How much do plumbers make? In the United States, the national median is $62,970 per year ($30.27/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024, SOC 47-2152). In Canada, the median is $34.00/hour (~$70,720/year), per Job Bank (NOC 72300, November 2025).
Most US plumbers earn between $40,670 (10th percentile) and $105,150 (90th percentile). Pay moves with license level, location, union status, and whether you work as an employee or run your own shop.
Below: salary breakdowns by state, license, and province, then what the job actually involves day to day.
Last updated: June 2026. US data: BLS OEWS May 2024. Canada data: Job Bank November 2025.
Key takeaways
- Location is the biggest lever in the US. Illinois plumbers earn a median of $96,200. West Virginia plumbers earn $49,630. Same trade, very different markets.
- Canada is a separate market. National median is $34.00/hour, with Quebec highest among provinces at $40.00/hour. US salary guides that skip Canada miss half the picture for cross-border readers.
- License level moves pay fast. US apprentices often start around $42,000–$46,000. Master plumbers commonly land in the $80,000+ range before overtime or ownership.
- Union membership can add 20–35% over non-union pay in the same market, plus pension and healthcare.
- Service vs project work pays differently. Dispatch plumbers running 6+ calls per day operate on a different schedule and pricing model than project plumbers quoting bath rough-ins or water heater installs.
- Ownership raises the ceiling. Employed medians cap out around six figures for the top 10%. Business owners with full calendars and solid margins can go higher, but overhead and callbacks cut both ways.
How much do plumbers make in the US?
National overview
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $62,970 |
| Median hourly wage | $30.27 |
| Mean annual wage | $69,940 |
| 10th percentile | $40,670 |
| 90th percentile | $105,150 |
Pay range by hour, week, month, and year
| Period | Low (10th percentile) | High (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $19.55 | $50.55 |
| Weekly (40 hrs) | $782 | $2,022 |
| Monthly | $3,390 | $8,763 |
| Annual | $40,670 | $105,150 |
Figures reflect BLS 10th and 90th percentile wages for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152). Plumbing-only wages may differ slightly in states with heavy industrial pipefitter employment.
Plumber salary by license and experience
| Level | Approximate annual salary | Approximate hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (0–2 years) | $42,000–$46,000 | $20–$22 |
| Journeyman (3–7 years) | $59,000–$69,000 | $28–$34 |
| Master / senior (8+ years) | $80,000–$92,000 | $38–$44 |
| Top 10% of all earners | $105,150+ | $50.55+ |
BLS reports percentiles, not license titles. These bands map how most state licensing systems align with pay progression.
Apprentice plumber salary
Apprentice plumbers typically earn $20–$22/hour, or $42,000–$46,000/year. They train on the job and in the classroom under licensed supervision. Tasks include basic pipe runs, fixture assists, and drain work. They cannot pull permits or work independently in most states.
BLS notes apprentice wages often start at 40–50% of journeyman rates and increase as training hours accumulate.
Journeyman plumber salary
Journeyman plumbers average roughly $34/hour, or $65,000–$70,000/year depending on market. This license level allows independent field work, apprentice supervision, and a wider job scope. Most states require 4–5 years of apprenticeship plus a licensing exam to reach journeyman status.
Master plumber salary
Master plumbers average $38–$44/hour, or $80,000–$92,000/year in many markets. Top earners exceed six figures. Master licensure requires additional experience and exams beyond journeyman level. Masters can pull permits, ensure code compliance, supervise crews, and own plumbing businesses.
Plumbing business owner salary
Employee medians tell only part of the story.
| Business type | Typical annual earnings |
|---|---|
| Solo owner-operator | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Small shop (2–5 crew) | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Established multi-crew firm | $150,000–$250,000+ |
The spread depends on market size, service mix, repeat clients, and whether you track margin per job or just chase revenue.
Service-heavy shops (emergency calls, drain cleaning, high dispatch volume) need route density and fast invoicing. Project-based shops (bath rough-ins, repipes, water heater replacements, commercial TI work) need tight estimates, scope control, and change-order discipline.
Owners who know their job costs per service type grow the profitable lines and cut the ones that leak margin.
