Question 1

How much does a Plumber make?

Accepted Answer

The national median salary for a Plumber is $60,000, with a typical range from $46,000 (entry level, 10th percentile) to $95,000 (top earners, 90th percentile). Actual pay varies by city, industry, employer size, and experience.

Question 2

What is the entry-level salary for a Plumber?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level Plumber positions typically pay around $46,000 to $46,800, depending on metro, industry, and degree. New graduates can expect the lower end of this range; those with relevant internships or in-demand specializations often start higher.

Question 3

How much does a senior Plumber earn?

Accepted Answer

Senior Plumber professionals earn approximately $81,000 on average, with top performers and those at large employers exceeding $95,000. Senior pay is driven by scope, leadership, technical depth, and employer choice.

Question 4

Which cities pay the most for a Plumber?

Accepted Answer

Plumber pay is highest in major metros — typically San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Boston, Toronto, and Vancouver. After adjusting for cost of living, however, mid-tier metros often deliver higher purchasing power. Use the SalaryScope city tools to compare apples-to-apples.

Question 5

What education is required to become a Plumber?

Accepted Answer

The typical education path for a Plumber is High school + apprenticeship. Relevant certifications, portfolios, and demonstrated skills can sometimes substitute for traditional credentials, especially in technical and trades roles.

Question 6

Is Plumber a growing career?

Accepted Answer

The 10-year employment outlook for Plumber is rated Average. SalaryScope combines federal projections with industry, automation-risk, and demand signals to produce a more precise Workforce Opportunity Score for this role.

Question 7

How can I increase my pay as a Plumber?

Accepted Answer

The highest-leverage ways to increase your Plumber pay are: (1) developing in-demand specializations that command a premium, (2) earning ROI-positive certifications, (3) switching employers strategically every 3-5 years, (4) negotiating every offer and review, and (5) considering geographic moves to higher-pay or lower-cost metros.

Question 8

What is the total compensation for a Plumber?

Accepted Answer

Total compensation for a Plumber includes base salary ($60,000 at median), an annual bonus (typically 5-25% of base), and at many employers equity (RSUs or options). Total comp can range from 1.05x to 1.5x of base depending on industry, level, and employer.

Level	Years	Salary
Entry	0–2 yrs	$45,000
Junior	3–5 yrs	$53,250
Mid	6–10 yrs	$60,000
Senior	11–15 yrs	$78,000
Lead / Principal	16–20 yrs	$96,000
Executive / Top Performer	20+ yrs	$113,280

City	COL	Median	p90
New York, NY	187	$112,200	$177,700
Los Angeles, CA	176	$105,600	$167,200
Toronto, ON	135	$81,000	$128,300
Chicago, IL	107	$64,200	$101,700
Houston, TX	96	$57,600	$91,200
Montreal, QC	98	$58,800	$93,100
Phoenix, AZ	104	$62,400	$98,800
Philadelphia, PA	101	$60,600	$96,000
San Antonio, TX	90	$54,000	$85,500
San Diego, CA	160	$96,000	$152,000
Dallas, TX	103	$61,800	$97,900
Calgary, AB	107	$64,200	$101,700

Education level	Estimated salary	vs Bachelor's
High School	$60,000	-30%
Associate Degree	$70,000	-18%
Bachelor's Degree	$86,000	—
Master's Degree	$107,000	25%
Doctorate / Professional	$133,000	55%
Professional Certifications	$96,000	12%

Plumber — Career & Salary Intelligence

Career overview

Salary by experience

Salary by location

Salary by education

10-year career growth forecast

Certifications that increase earnings

Career Opportunity Score breakdown

Frequently asked questions about Plumber