Plumber Salary Guide 2025: What You Can Expect to Earn by State
Looking to start or grow your plumbing career? In 2025, plumber salaries remain strong across the U.S.—but how much you earn depends heavily on where you work. This guide breaks down plumber pay by state, experience level, and city so you can make smarter career moves.
🛠️ National Average Salary for Plumbers in 2025
Here’s what plumbers are earning across the country:
- Entry-Level Plumbers: ~$53,900/year (≈ $25.91/hour)
- Mid-Level (Journeyman): ~$70,000/year (≈ $33.65/hour)
- Senior (Master): ~$75,800/year (≈ $36.44/hour)
- Median (All Levels): ~$60,090/year (U.S. BLS data)
💸 Highest and Lowest Paying States
Top-Paying States for Plumbers
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. | $71,435 | $34.34 |
| Washington State | $71,598 | $34.42 |
| Massachusetts | $70,300+ | $33.80+ |
| Alaska | $69,200+ | $33.27+ |
| New York | $68,000+ | $32.70+ |
Lowest-Paying States for Plumbers
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $47,240 | $22.71 |
| West Virginia | $48,000 | $23.08 |
| Arkansas | $51,600 | $24.81 |
| Georgia | $52,300 | $25.14 |
| South Dakota | $52,500 | $25.24 |
🔧 Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | $34,000 – $54,000 |
| Journeyman | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Master Plumber | $90,000 – $110,000+ |
In top cities like New York or San Francisco, Master Plumbers can earn $120K+ annually.
🏙️ Big Cities vs. Small Towns
| City | Entry-Level Avg. | Mid-Level Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $63,900 | $80,000+ |
| New York, NY | $60,300 | $75,000+ |
| Austin, TX | $56,000 | $70,000 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $45,500 | $58,000 |
Smaller towns offer lower pay but may have lower housing and living costs.
💰 Cost of Living vs. Salary
High salaries don’t always stretch far. For example:
- San Francisco: $63.9K plumber salary ≈ $128K needed for middle-class lifestyle
- Midwest cities: Lower salaries, but more affordable housing and utilities
Tip: Use a cost-of-living calculator to assess value beyond salary alone.
📈 What Affects Plumber Salaries?
Key factors include:
- Location (state/city)
- License level (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master)
- Industry focus (residential, commercial, industrial)
- Union affiliation (union plumbers often earn more)
- Specializations (e.g., gas lines, radiant heating)
📍 Quick Salary Summary by State
| State | Entry-Level | Journeyman | Master Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $59K | $75K | $90K+ |
| Texas | $52K | $67K | $85K |
| Arizona | $50.5K | $65K | $80K+ |
| Florida | $46K | $58K | $70K |
| Massachusetts | $60K | $80K | $100K+ |
💡 How to Boost Your Earnings
- ✅ Get licensed as a Journeyman or Master Plumber
- ✅ Join a union for better wages and benefits
- ✅ Specialize in high-demand niches
- ✅ Start your own plumbing business
✅ Final Thoughts
Plumbers remain in high demand—and with the right license and location, salaries can exceed $100K. Use this guide to explore your options, compare states, and plan your next move in the plumbing trade.
👉 Curious what plumbers make in your area?
Source
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Plumber-Salary-by-State