How much do plumbers make in your city or state? A plumber salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com and current as of Jan. 1, 2024, has the answer.
Check out what the data shows about the average plumber salary based on state and experience:
Median plumbing salaries by state
State | Entry (<2 years) | Intermediate (2-4 years) | Senior (4-7 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $49,100 | $63,800 | $69,200 |
| Alaska | $53,600 | $69,700 | $75,500 |
| Arizona | $51,200 | $66,600 | $72,100 |
| Arkansas | $48,400 | $62,800 | $68,100 |
| California | $56,700 | $73,700 | $79,800 |
| Colorado | $52,800 | $68,700 | $74,400 |
| Connecticut | $54,300 | $70,600 | $76,500 |
| Delaware | $52,700 | $68,500 | $74,100 |
| Florida | $50,200 | $65,200 | $70,600 |
| Georgia | $51,000 | $66,200 | $71,800 |
| Hawaii | $54,100 | $70,200 | $76,000 |
| Idaho | $49,800 | $64,800 | $70,200 |
| Illinois | $52,900 | $68,700 | $74,400 |
| Indiana | $50,100 | $65,100 | $70,500 |
| Iowa | $49,300 | $64,100 | $69,400 |
| Kansas | $50,000 | $65,000 | $70,400 |
| Kentucky | $49,300 | $64,000 | $69,300 |
| Louisiana | $50,300 | $65,300 | $70,700 |
| Maine | $50,900 | $66,100 | $71,600 |
| Maryland | $53,400 | $69,300 | $75,100 |
| Massachusetts | $55,100 | $71,700 | $77,500 |
| Michigan | $51,100 | $66,500 | $72,000 |
| Minnesota | $52,200 | $67,800 | $73,500 |
| Mississippi | $47,900 | $62,300 | $67,400 |
| Missouri | $50,400 | $65,400 | $70,900 |
| Montana | $49,500 | $64,300 | $69,600 |
| Nation | $52,000 | $67,600 | $73,200 |
| Nebraska | $49,700 | $64,500 | $69,900 |
| Nevada | $51,300 | $66,700 | $72,200 |
| New Hampshire | $53,000 | $68,900 | $74,600 |
| New Jersey | $55,700 | $72,500 | $78,400 |
| New Mexico | $50,800 | $66,100 | $71,600 |
| New York | $54,600 | $71,000 | $76,900 |
| North Carolina | $50,900 | $66,100 | $71,600 |
| North Dakota | $49,500 | $64,300 | $69,700 |
| Ohio | $50,200 | $65,200 | $70,700 |
| Oklahoma | $49,400 | $64,100 | $69,400 |
| Oregon | $53,000 | $68,900 | $74,700 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,000 | $67,500 | $73,100 |
| Rhode Island | $52,500 | $68,200 | $73,900 |
| South Carolina | $49,400 | $64,100 | $69,500 |
| South Dakota | $48,400 | $62,900 | $68,100 |
| Tennessee | $49,800 | $64,700 | $70,100 |
| Texas | $51,700 | $67,200 | $72,800 |
| Utah | $51,000 | $66,300 | $71,900 |
| Vermont | $49,700 | $64,600 | $70,000 |
| Virginia | $52,700 | $68,500 | $74,200 |
| Washington | $55,600 | $72,300 | $78,400 |
| West Virginia | $47,900 | $62,200 | $67,400 |
| Wisconsin | $50,700 | $66,000 | $71,400 |
| Wyoming | $48,300 | $62,800 | $68,100 |
SOURCE: Payscale.com
Nationally, Payscale.com data shows the following trends for the average salary for a plumber:
For entry-level plumbers, the median annual base salary is $52,000, or $25 per hour.
For intermediate plumbers with 2-4 years of experience, the national average rises to $67,600, or $32.50 per hour.
At the senior level, defined as 4-6 years of experience, the average is $73,200, or $35.19 per hour.
Entry-level plumber salaries rose fastest in Idaho (11.41%), New Mexico (10.92%), and Wyoming (10.53%) since January 2023, the last time Payscale.com provided ServiceTitan with data. Salaries rose slowest in Kentucky (3.35%) and Maine (3.46%) in that timeframe.
Nationally, since Jan. 1, 2023, salaries for entry-level plumbers rose 5.91%.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
But Patrick MacIsaac, managing partner at The Roby Family of Companies in Charlotte, North Carolina, knows a career in the trades can be lucrative, even without a database.
