If you’re thinking about getting into plumbing – or you’re already turning wrenches and want to see how your paycheck stacks up – you’ve probably wondered the same thing everyone else has: how much do plumbers make?
The honest answer is… it depends. Where you live, what kind of license you have, and how much experience you’ve got all make a big difference. But overall? Plumbing is one of those trades that stays in demand and can pay well if you stick with it.
This guide walks you through the numbers: what a licensed plumber salary looks like in different states, what can push your pay up (or down), and how you can increase your earnings over time.
Hourly and Annual Rates by State
On average in the U.S., a plumber salary comes in around $64,455 a year – roughly $31 an hour. That’s just the middle ground, though. State-by-state, the numbers shift a lot.
Here’s a snapshot from recent Indeed data showing what plumbers make in a handful of states:
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $40.99 | $85,580 |
| Washington | $52.40 | $109,400 |
| Illinois | $36.64 | $76,500 |
| Connecticut | $34.60 | $72,233 |
| New Hampshire | $34.93 | $72,923 |
| Texas | $29.76 | $55,859 |
| Florida | $24.35 | $50,828 |
| Mississippi | $21.32 | $44,508 |
In the high-paying spots like Washington, plumbers are pulling in six figures on average. On the lower end, states like Florida and Mississippi have smaller paychecks – but living costs are also lower, so that money often goes further.
What Affects Your Pay as a Plumber
What you actually take home as a plumber isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. A handful of things can push it up or pull it down.
1. Location
Where you work makes a big difference. In places where rent, groceries, and gas cost more, paychecks usually follow suit. For example, a plumber in San Jose, CA might see something close to $80,890 a year. In smaller towns, the numbers are lower – but so are the bills.
2. License Type
Your license level has a big impact. Here’s a rough breakdown of common tiers:
| License Level | Average | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $17-$23 | $35k-$48k |
| Tradesman Plumber | ~$26-$28 | ~$55k |
| Journeyman Plumber | ~$31-$33 | $64k-68k |
| Master Plumber | $40-$47 | $83k-$98k |
3. Specialization
If you’ve got skills most plumbers don’t (like working on gas lines, medical piping, or being the one people call at 2 a.m. for emergencies), you can charge more. Niche work usually means higher rates.
4. Employment Type
Running your own plumbing business can bring bigger paychecks when the work is steady, but you’re also covering your own insurance, handling taxes, and chasing down payments. Working for a company might pay less per hour, but it can come with steady hours, health benefits, and paid time off – which can make a licensed plumber salary feel more reliable.
Tips to Boost Your Pay
Doesn’t matter if you’re brand new or have been in the trade for decades – there’s almost always a way to earn more. If you’ve ever looked up how much does a plumber make per hour and thought, “I could beat that,” here are some ideas:
- Earn extra certifications. Gas fitting, backflow prevention, medical piping – each one can open the door to better-paying jobs.
- Stay sharp. Plumbing tech and tools keep changing. The more up to date you are, the more valuable you become.
- Build your name. If you’re known for showing up on time, solving problems fast, and leaving the job clean, word spreads – and so do the high-paying offers.
- Be willing to move. Sometimes the easiest way to boost your paycheck is to work in a different city or state where the rates are higher (and the living costs still make sense).
Bottom Line
A licensed plumber salary in the U.S. can range from around $40k for a starting apprentice to close to $100k – or more – for a master plumber in a high-paying state. How much you earn depends on where you’re based, the license you hold, the skills you’ve picked up, and the type of jobs you take on.
Play your cards right – add some extra certifications, keep up with new tools and techniques, and make a name for yourself – and plumbing can turn into more than just a steady trade. For a lot of people, it becomes a long-term career that pays solid money year after year.
