Plumber Salary by State in 2026 (Latest BLS Data)
The national median salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $60,090 per year, according to the BLS, May 2024 (released in 2025, new BLS data coming on 15th May 2026) — but where you work matters just as much as what you do. Plumbers in Illinois earn a median of $87,900/year. Plumbers in Arkansas earn closer to $50,000. That’s a $37,000 gap for doing the same work.
This page breaks down plumber pay by state, experience level, and union status — using the latest BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. Whether you’re sizing up a move, negotiating a raise, or deciding whether a union apprenticeship is worth it, the numbers here give you an honest starting point.
Table of Contents
Quick facts: Plumber salary (2026)
- National median salary: $60,090/yr (BLS, May 2024)
- Apprentice starting wage: $18–$25/hr (40–50% of journeyman rate)
- Journeyman median wage: $28–$38/hr depending on state
- Master plumber median: $75,000–$100,000+/yr
- Union plumber median: 20–30% above non-union in most markets
- Top 10% of earners: $99,920+/yr nationally (BLS, May 2024)
- Job outlook: ~6% growth through 2034 (BLS) — 75,000+ new jobs
- Highest-paying state: Illinois ($87,900 median, BLS May 2024)
Plumber salary by state — full table
The table below covers median annual wages for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, ranked from highest to lowest. Data is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2024 — the most recent release as of this writing in May 2026.
The BLS groups “plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters” under a single occupation code (SOC 47-2152). State-level medians reflect all three. Where industrial pipefitter and steamfitter employment is concentrated — Illinois, New Jersey, Washington — the state median is pulled higher than the plumbing-only figure would suggest.
| Rank | State | Median Annual Wage | Median Hourly Wage | vs. National Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $87,900 | $42.26 | +$27,810 (+46%) |
| 2 | New Jersey | $89,200 | $42.88 | +$29,110 (+48%) |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $87,100 | $41.88 | +$27,010 (+45%) |
| 4 | Alaska | $87,900 | $42.26 | +$27,810 (+46%) |
| 5 | New York | $88,600 | $42.60 | +$28,510 (+47%) |
| 6 | Washington | $83,200 | $40.00 | +$23,110 (+38%) |
| 7 | Hawaii | $82,600 | $39.71 | +$22,510 (+37%) |
| 8 | California | $85,700 | $41.20 | +$25,610 (+43%) |
| 9 | Minnesota | $73,600 | $35.38 | +$13,510 (+22%) |
| 10 | Connecticut | $79,300 | $38.12 | +$19,210 (+32%) |
| 11 | Oregon | $73,800 | $35.48 | +$13,710 (+23%) |
| 12 | Nevada | $73,100 | $35.14 | +$13,010 (+22%) |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $72,400 | $34.81 | +$12,310 (+20%) |
| 14 | Michigan | $65,400 | $31.44 | +$5,310 (+9%) |
| 15 | Ohio | $61,900 | $29.76 | +$1,810 (+3%) |
| 16 | Missouri | $62,100 | $29.86 | +$2,010 (+3%) |
| 17 | Wisconsin | $64,900 | $31.20 | +$4,810 (+8%) |
| 18 | Colorado | $66,100 | $31.78 | +$6,010 (+10%) |
| 19 | Indiana | $59,400 | $28.56 | –$690 (–1%) |
| 20 | Virginia | $62,700 | $30.14 | +$2,610 (+4%) |
| 21 | Maryland | $69,700 | $33.51 | +$9,610 (+16%) |
| 22 | Arizona | $57,300 | $27.55 | –$2,790 (–5%) |
| 23 | Utah | $57,600 | $27.69 | –$2,490 (–4%) |
| 24 | North Carolina | $53,200 | $25.58 | –$6,890 (–11%) |
| 25 | Georgia | $54,700 | $26.30 | –$5,390 (–9%) |
| 26 | Tennessee | $52,800 | $25.38 | –$7,290 (–12%) |
| 27 | Texas | $55,600 | $26.73 | –$4,490 (–7%) |
| 28 | Florida | $52,400 | $25.19 | –$7,690 (–13%) |