In fact, parents should do more to encourage children not interested in college to consider careers in the trades, MacIsaac says.
“We feel like the services business is pretty recession-proof,” MacIsaac says. “Construction, of course, is not, but if you can learn how to do this stuff, then you're pretty much good to go—and you could always go back and get a degree. If you're not sure, you take three or four years and go learn a trade and get paid while you're doing it.”
And paid well. MacIsaac says the Payscale.com data bears that out.
“Let's look at entry-level plumbers, 50%, you're talking about $23 an hour—$30 an hour in some cases at the 90% level,” he says. “That's really good money.”
And it’s in an expanding industry, like other areas of the trades.
The plumbing industry is expected to add 10,900 jobs by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And, if only for financial reasons, any aversion to plumbing—and the trades in general—doesn’t make sense, MacIsaac says.
“I think it opens up a tremendous amount of opportunities and gives you a safety net to fall back on,” MacIsaac says. “I think the (Payscale.com salary) numbers are actually low.”
ServiceTitan’s 2023 Residential Contractor Report found three-quarters of contractors planned to raise salaries for field technicians and other positions in 2024.
If your business intends to raise workers’ pay, ServiceTitan Principal Industry Advisor Chris Hunter advises creating a solid plan to deliver on all fronts.
“If you plan to increase your technicians’ or CSRs’ pay, you’ve got to figure out a plan to make sure you can compensate for increased costs and not take a hit on the bottom line,” Hunter says.
» Want to grow your plumbing business? Click here to get a demo.
National Plumber Salary Ranges by Experience Level
ENTRY LEVEL | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,300 | $17.45 |
| 50th percentile | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| 90th percentile | $69,900 | $33.61 |
INTERMEDIATE | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,100 | $25.53 |
| 50th percentile | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| 90th percentile | $84,800 | $40.77 |
SENIOR | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,400 | $29.04 |
| 50th percentile | $73,200 | $35.19 |
| 90th percentile | $110,100 | $52.93 |
Payscale.com database shows plumbers’ salary range
The database of salaries comes from Payscale.com, which works with human resources and compensation specialists to modernize compensation and salary benchmarking through technology.
Based on more than 2,000 commercially available, reputable compensation surveys, each of which complies with generally accepted principles and practices of WorldatWork and U.S. Department of Justice compensation survey standards, the database covers all 50 states.
The data includes figures for the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles for various experience levels, providing a range for plumbing salaries that informs hiring managers and job seekers alike. The 90th percentile figure is the plumber salary at which 90% of similar employees make less, and 10% make more.
To maintain congruence, each survey's average plumber salary data is aged to Jan. 1, 2024, using aging factors specific to the combination of the job's function, level, and geographic location. The figures include base salary only, so benefits, commissions, bonuses, spiffs, and similar enhancements are not included.
The data is broken down for plumber salaries by state, region, and for selected cities.
Among the findings from the most recent plumbing salary data:
The 50th percentile salary for an entry-level plumber (0-2 years experience) nationwide is $52,000, up 5.91% YoY.
For intermediate experience (2-4 years), it’s $67,600 (up 13.62% YoY), and for senior plumbers (4-6 years), it’s $73,200 (up 14.38% YoY).
The plumber salaries in the data fall in a wide range even in the same state, based on location and other factors. For entry-level technicians in Arkansas, for example, the 10th percentile is at $33,800, and the 90th percentile at $65,000.
The 50th percentile is higher than the national figure for entry-level plumbers in 17 of the 50 states.
Entry-level plumbers have the highest median pay in two of the nation’s biggest cities, with San Francisco ($61,700, $29.66 per hour) and New York City ($58,300, $28.03 per hour) topping the list. Next up is Newark, New Jersey ($57,600, $27.69 per hour).
Cost of living is an important factor to consider. San Francisco has the highest salary for entry-level plumbers at $61,700 at the 50th percentile, but is last when cost of living is factored in. Compared with San Francisco, the $46,100 entry-level plumber salary at the 50th percentile in Charleston, West Virginia, delivers more than twice the standard of living.
West Virginia ($47,900), Mississippi ($47,900), and Wyoming ($48,300) have the lowest median salary for entry-level plumbers, while California ($56,700), New Jersey ($55,700), and Washington ($55,600) have the highest.
Want to unlock personalized salary insights? Take the Payscale.com survey to participate in our research.
Plumbing salaries affected by need for qualified candidates
As with all jobs, plumbing industry salaries are tied to supply and demand. The more plumbing job openings there are relative to the number of qualified candidates, the higher the salary.