Median pay by industry (US)
Where you work matters beyond geography. BLS median annual wages by industry (May 2024):
| Industry | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Government | $69,160 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | $62,770 |
| Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors | $62,670 |
| Manufacturing | $61,620 |
About 66% of plumbers work for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors. 8% are self-employed.
Plumber salary by state (all 50 states + DC)
Median hourly and annual wages by state (BLS OEWS, May 2024):
| State | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25.89 | $53,840 |
| Alaska | $39.95 | $83,090 |
| Arizona | $29.78 | $61,940 |
| Arkansas | $23.89 | $49,700 |
| California | $32.88 | $68,390 |
| Colorado | $32.00 | $66,560 |
| Connecticut | $35.14 | $73,080 |
| Delaware | $30.92 | $64,300 |
| District of Columbia | $40.61 | $84,470 |
| Florida | $24.30 | $50,540 |
| Georgia | $27.06 | $56,290 |
| Hawaii | $37.76 | $78,540 |
| Idaho | $27.59 | $57,380 |
| Illinois | $46.25 | $96,200 |
| Indiana | $31.04 | $64,560 |
| Iowa | $29.44 | $61,230 |
| Kansas | $30.20 | $62,820 |
| Kentucky | $29.98 | $62,370 |
| Louisiana | $31.12 | $64,720 |
| Maine | $29.76 | $61,890 |
| Maryland | $30.42 | $63,270 |
| Massachusetts | $40.03 | $83,260 |
| Michigan | $37.03 | $77,030 |
| Minnesota | $40.04 | $83,280 |
| Mississippi | $27.87 | $57,960 |
| Missouri | $29.85 | $62,090 |
| Montana | $37.47 | $77,930 |
| Nebraska | $30.23 | $62,880 |
| Nevada | $28.90 | $60,120 |
| New Hampshire | $29.82 | $62,030 |
| New Jersey | $37.10 | $77,160 |
| New Mexico | $28.68 | $59,660 |
| New York | $37.72 | $78,460 |
| North Carolina | $24.52 | $50,990 |
| North Dakota | $30.13 | $62,670 |
| Ohio | $30.06 | $62,530 |
| Oklahoma | $26.36 | $54,840 |
| Oregon | $44.77 | $93,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $32.04 | $66,650 |
| Rhode Island | $31.07 | $64,630 |
| South Carolina | $26.37 | $54,840 |
| South Dakota | $24.42 | $50,790 |
| Tennessee | $27.76 | $57,730 |
| Texas | $28.15 | $58,560 |
| Utah | $29.65 | $61,680 |
| Vermont | $29.11 | $60,550 |
| Virginia | $28.64 | $59,560 |
| Washington | $38.02 | $79,070 |
| West Virginia | $23.86 | $49,630 |
| Wisconsin | $37.75 | $78,510 |
| Wyoming | $29.56 | $61,480 |
Highest-paying states for plumbers
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $47,880 | $96,200 | $123,290 |
| Oregon | $53,930 | $93,110 | $131,420 |
| Massachusetts | $47,830 | $83,260 | $140,500 |
| Minnesota | $48,870 | $83,280 | $121,380 |
| Alaska | $61,610 | $83,090 | $105,800 |
Dense cities, older infrastructure, union presence, and cold-climate system stress all push demand and wages in these markets.
Lowest-paying states for plumbers
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $35,260 | $49,630 | $81,360 |
| Arkansas | $33,200 | $49,700 | $69,940 |
| Florida | $37,400 | $50,540 | $67,500 |
| North Carolina | $37,690 | $50,990 | $72,650 |
| South Dakota | $39,080 | $50,790 | $75,290 |
Lower cost of living, weaker union density, and competitive residential markets all play a role. Strong demand does not always translate to high medians if supply is thick.
Highest-paying plumbing roles
Not every plumber stays in the truck forever. Higher-paying paths include:
| Role | Typical annual range |
|---|---|
| Plumbing engineer | $85,000–$107,000 |
| Plumbing designer | $75,500–$99,000 |
| Master plumber (employed) | $61,500–$92,500 |
| Plumbing foreman | $61,500–$89,500 |
| Licensed journeyman (commercial/industrial) | $58,000–$87,000 |
Specializations like medical gas, backflow prevention, fire suppression, and green plumbing also command premiums on top of base trade wages.