| 29 | South Carolina | $51,400 | $24.71 | –$8,690 (–14%) |
| 30 | Louisiana | $53,900 | $25.91 | –$6,190 (–10%) |
| 31 | Kentucky | $54,200 | $26.06 | –$5,890 (–10%) |
| 32 | Alabama | $50,200 | $24.13 | –$9,890 (–16%) |
| 33 | Mississippi | $47,800 | $22.98 | –$12,290 (–20%) |
| 34 | Arkansas | $48,600 | $23.37 | –$11,490 (–19%) |
| 35 | Idaho | $56,200 | $27.02 | –$3,890 (–6%) |
| 36 | Montana | $58,100 | $27.93 | –$1,990 (–3%) |
| 37 | New Mexico | $54,800 | $26.35 | –$5,290 (–9%) |
| 38 | Iowa | $62,400 | $30.00 | +$2,310 (+4%) |
| 39 | Kansas | $60,700 | $29.18 | +$610 (+1%) |
| 40 | Nebraska | $59,800 | $28.75 | –$290 (0%) |
| 41 | Rhode Island | $74,600 | $35.87 | +$14,510 (+24%) |
| 42 | Vermont | $67,200 | $32.31 | +$7,110 (+12%) |
| 43 | New Hampshire | $68,400 | $32.88 | +$8,310 (+14%) |
| 44 | Delaware | $67,800 | $32.60 | +$7,710 (+13%) |
| 45 | District of Columbia | $81,400 | $39.13 | +$21,310 (+35%) |
| 46 | Wyoming | $61,200 | $29.42 | +$1,110 (+2%) |
| 47 | North Dakota | $62,800 | $30.19 | +$2,710 (+5%) |
| 48 | South Dakota | $56,900 | $27.36 | –$3,190 (–5%) |
| 49 | West Virginia | $53,600 | $25.77 | –$6,490 (–11%) |
| 50 | Oklahoma | $54,300 | $26.11 | –$5,790 (–10%) |
| 51 | Maine | $61,700 | $29.66 | +$1,610 (+3%) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. SOC code 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters). Annual wage estimates for wage and salary workers only; self-employed not included. The BLS releases updated OEWS figures each April — this article will be updated when May 2025 data becomes available.
Journeyman plumber salary by state
The BLS median wage reflects the midpoint for all plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters — a mix of apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers. If you’re a licensed journeyman plumber, your pay generally sits between the BLS 50th and 75th percentile for your state.
Nationally, the BLS 75th percentile for this occupation is $78,000/year ($37.50/hr) (BLS, May 2024). In high-wage union states, licensed journeymen routinely hit $85,000–$100,000+ with overtime.
| State | Est. Journeyman Wage (Annual) | Est. Journeyman Wage (Hourly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $95,000–$110,000 | $45–$53 | Strong UA Local 130 presence in Chicago |
| New York | $95,000–$115,000 | $46–$55 | NYC rates (UA Local 1) significantly above state median |
| New Jersey | $92,000–$108,000 | $44–$52 | High union density, especially industrial pipefitters |
| Massachusetts | $90,000–$105,000 | $43–$51 | Boston market drives the state average up significantly |
| California | $90,000–$105,000 | $43–$50 | Bay Area and LA metro top of range; Central Valley lower |
| Washington | $88,000–$100,000 | $42–$48 | Seattle construction boom supports strong rates |
| Texas | $62,000–$74,000 | $30–$36 | Lower union density; DFW/Houston higher than state median |
| Florida | $58,000–$70,000 | $28–$34 | Right-to-work state; low union presence statewide |
| Georgia | $60,000–$70,000 | $29–$34 | Atlanta metro highest; rural Georgia close to state median |
| Ohio | $68,000–$80,000 | $33–$38 | Cleveland and Columbus union locals push rates up |
Good to know
The journeyman wage estimates above are derived from BLS 75th-percentile state data and cross-referenced with UA (United Association) local contract rates where publicly available. Individual pay will vary based on whether you’re working residential, commercial, or industrial, and whether your employer is union or non-union. Always verify current rates with your local UA chapter or state licensing board.
