Plumber Salary in the United States
Based on 466K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$68,560
$32.96/hr
▲ 4.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$44K – $100K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
466K
workers nationwide
The median Plumber salary in the United States is $68,560 per year, equating to approximately $33 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint, with half of plumbers earning more and half earning less. The overall salary range for this essential trade can span from $44,237 to $100,083 annually.
Several factors influence a plumber's earning potential. Location plays a significant role, with the District of Columbia offering the highest average pay at $101,020 annually. Years of experience, specialization in areas like medical gas piping or industrial plumbing, and the specific employer or union affiliation can also impact overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Plumber
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,237 |
| 25th percentile | $53,764 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,560 |
| 75th percentile | $85,912 |
| 90th percentile | $100,083 |
Plumber Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Plumber
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $101,020 | +47.3% | 1K |
| 2 | Illinois | $99,950 | +45.8% | 17K |
| 3 | Oregon | $97,050 | +41.6% | 5K |
| 4 | Minnesota | $94,410 | +37.7% | 11K |
| 5 | Alaska | $93,920 | +37.0% | 1K |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $93,880 | +36.9% | 13K |
| 7 | Wisconsin | $81,210 | +18.5% | 10K |
| 8 | Washington | $81,030 | +18.2% | 12K |
| 9 | Michigan | $80,190 | +17.0% | 14K |
| 10 | Montana | $79,960 | +16.6% | 2K |
Plumber Salary by Industry
How much Plumbers earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($90,750 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $90,750 | +32.4% | 8K |
| 2 | Transportation and Warehousing | $87,730 | +28.0% | 2K |
| 3 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $76,510 | +11.6% | 3K |
| 4 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $74,810 | +9.1% | 2K |
| 5 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $71,660 | +4.5% | 17K |
| 6 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $67,990 | -0.8% | 880 |
| 7 | Retail Trade | $67,630 | -1.4% | 1K |
| 8 | Educational Services | $66,640 | -2.8% | 7K |
| 9 | Manufacturing | $65,770 | -4.1% | 16K |
| 10 | Accommodation and Food Services | $64,300 | -6.2% | 580 |
| 11 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $64,160 | -6.4% | 2K |
| 12 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $63,480 | -7.4% | 3K |
| 13 | Construction | $63,270 | -7.7% | 384K |
| 14 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $59,830 | -12.7% | 620 |
| 15 | Administrative and Support Services | $58,860 | -14.1% | 13K |
| 16 | Wholesale Trade | $53,590 | -21.8% | 4K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Plumber
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,508 |
| 2023 | $64,205 |
| 2024 | $65,674 |
| 2025 | $68,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,573 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Plumber Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,764 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,912 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,083 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a plumber in the US?
- The salary range for plumbers in the United States typically falls between $44,237 and $100,083 per year. The median salary is $68,560 annually, providing a good benchmark for earnings within this profession.
How much do plumbers make per hour on average?
- On average, plumbers in the United States earn around $33 per hour. This hourly rate aligns with the median annual salary of $68,560, reflecting the consistent demand for their services.
Which state pays plumbers the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for plumbers, with an average annual salary of $101,020. This figure is notably higher than the national median and reflects the cost of living and demand in that region.
How many plumbers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 465,820 plumbers employed across the United States. This substantial number highlights the widespread need for skilled plumbing professionals in various sectors.