HOW MUCH DO PLUMBERS MAKE: A State-By-State Guide to The Best Plumbers’ Salary

HOW MUCH DO PLUMBERS MAKE
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You may have heard that plumbing is one of the “recession-proof” trades, whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a working professional looking for a change. It is true that working as a plumber, pipe fitter, or steamfitter can be satisfying in a variety of ways. You should, however, be aware of the earning potential in your state, the demand for plumbers, and the kinds of hours you’ll need to work on a regular basis before changing careers. So what is the average salary of a plumber in a year, or per month?

Let’s find out!!!

How Much Do Plumbers Make?

Plumbers do more than only repair leaks and clogs around the house. They not only evaluate and solve plumbing issues in the home and commercial structures, but they also install gas, water, and wastewater piping systems as well as the fixtures we use every day. Plumbing is recession-proof, as seen by these duties, but you can also find plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in various fields, including utility systems, manufacturing, oil and gas, local government, building equipment, and more. Since there are so many different career paths, a plumber’s average annual salary can vary greatly.

How Much Can A Plumber Make?

Every year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, releases data on employment and wages by industry, and plumbers’ salaries are on the rise. The most recent statistics, from May 2021, reveal that the average yearly salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $63,350. Compared to the national average yearly income for all jobs, which is $58,260, a plumber’s salary is competitive. And some of these skilled tradespeople earn significantly more than the national average.

They make an average yearly pay of $59,880 and earn an average hourly wage of $27.79. At $48.04 per hour or $99,920 annually, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the 90th percentile make the most money. Some skilled tradespeople are also entitled to overtime pay, which can boost their take-home pay.

Washington has the highest average pay of any state. In the Evergreen State, the average salary for plumbers is $109,400. On the other hand, Mississippi has the lowest average hourly wage, with postings indicating an annual pay of $44,508. But when it comes to living expenses, the Magnolia State is much more affordable. The number of plumbers providing services to homes in the same area may account for some of the pay variations. Aside from your formal education, years of experience, and whether you work for yourself or for someone else, there are other factors to take into account.

What’s the Average Starting Pay for A plumber?

There are various levels to the career, and it may take a few years to reach the top pay. There are three phases of training for plumbers: apprentice, journey-level, and master plumber. While licensure differs by state, in general. Many states demand technical education beyond a high school diploma, along with an apprenticeship for on-the-job training. When compared to paying for conventional undergraduate education, apprentice plumbers can save thousands of dollars by working while pursuing certifications. Because they are combining their education with work experience, entry-level or apprentice plumbers can anticipate lower pay. The median annual income range for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the 10th through 25th percentile is $36,700 to $46,590.

After completing this training, apprentices are at the journey level, meaning they have all the necessary knowledge and expertise to work as a plumber on their own. A journey-level plumber typically advances to the following step after passing state licensure tests. Master plumbers are qualified to manage other plumbers and run their own plumbing companies. Like many other professions, plumbers can expect to make more money as they gain expertise and experience.

How Much Do Plumbers Make a Year?

Despite the fact that plumber base pay varies, it is often $55,000 per year. Location, educational attainment, and years of experience all affect this number. Overtime pay for plumbers is frequently available, and many plumbers profit from union membership. A plumber’s pay will rise as their career develops. Master plumbers often make the greatest money, with journeyman plumbers earning more than apprentices or entry-level plumbers.

Plumber Salary By Experience Level

#1. Plumbing Apprentice Salary

An apprentice plumber often makes $19 per hour. Since apprenticeships are typically hourly positions, the annual salary of an apprentice plumber is $39,500.

#2. Entry-Level Plumber Salary

Around $40,000 a year, or $20 an hour, is the starting pay for entry-level plumbers.

#3. Journeyman Plumber Salary

How much do plumbers with experience make? A journeyman plumber typically earns $60,000 per year or $28 per hour. The location and years of experience have an impact on the journeyman plumber’s pay.

#4. Master Plumber Salary

What do master plumbers earn? The starting compensation for a master plumber is about $90,000 per year or $40 per hour. Master plumbers frequently put in more than 40 hours each week, thus overtime pay significantly boosts their pay.

Plumber Salary By Job Category

#1. Residential Plumber Salary

About $55,000 is the average annual salary of a residential plumber or $26 per hour.

#2. Salary for Commercial Plumbers

How much do plumbers in businesses make? The typical commercial plumber earns $30 per hour, or roughly $63,000 annually.

#3. Construction Plumber Salary

How much money do plumbers in construction make? The typical construction plumber earns $35 per hour or roughly $73,000 per year.

#4. Plumbing Contractor Salary

The typical plumbing contractor makes $30 to $50 per hour. As independent contractors, they bill clients hourly rates or predetermined contract fees rather than receiving a salary.

How Much Do Plumbers Make Per Hour?

Early in their careers, plumbers can anticipate earning $24.25 per hour plus overtime. The hourly pay for a plumber rises with experience and education, just like plumbing salaries do. If you work as a plumbing contractor and are called to a project after hours or on the weekend, you will still be paid overtime. If so, you can charge more for work done beyond business hours.

Hourly Cost Breakdown for a Plumber

To determine their charges, plumbers must perform a number of calculations, just like any other trained worker. You hardly ever pay a flat rate. In fact, depending on the situation, the same plumber may charge two significantly different prices at the same home.

The Cost of Labor

One prevalent misconception about hiring a plumber’s prices is that the hourly rate should be the only thing taken into account. While reasonable, this assumption is incorrect. Even though the hourly rate is possibly the most straightforward consideration, it is not always the same. This depends in part on how much labor will cost given the plumber’s level of expertise. A large-scale plumbing service might employ a number of plumbers with varied levels of expertise. Journeyman plumbers can make between $16 and $34 per hour, while master plumbers can make between $25 and $75 per hour. An apprentice plumber’s hourly wage normally ranges from $12 to $15.

What Is the Highest Paid Type of Plumber?

Lucrative plumbing positions:

  • Drain technician.
  • Project manager.
  • Boilermaker.
  • Pipefitter.
  • Fabricator.
  • Civil engineer.
  • Plumbing engineer.
  • Plumbing technician.

Can Plumbers Make 6 Figures?

You need a current plumbing license if you want to operate as a plumber in several states. Many people don’t think those who work in this field can have a good life. Any qualified plumber, though, may earn up to $103,000 a year.

Can a Plumber Be a Millionaire?

However, some millionaires can credit their success to their time as janitors, bus drivers, farmers, plumbers, or construction workers. Here’s a look at some millionaires who got their start at high-paying manual labor jobs and went on to build successful lives for themselves

Where Are Plumbers Paid the Most?

Illinois ($86,200), Alaska ($85,300), Massachusetts ($84,090), New Jersey ($82,740), and Oregon ($81,470) are the states and districts that pay plumbers the highest mean salaries.

Is Being a Plumber Profitable?

The median income for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in 2018 was $25.92 per hour and $53,910 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average plumber’s salary in New York is more or less $76,410.

How Much Do Local 1 Plumbers Make?

The pay for a Local 1 plumber ranges from $53,932 to $69,640, with a $61,935 average. The geography, the department, as well as numerous other crucial variables including the employee’s degree of education, certifications, and other talents, can have a significant impact on salaries.

What Is the Highest Salary for a Master Plumber?

jobs as master plumbers The 25% pay range is $52,000 per year. Payscales below this are unusual. The 75th percentile is $79,500.

References 

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