Plumber Salary
by City (2026)
Install and repair water supply, drainage, and gas systems in buildings. National median: $68K/year. See how your city compares.
Plumber salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $68K Plumber salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βPlumber Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Plumber is $68,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $52,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $90,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Plumbers nationally earn $118,000+.
Education and requirements
Apprenticeship; journeyman license. This role is 2% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Plumber compensation is growing at 5.5% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate. Demand for qualified Plumbers significantly outpaces supply in most major metros.
Plumber salary FAQ
How much does a Plumber make?
The median Plumber salary in the US is $68,000 per year β about $33/hour. Most earn between $52,000 (25th percentile) and $90,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Plumber?
Entry-level Plumber positions typically start around $52,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Plumbers earn?
The top 10% of Plumbers earn $118,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Plumbers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Plumber salary at $102K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Plumber salaries going up?
Yes β Plumber pay is growing about 5.5% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.