Master plumber salary by state
A master plumber license is the highest credential in the trade. It typically requires 2–5 years of journeyman experience after licensure, plus passing a state-administered master plumber exam. Most states also require master plumbers to pull permits — meaning if you run a plumbing company, you need at least one master on staff or ownership.
The earnings jump from journeyman to master is real, but it plays out differently depending on your path. If you’re an employed master plumber working for a contractor, you can expect 15–25% above journeyman rates in most markets. If you use your master license to run your own business, income potential is substantially higher — but variable.
| State | Est. Employed Master Plumber | Est. Self-Employed / Business Owner | Years Journeyman Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $105,000–$130,000 | $120,000–$200,000+ | 4 years |
| New York | $110,000–$140,000 | $130,000–$250,000+ | Varies by municipality |
| California | $105,000–$125,000 | $120,000–$200,000+ | 4 years (48 months) journeyman-level experience within last 10 years (CSLB — cslb.ca.gov) |
| Texas | $75,000–$95,000 | $90,000–$160,000+ | 4 years as journeyman (TSBPE) |
| Florida | $70,000–$88,000 | $85,000–$150,000+ | 1 year as journeyman (DBPR) |
| Washington | $95,000–$115,000 | $110,000–$180,000+ | 2 years as journeyman (L&I) |
| Ohio | $80,000–$98,000 | $90,000–$150,000+ | 5 years total experience |
| Pennsylvania | $85,000–$105,000 | $100,000–$170,000+ | Varies by municipality — no state master license [NEEDS VERIFICATION] |
Watch out
Master plumber licensing requirements vary significantly by state — and in some states (like Pennsylvania), licensing is handled at the city or municipality level rather than statewide. California is licensed statewide through the CSLB (cslb.ca.gov), but requires 4 years of verifiable journeyman-level experience within the last 10 years. Before budgeting time or money toward a master license, verify the specific requirements with your state’s licensing board. The United Association also maintains a state-by-state licensing guide at ua.org.
Union vs. non-union plumber wages
Union membership is the single biggest variable in plumber pay — more impactful than state, in some cases. Union plumbers (represented primarily by the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, or UA) earn a straight-time wage plus pension contributions, health insurance, and annuity payments. When you add those benefit packages to base wages, total compensation for union journeymen often runs $90,000–$130,000 in major metro areas.
Non-union (merit shop) plumbers typically earn less in wages but may have more flexibility in scheduling and job selection. In right-to-work states — Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and others — non-union is the dominant arrangement, and wages reflect it.
Union Plumber (UA)
- Typically 20–35% higher base wages vs. non-union in same market
- Defined benefit pension + annuity contributions ($8–$15/hr equivalent)
- Employer-paid health insurance for worker and family
- Structured apprenticeship with guaranteed raises every 6 months
- Overtime pay enforced by collective bargaining agreement
- Job security protections through union contract
- Higher concentration in Northeast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest
Non-Union Plumber (Merit Shop)
- Base wages typically 15–30% below union in strong union markets
- Benefits vary by employer — some excellent, some bare minimum
- More common in Sun Belt states and rural markets
- Faster promotion possible — no seniority system
- More flexibility in employer and project selection
- Strong earning potential for self-employed with master license
- Income less predictable — tied to company performance and local market
Union plumber wages by state — top markets
In strong union markets, UA journeyman total compensation (wages + benefits) significantly exceeds the BLS median because BLS tracks wages only — not employer pension and benefit contributions. The table below reflects estimated total compensation for union journeymen in selected high-union-density states.
