Pipefitters and steamfitters, closely related trades, earn similar or slightly higher wages depending on region and project type.
| Level | Annual Salary | Hourly | Net (federal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $40,670 | $19.55/hr | $34,858.35 |
| Median | $62,970 | $30.27/hr | $52,776.40 |
| Senior | $105,150 | $50.55/hr | $82,803.03 |
From apprentice to master plumber, wages roughly triple over a career. An apprentice starting at $40,700 can expect to reach journeyman pay of $50,000-$65,000 after completing their apprenticeship, with master plumbers and supervisors earning $80,000-$105,000 in mid-to-high-cost markets.
Self-employed plumbers and plumbing business owners often earn beyond BLS figures. Running a plumbing company carries risk, but successful owners in metro areas generate six-figure incomes through service calls, new construction, and commercial contracts.
The median pay of $62,970 is above the national median for all workers. Every building needs plumbing, and the work stays local by nature, which supports reliable long-term demand.
Top-Paying States for Plumbers
| State | Avg Salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $88,070 | $42.34/hr |
| New Jersey | $82,940 | $39.88/hr |
| Alaska | $82,790 | $39.80/hr |
Education & Requirements
High school diploma followed by a 4-5 year apprenticeship. Some start with vocational or technical school training in plumbing fundamentals.
- State plumbing license
- Completed apprenticeship (4-5 years)
- High school diploma or GED
- Knowledge of plumbing codes and regulations
Job Outlook
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work with water supply, drainage, heating, and gas systems.
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Plumber Salary FAQ
Common questions about earning a plumber salary
What is the average plumber salary?
The average plumber salary is $62,970 per year, or about $30.27 per hour. Master plumbers and those running their own businesses can earn over $105,000.
How much do apprentice plumbers make?
Apprentice plumbers typically start around $40,700 per year ($19.55/hour). Wages increase as apprentices advance through their training, with journeyman plumbers earning substantially more upon completion.
Which states pay plumbers the most?
Illinois leads at $88,070, followed by New Jersey ($82,940) and Alaska ($82,790). Union plumbers in large metropolitan areas tend to earn the highest wages.
Is plumbing a good career financially?
No college debt and $62,970 median pay that beats the national figure. With 44,000 annual openings, licensed plumbers stay in demand. Those who start their own businesses often earn well above BLS numbers.