Plumbing business owners, like others in the skilled trades, struggle to find qualified employees in a highly competitive climate. They also worry about investing time and money in training, only to see those plumbing service techs go off on their own or to work for another company.
And despite the intense need for entry-level plumbers, the average salary for them nationwide ($52,200) lags those for entry-level HVAC technicians ($52,300) and electricians ($58,500), according to the data.
Richard Flournoy, president of A-Total Plumbing in Atlanta, thinks that’s more about the businesses than the candidates, and changes are slowly starting to occur.
“I think heating and air companies started running themselves more like a business before plumbers did,” Flournoy says. “I think plumbers are starting to catch on, but I think there's still some catching up to do. I think the gap will close, because we're on the path.”
Flournoy sees the value in third-party salary data like that from Payscale.com for companies in the trades and potential employees. Everyone can be more confident they’re in the right range, Flournoy says.
“It’d be perfect to show your potential candidates,” he says. “A lot of people hear about these plumbers who make $100,000 a year, and they think when they first get their truck, they're going to make that. And that's not the case."
A possible solution, right in front of us
That supply-and-demand problem is particularly acute among plumbers.
“At our level, plumbers seem to be the hardest to find, HVAC second, electric third,” MacIsaac says. “Being a plumber, that’s tough. There's some guys that come in, I'm like, ‘Wooh, yeah, that's hard work.’”
How can companies in the trades increase supply?
Flournoy suggests leveraging available technology, such as ServiceTitan.
“The more plumbers we can get on ServiceTitan, the faster the incomes are going to rise,” Flournoy says. “For you to grow your business, you have to be able to see the data. That's the biggest benefit of ServiceTitan—you have the data at your fingertips instantly.”
How to structure your compensation packages to attract top talent
In a highly competitive industry, field service businesses need to create attractive compensation packages to not only attract top talent but also retain and motivate current employees.
Beyond offering a good salary, business leaders need to take a comprehensive approach to employee compensation that includes performance pay and bonuses, attractive benefits packages, and professional development opportunities. Consider the following when evaluating your compensation packages:
Competitive base pay: Base pay is typically the most attractive form of employee compensation. Offering a competitive hourly wage or salary demonstrates your commitment to hiring skilled workers while giving candidates a reason to choose your shop over the competition. Leverage available salary data from sources like Payscale.com, and research industry standards to determine competitive salary ranges.
Performance pay and incentives: Offer performance-based pay for exceeding technician productivity goals and KPIs, as well as commission for techs who make sales in the field. Field service management software tracks plumbing technician performance in real-time, ensuring techs receive compensation for going the extra mile while making it easier to see how their performance measures up to company goals.
Attractive benefits: Offer an enticing benefits package that includes comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, as well as retirement savings plans with employer match. Also consider offering generous paid time off for vacations, sick days, and personal time.
Career development: Plumbing techs seek out employers who provide clear career paths and opportunities for advancement within the company. Pay for employees to earn certifications to grow their skills and offer mentorship programs to help employees grow professionally.
Plumbing salaries: Frequently asked questions
Check out the answers to common FAQs about plumber salaries.
How much does a plumber make?
The median plumber salary for a senior plumber in the United States is $35.19 per hour, or $73,200 per year.
An entry-level plumber, in the 50th percentile nationally, makes an average of $52,000, or $25 per hour.
In the 10th percentile (where 90% of plumbers make more, and 10% less), a senior plumber nationally makes $29.04 per hour, or $60,400 annually. At the 90th percentile, the numbers are $52.93 per hour and $110,100 annually.
Do plumbers get paid well?
The plumbing industry offers high earning potential for those who don’t want to go to college. Requiring only a high school diploma or the equivalent, the median annual salary for an entry-level plumber is $52,000, and for senior level plumbers the median figure rises to $73,200.
Whether a plumber makes good money depends on more than just the raw dollar figure.
If loans are necessary to attend college, that debt must be taken into consideration. Plumbers often attend trade school and avoid most, if not all, of that debt.
Cost of living is another factor. Larger, urban areas generally have higher salaries, but the dollars don’t go as far in those locations.