| State / Market | Est. Union Journeyman Base Wage | Est. Total Package (wages + benefits) | UA Local |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $48–$55/hr | $110,000–$140,000+/yr | UA Local 1 |
| Chicago, IL | $46–$53/hr | $105,000–$135,000+/yr | UA Local 130 |
| Boston, MA | $44–$52/hr | $100,000–$130,000+/yr | UA Local 12 |
| San Francisco, CA | $48–$58/hr | $110,000–$145,000+/yr | UA Local 38 |
| Seattle, WA | $43–$50/hr | $98,000–$125,000+/yr | UA Local 32 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $40–$48/hr | $92,000–$115,000+/yr | UA Local 15 |
| Houston, TX | $32–$40/hr | $72,000–$92,000+/yr | UA Local 68 |
Union wage estimates are based on BLS state wage data and publicly available UA local contract summaries. Benefit package valuations are estimates only — actual total compensation varies by local contract, which is renegotiated on 3-year cycles. Contact your local UA chapter for current rates.
Pro tip
If you’re considering union vs. non-union, don’t just compare hourly wages. Ask for the “total package” rate — this includes employer pension contributions, health insurance, and annuity. In many strong union markets, the benefit package adds $12–$20/hr equivalent on top of the base wage. A union journeyman earning $42/hr in Chicago is actually receiving $55–$60/hr in total compensation when benefits are factored in.
What drives plumber pay — 6 key factors
Knowing the state median is useful, but your actual paycheck depends on a combination of factors that interact in complex ways. Here’s what actually moves the number.
1. State — and metro area within that state
State-level medians can be misleading because metro areas within high-wage states vary enormously. The BLS median for California is $85,700 — but a plumber in Fresno will earn closer to $65,000 while a union journeyman in San Francisco earns $115,000 or more. If you’re making a location decision, look at the metro-level BLS figures, not just the state number. BLS publishes metropolitan area wage data at bls.gov/oes — it’s free and searchable.
2. Union membership and collective bargaining agreements
As covered above, union membership is the highest-leverage factor in most markets — more impactful than experience level in strong union states. The UA negotiates wages on a local basis every 3 years. Some locals — Chicago’s Local 130, New York’s Local 1 — have historically led the country in total package rates.
3. Sector — residential vs. commercial vs. industrial
Residential service plumbing is typically the lowest-paying sector. Commercial construction plumbing (hospitals, office buildings, high-rises) pays more. Industrial pipefitting — refineries, chemical plants, power plants — pays the most, especially for specialized certifications. A Texas pipefitter working in petrochemical facilities in the Houston Ship Channel routinely earns $35–$48/hr, well above the state’s plumber median.
4. License level (apprentice → journeyman → master)
The BLS median mixes all license levels. Your pay directly tracks your license:
- Apprentice years 1–2: 40–50% of journeyman rate ($18–$25/hr in most markets)
- Apprentice years 3–5: 60–90% of journeyman rate, stepping up every 6 months
- Journeyman: Full rate (roughly the BLS 50th–75th percentile for your state)
- Master (employed): 15–25% premium over journeyman; required to pull permits
- Master (business owner): Income tied to revenue, not an hourly rate
Read our full career guide on how to become a plumber (from apprentice to master plumber).
5. Overtime and prevailing wage work
Plumbers on commercial and industrial jobs regularly log 50–60 hour weeks during peak construction seasons. At 1.5x overtime rates, a journeyman earning $38/hr base earns $57/hr for hours over 40. A 10-hour overtime week adds roughly $570 to your paycheck before taxes. Over a full year, consistent overtime can push total annual earnings $15,000–$30,000 above the base salary calculation.
Prevailing wage jobs — federally funded construction projects covered by the Davis-Bacon Act — require pay at the locally prevailing union rate regardless of whether the employer is union or non-union. In states with high prevailing wage requirements, non-union plumbers on public projects earn close to union scale.
6. Specialization
Some plumbing specializations command a significant premium. Medical gas plumbing (hospitals and medical facilities), high-purity piping for pharmaceutical manufacturing, and fire sprinkler installation all require additional certifications and pay above general commercial plumbing rates. If you’re a journeyman looking to increase income without waiting for the master exam, adding a specialty certification is the fastest path.
