Plumber Salary Guide: How Much Do Plumbers Make in 2026?
Plumbing is one of the most reliable and well-paying skilled trades in the United States. Whether you’re exploring a plumbing career, running a plumbing business, or figuring out what to pay your technicians, understanding plumber salaries by experience, location, and specialization is essential for making smart decisions.
Average Plumber Salary in 2026
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | $15-21/hr | $31,000-44,000 | Learning under supervision, 0-4 years |
| Journeyman Plumber | $24-38/hr | $50,000-79,000 | Licensed, works independently |
| Master Plumber | $35-55/hr | $73,000-115,000 | Can pull permits, supervise work |
| Plumbing Business Owner | Varies | $80,000-300,000+ | Depends on team size and market |
The national median salary for plumbers is approximately $60,090 (BLS). The top 10% of plumbers earn over $99,000 annually, and those running their own businesses can significantly exceed that.
Plumber Salary by State
| Top 10 Highest-Paying States | Avg Annual Salary | Top 10 Lowest-Paying States | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Illinois | $82,000 | 1. Mississippi | $42,000 |
| 2. Alaska | $79,500 | 2. Arkansas | $43,500 |
| 3. New York | $76,000 | 3. South Carolina | $44,500 |
| 4. Massachusetts | $75,500 | 4. Alabama | $45,000 |
| 5. New Jersey | $74,000 | 5. Kentucky | $46,000 |
| 6. Washington | $73,500 | 6. West Virginia | $46,500 |
| 7. Oregon | $72,000 | 7. Oklahoma | $47,000 |
| 8. California | $71,500 | 8. North Carolina | $47,500 |
| 9. Minnesota | $70,000 | 9. Louisiana | $48,000 |
| 10. Connecticut | $69,500 | 10. Tennessee | $48,500 |
Texas averages $54,000-62,000 for journeyman plumbers, with the DFW metro trending higher due to construction boom demand.
Plumbing Specializations That Pay More
- Medical gas plumbing: Installing gas systems in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Requires special certification and pays 20-30% above standard rates.
- Commercial/industrial plumbing: Larger projects, more complex systems, higher hourly rates. Journeyman commercial plumbers typically earn $60,000-85,000.
- Pipefitting/steamfitting: Working with high-pressure pipes in industrial settings. Union pipefitters can earn $80,000-120,000 with benefits.
- Backflow prevention: Certified backflow testers earn premium rates for inspection and testing work.
- Hydronics: Radiant heating and cooling systems are a growing niche with strong demand.
How Plumbing Business Owners Maximize Income
Running your own plumbing business is the fastest path to high income in the trade. Successful plumbing business owners focus on:
- Flat-rate pricing — Charge by the job, not by the hour. A drain clearing takes 30 minutes for an experienced plumber but the value to the customer is the same regardless of speed. See our pricing guide for contractors.
- Service agreements — Recurring maintenance contracts create predictable monthly revenue and keep your schedule full during slow seasons.
- Efficient dispatching — Using field service scheduling software to minimize drive time and maximize billable hours per technician per day.
- Building a team — Each plumber on your team generates $150,000-250,000 in annual revenue. With proper management, each technician can contribute $40,000-80,000 in gross profit.
- Streamlining operations — TackOn FSM handles scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payments so you spend less time on admin and more time growing the business.
For related guidance, see our guide to starting a contractor business and plumbing price book guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make per hour?
Plumbers earn $15-55/hour depending on experience and location. Apprentices start at $15-21/hour, journeyman plumbers earn $24-38/hour, and master plumbers earn $35-55/hour. Union plumbers in major metro areas often earn at the higher end of these ranges.
Is plumbing a good career?
Yes. The BLS projects 2% job growth for plumbers, and the skilled trades shortage means qualified plumbers are in high demand. Plumbing offers strong earning potential without college debt, with master plumbers and business owners earning six figures. The work is recession-resistant—people always need working plumbing.
Can plumbers make $100K a year?
Yes. Master plumbers in high-cost markets, commercial plumbing specialists, union plumbers with overtime, and plumbing business owners regularly earn $100,000+. The path to six figures typically requires 7-10+ years of experience, a master plumber license, or running your own business.