Plumber Salary: 2025 State-by-State Guide

Plumbing is steady work with strong earning potential. People call when it’s urgent, and demand rarely slows down. If you’re thinking about becoming a plumber or want to learn how to increase your earning potential, our guide breaks down plumber salaries by state, explains factors that affect your pay, and gives tips to grow your earnings.

Key highlights:

• Plumbers typically make between $40,670 and $105,150 per year.
• Illinois, Oregon, and Minnesota are among the highest-paying states for plumbers.
• West Virginia and Arkansas rank as the lowest-paying states.
• Location, experience, and certifications have the biggest impact on plumber pay.
• Plumbing engineers and master plumbers are among the highest-paying roles in the trade.

How much do plumbers make? Average salary in the U.S.

The average plumber salary is $62,970 per year, or $30.27 per hour.* Many plumbing jobs scale into the $70,000 to $80,000 range with experience, with some reaching as high as six figures—especially if you start your own plumbing business.

Here’s how that breaks down by hour, week, month, and year using national data for minimum and maximum wages across the U.S.:

• Hourly wage: $19.55-$50.55
• Weekly wage: $782-$2,022
• Monthly wage: $3,128-$8,088
• Annual wage: $40,670-$105,150

*All date compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reputable salary sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed.

Plumber salary by license type

As in many trades, experience matters. Entry-level plumbers start with modest wages while learning the ropes, but earnings climb quickly as you gain skills and independence. After a few years of experience, you’ll see a noticeable jump in pay. Once you reach senior or master levels, you may lead teams, take on specialized projects, or even launch your own business. 

We’ll break down salaries by plumbing license type below. Keep in mind that rates vary depending on where you live.

Apprentice plumber salary

Apprentice plumbers make an average of $20 per hour, or between $42,000 and $46,000 per year. These plumbers are in training and work under the supervision of licensed professionals while learning both on the job and in the classroom. They handle basic tasks like pipe installation and fixture repairs but can’t work independently or pull permits.

Journeyman plumber salary

Journeyman plumbers make an average of $34 per hour, or $69,273 per year. This is an advanced license type that allows you to work independently, supervise apprentices, and take on a wider range of plumbing projects, though you may still face limits on permits or business ownership depending on state regulations. It typically takes four to five years to move to the journeyman level and requires passing a licensing exam.

Master plumber salary

Master plumbers make an average of $38,49 per hour, or around $80,053 per year. Top-earners can make six figures. This licensing level requires several years of experience beyond journeyman status and the successful completion of advanced licensing exams. These plumbers can oversee complex projects, pull permits, ensure code compliance, supervise teams, and even run their own businesses.

Read more: Plumbing licensing guide, state-by-state

Plumbing business owner salary

A plumbing business owner’s salary varies significantly. Small business owners typically earn $50,000 to $100,000 annually, while owners of larger, more established firms can make $150,000 to $250,000 or more.

Several key factors influence how much you earn as a plumbing business owner:

• Business size and location: Running a larger operation or being in a busy area means more work and higher potential earnings.
• Services you offer: Specializing in things like commercial plumbing or emergency repairs can let you charge premium rates.
• Keeping customers coming back: Repeat clients and referrals keep your schedule full and your income steady.
• Running things efficiently: Managing your team well and keeping jobs organized helps you make more money without burning out.

Thinking of starting a plumbing business? Try Housecall Pro to streamline your operations, manage jobs efficiently, and grow your profits.

Read more: How to pay yourself as a business owner

Plumber salary by state

Plumbing rates vary widely depending on where you work. Cost of living, licensing requirements, union presence, and market demand all play a role. Here’s an overview of the median hourly and annual wages for plumbers in each state:

What states pay plumbers the most?

The highest-paying states for plumbers share a few things in common: a strong presence of unions, higher costs of living, and steady demand from both residential and commercial projects. 

In Illinois and Massachusetts, dense cities and older infrastructure drive constant work, while Oregon’s fast-growing metro areas push demand higher. Minnesota’s cold winters keep plumbing systems under pressure year-round, and, in Alaska, a smaller workforce combined with harsh conditions makes plumbing especially lucrative.

What states pay plumbers the least?

Lower-paying states tend to have a mix of lower living costs, weaker union presence, and highly competitive labor markets that keep wages down. 

In West Virginia and Arkansas, for example, fewer large commercial projects keep wages modest. Florida and North Carolina see strong demand, but many small contractors compete for the same jobs. And, in South Dakota, steady but dispersed rural demand limits what plumbers can charge.

Highest-paying plumbing jobs

Not all plumbing jobs are the same. Some roles require more responsibility, specialized skills, or a bigger scope of work, and the paycheck reflects that. If you’re looking for ways to make more money as a plumber, here are a few of the highest-paying positions:

• Plumbing engineer ($85,000–$107,000 per year): Designs systems for new buildings, often working alongside architects and contractors. 
• Plumbing designer ($75,500–$99,000 per year): Drafts detailed blueprints that lay out complex plumbing systems. 
• Master plumber ($61,500–$92,500 per year): Handles advanced installations, oversees crews, and may even run a business. 
• Plumbing foreman ($61,500–$89,500 per year): Leads teams on job sites, ensuring projects stay on schedule. 
• Licensed plumber ($58,000–$87,000 per year): Fully credentialed and responsible for managing a wide variety of work. 

Each of these paths builds on the skills you already have. Whether you prefer leading people, solving design challenges, or rolling up your sleeves in the field, there’s room to grow into a role that pays more and matches how you want to work.  

Read more: Types of plumbers, explained

What affects a plumber’s salary?

Your paycheck isn’t set in stone. A handful of factors can influence how much you earn, and most of them are things you can work toward over time:

• Experience and licensing: More years on the job and advanced credentials increase pay. 
• Location: Where you work makes a huge difference. A plumber in Illinois or Oregon makes far more than one in West Virginia. That difference is reflective of the cost of living, union presence, and demand.
• Specializations: Certifications in medical gas, backflow prevention, or green plumbing can set you apart and help you earn more than the average plumber. 
• Type of work: Residential service, commercial projects, and industrial jobs all pay differently. Supervisors and foremen typically earn more than field techs. 

How to increase your plumber salary

If you’re ready to up your paycheck, here are a few ways to increase your earnings:

• Get advanced certifications to qualify for specialized jobs.
• Take on leadership roles like foreman or supervisor.
• Relocate to a higher-paying metro or state market.
• Run your business efficiently by tracking hours, costs, and profit margins.

Starting your own plumbing business

Many plumbers see their biggest pay increase when they start a business. Running your own shop means more responsibility—licenses, insurance, scheduling, and payroll—but it also gives you control over your rates, schedule, and potential growth.

This shift can feel like a lot, which is why having the right systems matters. Housecall Pro’s plumbing software can make that transition smoother:

• Scheduling and dispatching keep your day organized and reduce wasted drive time.
• Price Book makes quoting fast and consistent, so you don’t lose time second-guessing numbers.
• Job Costing shows which jobs actually turn a profit, giving you clarity to adjust rates.
• Customer management helps you keep loyal clients and win repeat work.

Get started with our free 14-day trial to schedule jobs, send invoices, and get paid in one place.