Highest- and lowest-paying states
Top 5 states for plumber pay
The highest-paying states share a common profile: strong union density, high cost of living, and significant commercial and industrial construction activity.
1. New Jersey — $89,200 median New Jersey’s proximity to New York City’s construction market, combined with high union density and active industrial pipefitting in the northern part of the state, puts it at or near the top of every BLS release. The New Jersey Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers handles licensing at njconsumeraffairs.gov.
2. New York — $88,600 median Driven almost entirely by New York City, where UA Local 1 has negotiated some of the highest total package rates in the country. Upstate New York is significantly lower — closer to $65,000–$72,000 in markets like Buffalo and Syracuse.
3. Alaska — $87,900 median Alaska’s high wages reflect the cost of working and living in a remote environment, concentrated industrial work in oil and gas infrastructure, and a small workforce that commands premium rates. UA Local 375 in Anchorage is active.
4. Illinois — $87,900 median Chicago’s commercial and industrial construction market is one of the most active in the Midwest, and UA Local 130 has historically negotiated strong rates. Downstate Illinois is considerably lower.
5. California — $85,700 median The Bay Area and Los Angeles drive California’s figure upward. San Francisco’s UA Local 38 maintains some of the highest contract rates in the country. Note that California’s high cost of living offsets some of the wage premium.
Pro tip
If you’re willing to relocate, the wage differential between states can be career-changing. A journeyman plumber moving from Florida ($52,400 median) to Illinois ($87,900 median) gains roughly $35,000/year in median pay — before overtime. Run the cost-of-living comparison carefully, but for plumbers, the high-wage states are genuinely better financial outcomes even after adjusting for housing costs in most cases.
Bottom 5 states for plumber pay
Lower-wage states are generally right-to-work states with low union density, concentrated residential construction rather than industrial work, and lower overall cost of living.
Mississippi — $47,800 median | Arkansas — $48,600 median | Alabama — $50,200 median | South Carolina — $51,400 median | Florida — $52,400 median
It’s worth noting that cost of living in these states is significantly lower than in New Jersey or California. A Mississippi plumber earning $47,800 may have comparable purchasing power to an Ohio plumber earning $61,900, depending on housing costs. But the career ceiling — the maximum you can earn before starting your own business — is lower in lower-wage states.
Plumber salary by experience level — national benchmarks
Even in the same state, your experience level is a major determinant of pay. The BLS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile wages nationally. These roughly correspond to career stages.
| BLS Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage | Approximate Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,100 | $17.84 | 1st–2nd year apprentice |
| 25th percentile | $46,200 | $22.21 | 3rd–4th year apprentice |
| 50th percentile (median) | $60,090 | $28.89 | Entry journeyman or mid-career residential |
| 75th percentile | $78,000 | $37.50 | Experienced journeyman / commercial / union |
| 90th percentile | $99,920 | $48.04 | Master plumber / industrial / top union market |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. National figures, all sectors combined.
Try the skilled trades salary estimator tool — see wage estimates by trade, state, and experience level.
Plumber salary outlook: will pay keep rising?
As of May 2026, the tailwinds for plumber wages remain strong. The BLS projects approximately 6% job growth through 2034 — adding roughly 44,000 net new positions nationally. But that projection understates the hiring pressure, because it doesn’t account for the large number of retirements hitting the trade.
The average age of a working plumber in the US is approximately 45, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data. A substantial share of the current workforce will retire in the next 10–15 years. Combined with demand from new construction, infrastructure replacement (aging water and sewer systems), and new residential development in Sun Belt states, the demand for qualified plumbers is not going away.
Wage inflation in the trades has outpaced general wage growth since 2020. Union contracts in major markets have seen 4–7% annual wage increases in recent contract cycles. For working plumbers, this means the figures in this article will likely look conservative within 2–3 years. The BLS releases new OEWS data each April; this page will be updated when the May 2025 state-level figures are published.
Frequently asked questions
What state pays plumbers the most?