Top 5, Bottom 5 States for Median Plumber Salary
ENTRY LEVEL | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| California | $56,700 | $27.26 |
| New Jersey | $55,700 | $26.78 |
| Washington | $55,600 | $26.73 |
| Massachusetts | $55,100 | $26.49 |
| New York | $54,600 | $26.25 |
| Nation | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| West Virginia | $47,900 | $23.03 |
| Mississippi | $47,900 | $23.03 |
| Wyoming | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| South Dakota | $48,400 | $23.27 |
| Arkansas | $48,400 | $23.27 |
INTERMEDIATE | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,700 | $35.43 |
| New Jersey | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| Washington | $72,300 | $34.76 |
| Massachusetts | $71,700 | $34.47 |
| New York | $71,000 | $34.13 |
| Nation | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| West Virginia | $62,200 | $29.90 |
| Mississippi | $62,300 | $29.95 |
| Wyoming | $62,800 | $30.19 |
| South Dakota | $62,800 | $30.19 |
| Arkansas | $62,800 | $30.19 |
SENIOR | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| California | $79,800 | $38.37 |
| New Jersey | 78,400 | $37.69 |
| Washington | $78,400 | $37.69 |
| Massachusetts | $77,500 | $37.26 |
| New York | $76,900 | $36.97 |
| Nation | $73,200 | $35.19 |
| West Virginia | $67,400 | $32.40 |
| Mississippi | $67,400 | $32.40 |
| Wyoming | $68,100 | $32.74 |
| South Dakota | $68,100 | $32.74 |
| Arkansas | $68,100 | $32.74 |
SOURCE: Payscale.com
What cities have the highest plumbing salaries?
In the Payscale.com data, the top five cities in the survey for entry-level plumber salaries are: San Francisco; New York City; Newark, New Jersey; Seattle; and Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Bigger cities tend to have higher salaries for plumbers. San Francisco has the highest entry-level plumber salary at $61,700, or $29.66 per hour. But it also has the highest cost of living of any city in the data.
The average salary for an entry-level plumber in New York City is $54,900.
Top 5, Bottom 5 Cities for Median Plumber Salary (Entry Level)
City | Postal Code | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | CA | $61,700 | $29.66 |
| New York | NY | $58,300 | $28.03 |
| Newark | NJ | $57,600 | $27.69 |
| Seattle | WA | $56,900 | $27.36 |
| Bridgeport | CT | $56,600 | $27.36 |
| Nation | USA | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Charleston | WV | $46,100 | $22.16 |
| Jackson | MS | $47,800 | $22.98 |
| Sioux Falls | SD | $48,000 | $23.08 |
| Wichita | KS | $48,100 | $23.13 |
| Little Rock | AR | $48,100 | $23.13 |
How do plumber salaries compare with those in other trades?
Plumber vs. electrician salary: Nationally, the 50th percentile salary for an entry-level plumber ($52,000) is lower than the 50th percentile salary for an electrician ($58,500).
Plumber vs. HVAC technician salary: Nationally, entry-level plumbers ($52,000) make slightly less than entry-level HVAC technicians ($52,300), at the median.
Salaries for all three trades increase most rapidly—generally by about 20%-30%, although there are outliers—by the time the technician reaches the intermediate level (2-4 years). Plumber salaries increase slowly afterward, the data shows.
Median National Salary by Trade
Entry Level | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbers | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Electricians | $58,500 | $28.13 |
| HVAC | $52,300 | $25.14 |
Intermediate | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbers | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| Electricians | $68,600 | $32.98 |
| HVAC | $63,500 | $30.53 |
Senior | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbers | $73,200 | $35.19 |
| Electricians | $74,000 | $35.58 |
| HVAC | $74,500 | $35.82 |
Plumbing salaries: Other factors to consider
Cost of living is also a factor not addressed in the database. For example, the median base pay for an entry-level plumber in Charleston, West Virginia, is $46,100. To have the same standard of living in San Francisco, you’d need to make $123,826. The median pay for an entry-level plumber in San Francisco is $61,700.
Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states require trainees to complete lengthy apprenticeship programs. In Wisconsin, for instance, licensed plumbers must acquire five years of work experience. North Carolina requires 4,000 hours of experience, including 2,000 hours of hands-on experience, before taking the licensing exam.
Plumbing unions and more: Other factors can also affect salaries, including experience level, skill set, union affiliation, and more.
To find out more about how ServiceTitan can help you pay your plumbers’ salaries and manage your plumbing company, schedule a free demo here.
In the spirit of full disclosure, Richard Flournoy is now an employee of ServiceTitan. However, at the time these blog posts were published, Richard was not employed by ServiceTitan. All opinions expressed herein are his own.
ServiceTitan Plumbing Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive plumbing business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
