Salary report · Plumbers

How much does a Plumber make in 2026?

The national median Plumber salary is $61,550 per year. Plumbers install and repair water, drainage and gas piping systems in residential and commercial buildings.

National median
$61,550
Per year
Entry level
$40,008
0–2 years
Senior
$89,248
8+ years
10-yr growth
+6%
BLS projection

Plumber salary by city

Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.

CityMedian
San Francisco, CA$87,400View →
Seattle, WA$80,000View →
New York, NY$78,800View →
Los Angeles, CA$70,800View →
Austin, TX$68,900View →
Denver, CO$67,700View →
Chicago, IL$65,200View →
Houston, TX$64,000View →
Miami, FL$60,900View →
Phoenix, AZ$60,300View →

What does a Plumber do?

Plumbers install and repair water, drainage and gas piping systems in residential and commercial buildings.

  • Install pipes and fixtures
  • Diagnose leaks
  • Repair plumbing systems
  • Read blueprints
  • Estimate jobs

How to become a Plumber

Most plumbers complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship. State licensure required to operate independently.

Related job salaries

FAQ — Plumber salary

What is the average Plumber salary in the United States?+

The national median Plumber salary is $61,550 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).

Which US city pays Plumbers the most?+

San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $87,400/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.

How much does an entry-level Plumber make?+

Entry-level Plumbers typically earn around $56,800 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.

How fast is the Plumber job market growing?+

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth of +6% over the next 10 years.

Do I need a degree to be a Plumber?+

Most plumbers complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship. State licensure required to operate independently.

Are you being paid fairly?

Run a free comparison against 10+ metros and the latest BLS data.

Check my salary →

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