New Jersey and New York are consistently the highest-paying states for plumbers, with median wages of $89,200 and $88,600 respectively (BLS, May 2024). Illinois, Alaska, and California round out the top five. These states share strong union density, active commercial and industrial construction, and high costs of living that drive wages upward. Within any high-wage state, metro areas — particularly New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco — pay significantly above the state median.
How much does a journeyman plumber make per hour?
Nationally, a journeyman plumber earns approximately $28–$38/hr, which corresponds to the BLS 50th–75th percentile range of $28.89–$37.50/hr (BLS, May 2024). In high-wage union markets like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, union journeymen earn $43–$55/hr in base wages, with total compensation (including pension and benefits) reaching $55–$70/hr equivalent. In lower-wage Sun Belt states like Florida and Alabama, journeyman rates typically range from $25–$32/hr.
Do union plumbers make more than non-union plumbers?
Yes — in most US markets, union plumbers earn 20–35% more in base wages than non-union plumbers doing comparable work. The gap is even wider when you factor in total compensation: union pension contributions, employer-paid health insurance, and annuity payments can add $12–$20/hr in additional value on top of base wages. The wage advantage is most pronounced in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, where union density in the trade is highest. In right-to-work states like Florida and Texas, the union presence is smaller and the wage gap is less consistent.
How much does a master plumber make compared to a journeyman?
An employed master plumber typically earns 15–25% above journeyman rates in the same market. In high-wage states, that puts employed master plumbers at $100,000–$130,000/year. If you use your master license to run your own plumbing business, income potential is significantly higher — many plumbing business owners earn $150,000–$300,000+ — but it comes with business risk and management responsibility that salaried work does not. The master license is the ticket to business ownership in the plumbing trade; in most states, you must hold a master license to legally operate your own plumbing company.
How much do apprentice plumbers make in their first year?
First-year apprentice plumbers typically earn 40–50% of the journeyman rate in their area — roughly $18–$25/hr nationally, or approximately $37,000–$52,000/year at full-time hours. Union apprenticeships pay on a fixed scale that increases every 6 months; by year 4 or 5, apprentices are earning 80–90% of journeyman scale. Even at entry-level apprentice wages, you’re earning a paycheck with no student debt, which compares favorably to the first year out of college for most graduates.
What is the highest-paying plumbing specialty?
Industrial pipefitting — particularly in petrochemical, power generation, and semiconductor fabrication facilities — is consistently the highest-paying specialty. Pipefitters working in refineries and chemical plants in Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast earn $35–$52/hr, with significant overtime during turnaround projects. Medical gas plumbing certification (required for hospital pipeline work) and high-purity piping for pharmaceutical or semiconductor manufacturing also command premiums of 15–25% above standard commercial plumbing rates.
Is plumber pay expected to increase in 2026 and beyond?
Yes — the wage trend for plumbers is upward. The BLS projects approximately 6% job growth through 2034, and demand from aging infrastructure replacement, Sun Belt housing growth, and industrial construction (semiconductor fabs, battery plants, data centers) is driving consistent labor shortages. Union contracts in major markets have been renewing with 4–7% annual wage increases. The workforce is also aging — a large share of working plumbers are within 15 years of retirement — which tightens supply further. If current trends hold, a journeyman plumber in 2030 will likely be earning meaningfully more than the 2024 BLS figures shown here.
What’s next?
If you’re researching plumber pay as part of a career decision, the salary data here is your foundation — but the real question is how to get into the trade and start moving up the pay scale. Our complete guide to how to become a plumber walks through the apprenticeship path, licensing requirements, and what to expect at each career stage.
If you want to know which trades pay the most in the United States, here are the highest-paying trade jobs in the US.
For electrician’s salary comparison, read: Electrician Salary by State.
If you’re already in the trade and looking to increase your earnings, the two highest-leverage moves are pursuing your journeyman or master license if you haven’t already, and looking seriously at union membership if you’re working in a market with strong UA presence. Both moves have documented, meaningful effects on lifetime earnings in the trade.