What affects plumber pay in the US
- Location. Single biggest variable. Compare state tables before relocating for pay alone.
- License level. Journeyman and master credentials unlock higher base rates and business ownership.
- Union vs non-union. 20–35% wage premium plus benefits in many metros.
- Type of work. Commercial and industrial work often pays more than residential service. Foremen and supervisors earn $10,000–$20,000 above field tech rates in the same company.
- Specialization. Certifications in medical gas, backflow, or industrial systems open higher-paying niches.
- Overtime and on-call. Service plumbers on emergency rotation can add $5,000–$15,000+ seasonally.
How to increase your plumber salary
- Earn the next license. Moving from apprentice to journeyman to master is the most reliable pay ladder.
- Get a specialty certification. Backflow, medical gas, or green plumbing credentials qualify you for less crowded, higher-rate work.
- Move into supervision. Foreman and superintendent roles add $10,000–$20,000 at the same hours.
- Compare markets honestly. A journeyman in Illinois and a journeyman in West Virginia do similar work at very different medians.
- Track job margin if you own the shop. Revenue growth without profit visibility is how plumbing businesses stall out.
US job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 44,000 openings per year from retirements, new construction, and infrastructure upgrades.
Plumbers earn slightly more than HVAC technicians ($59,810 median) and close to electricians ($62,350 median) nationally.
How much do plumbers make in Canada?
This is where most US-only salary guides stop. Canadian data matters if you work, hire, or compare trades across the border.
National overview
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low hourly wage | $21.00 |
| Median hourly wage | $34.00 |
| High hourly wage | $46.00 |
| Estimated median annual (2,080 hrs) | ~$70,720 |
About 82% of Canadian plumbers receive at least one non-wage benefit, per Job Bank.
Plumber wages by province and territory
| Province / territory | Low ($/hr) | Median ($/hr) | High ($/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $20.00 | $30.00 | $43.00 |
| British Columbia | $23.00 | $32.00 | $48.00 |
| Manitoba | $21.00 | $30.11 | $43.00 |
| New Brunswick | $16.50 | $26.00 | $34.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $18.50 | $27.50 | $36.03 |
| Northwest Territories | $25.27 | $38.58 | $49.54 |
| Nova Scotia | $18.00 | $33.00 | $38.38 |
| Nunavut | $25.28 | $44.82 | $53.12 |
| Ontario | $20.00 | $32.50 | $50.38 |
| Prince Edward Island | $20.00 | $30.00 | $38.00 |
| Quebec | $24.50 | $40.00 | $45.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $22.00 | $35.00 | $43.00 |
| Yukon Territory | $20.44 | $31.02 | $41.25 |
Quebec leads provincial medians at $40.00/hour. New Brunswick is lowest at $26.00/hour.
Red Seal and apprenticeship in Canada
Most Canadian plumbers complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship and write the Red Seal exam for interprovincial mobility. Apprentices start at 50–65% of journeyman rates. Union commercial work in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal often exceeds published provincial medians.
US vs Canada plumber pay
| Factor | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $30.27 | $34.00 |
| Median annual pay | $62,970 | ~$70,720 |
| Typical employee range | $40,670–$105,150 | $21.00–$46.00/hr |
| Training path | State apprenticeship + licensing | Provincial apprenticeship + Red Seal |
| Top-paying region | Illinois, Oregon, Massachusetts | Quebec, Nunavut, NWT |
Compare locally. Higher Canadian hourly medians do not automatically mean higher take-home after taxes and living costs.
What do plumbers do?
Salary guides that skip duties miss half the search intent. Here is what the work actually looks like.
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair piping systems for water, waste, and gas. They read blueprints, follow codes, diagnose failures, and test systems before walls close.
Typical duties from the BLS:
- Prepare cost estimates for clients
- Read blueprints and follow building codes
- Install pipes, fixtures, and appliances
- Inspect and test systems
- Troubleshoot and repair failures
Day-to-day work in practice
Systems work: New supply and drain lines, repipes, leak repairs, pressure tests, and camera inspections.
