Plumber Careers & Salary Information
Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in residential and commercial buildings. The work is steady, recession-resistant, and pays well in most parts of the country.
National Salary Overview
Plumber Specialties
Plumbers can specialize in different areas, each with its own pay scale and career path.
Residential Plumber
Installs and repairs plumbing in houses and small residential buildings. Bread-and-butter work that keeps you busy year-round.
Commercial Plumber
Handles plumbing in commercial buildings like offices, hospitals, and schools. Bigger pipe, bigger projects, and generally better pay than residential.
Service & Repair Plumber
Focuses on diagnosing and fixing problems in existing plumbing systems. Great for those who prefer variety and troubleshooting over new construction.
Pipefitter
Installs and maintains piping systems that carry chemicals, acids, and gases in industrial settings. Requires precision layout and welding skills.
Steamfitter
Works with high-pressure steam piping systems in power plants, hospitals, and large commercial buildings. One of the highest-paid piping specialties.
Gas Fitter
Installs and services natural gas and propane piping and appliances. Requires specific gas fitting certifications due to safety requirements.
Medical Gas Installer
Installs oxygen, nitrogen, and vacuum piping systems in hospitals and medical facilities. Niche specialty with strict codes and solid pay.
Backflow Prevention Specialist
Tests, repairs, and certifies backflow prevention devices to protect public water supplies. Steady side specialty with recurring annual testing revenue.
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Plumber Salary by State
Click any state to see detailed salary data, top-paying cities, and union vs. non-union breakdowns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Plumber salaries in the United States vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level plumbers typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level plumbers in the United States typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union plumbers earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified plumber depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Plumber work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The national job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified plumbers have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a plumber's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.