Fixtures and appliances: Toilets, sinks, water heaters, dishwashers, disposals, and hose bibs. The install is often easy. Venting, slope, shutoffs, and code compliance are where callbacks come from.
Gas lines: Stoves, fireplaces, dryers, and gas water heaters. Requires extra licensing in most jurisdictions.
Emergency service: Burst pipes, clogs, sewer backups, and failed water heaters. Steady demand, on-call hours, and a dispatch-driven schedule.
Types of plumbers
| Type | Typical work | Pay pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Service / residential | Drain calls, leaks, water heater swaps | Hourly + overtime + emergency premiums |
| New construction / rough-in | Pipe in walls and slabs before finish | Steady hours, crew scale, union scales in some markets |
| Remodel / fixture | Bath and kitchen reconfigs, repipes | Project quotes, margin-based owner pay |
| Commercial | Restrooms, kitchens, mechanical rooms | Higher base rates, licensing requirements |
| Industrial pipefitting | Process, steam, and chemical piping | Highest technical pay, specialized training |
Service plumbers may run 4–8 calls per day. Project plumbers may spend a full week on one bath rough-in. The skills overlap. The business model does not.
Skills and work environment
Plumbers need code knowledge, tool proficiency, blueprint reading, physical stamina, and clear customer communication. Work happens in crawl spaces, attics, active job sites, and industrial plants. Safety gear and awareness of electrical hazards near water are non-negotiable.
Employee pay vs running your own plumbing business
The salary tables above reflect employed plumbers. Ownership changes the math:
- Upside: You set rates, pick jobs, and keep margin above labor cost.
- Downside: Insurance, vehicles, slow weeks, callbacks, and unpaid admin.
Project-based plumbers quoting scoped work need written estimates, diagnostic pricing on service calls, and job notes tied to each customer. If you are heading that direction, our guide on starting plumbing side jobs covers the first steps.
Dave fits small plumbing contractors quoting project work: water heater installs, bath rough-ins, repipes, and fixture packages. It is not dispatch software for high-volume service fleets. See plumbing estimating and invoicing in Dave.
Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers make per hour?
The US median is $30.27/hour (BLS, May 2024). Canada’s median is $34.00/hour (Job Bank, November 2025). Apprentices start lower. Master plumbers and specialists in high-paying states often earn $38–$50+/hour as employees.
Do plumbers make good money?
Yes. The US median ($62,970) beats the national median for all occupations ($49,500). Plumbing has a clear advancement path through licensing, specialization, and ownership.
What is the starting salary for a plumber?
US apprentices typically start around $42,000–$46,000/year ($20–$22/hour). Canadian first-year apprentices often earn $18–$25/hour depending on province.
Can plumbers make $100,000?
Yes. The top 10% of US earners make $105,150+. Union journeymen in Illinois, Oregon, and Massachusetts frequently approach or exceed six figures. Business owners with strong margins and repeat work can go higher.
Do union plumbers make more than non-union plumbers?
Yes. Union plumbers typically earn 20–35% more than non-union workers in the same market, plus pension, healthcare, and structured apprenticeship wage steps.
Is plumbing in high demand?
Yes. BLS projects 4% growth from 2024 to 2034 and about 44,000 openings per year from retirements and new construction.
What do plumbers do on a daily basis?
It depends on the type. Service plumbers run drain calls, leak repairs, and water heater swaps. Construction plumbers rough in new builds. Remodel plumbers install fixtures and relocate lines on quoted projects. All plumbers diagnose problems, follow codes, and test systems.
Which state or province pays plumbers the most?
Illinois leads US states at a $96,200 median. Quebec leads Canadian provinces at $40.00/hour. Northern territories report higher figures but with limited sample sizes.
Related resources
- How to Start Doing Side Jobs as a Plumber - First steps toward your own shop
- Plumbing Estimating and Invoicing in Dave - For project-based plumbing contractors
- Plumbing Job Cost Calculator - Estimate job costs by type and labor hours
- Water Heater Installation Quote Playbook - Quote replacement jobs step by step
- How Much Does an HVAC Tech Make? - Salary comparison for a related trade
- Markup vs Margin for Contractors - Protect profit on every quoted job