Plumber Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$101,020
$48.57/hr
vs National Average
$68,560
+47.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $117K
1K employed in District of Columbia
Plumbers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $101,020 per year, significantly outpacing earnings in most other regions. With approximately 1,010 plumbers currently employed in the district, this skilled trade offers competitive compensation. The plumber salary in District of Columbia substantially exceeds the national average by 47 percent, reflecting the higher cost of living and strong demand for licensed professionals in the area.
Several factors influence plumber salary in District of Columbia, including experience level, certifications, and the type of work performed. Union membership often correlates with higher wages, while specialization in complex systems or emergency services can command premium rates. The district's aging infrastructure and continuous construction activity also drive consistent demand, allowing experienced plumbers to negotiate favorable compensation packages compared to those working in less developed markets.
Salary Distribution — Plumber in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,310 |
| 25th percentile | $74,630 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,020 |
| 75th percentile | $114,400 |
| 90th percentile | $117,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Plumber (U.S.)
Which industries pay Plumbers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Plumbers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $90,750 | 8K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $87,730 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $76,510 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $74,810 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $71,660 | 17K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Plumber in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,730 |
| 2023 | $84,470 |
| 2024 | $81,950 |
| 2025 | $101,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,081 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,730 | $61,508 |
| 2023 | $84,470 | $64,205 |
| 2024 | $81,950 | $65,674 |
| 2025 | $101,020 | $68,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,081 | $72,674 |
Plumber Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $74,630 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $114,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $117,180 |
Plumber Salary in Other States
Related Plumber Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Plumber ($101,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Plumber | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in DC | $86,520 | -14.4% | $41.60/hr |
| Electrician in DC | $78,970 | -21.8% | $37.97/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in DC | $68,660 | -32.0% | $33.01/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in DC | $60,310 | -40.3% | $29.00/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DC | $50,020 | -50.5% | $24.05/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -0.1% | $48.52/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DC | $101,450 | +0.4% | $48.77/hr |
| Physical Therapist in DC | $101,640 | +0.6% | $48.87/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DC | $101,940 | +0.9% | $49.01/hr |
| Registered Nurse in DC | $102,540 | +1.5% | $49.30/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in DC | $102,740 | +1.7% | $49.39/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in DC | $102,770 | +1.7% | $49.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Washington DC?
- Plumbers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $101,020 per year, or $49 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 47.3% increase compared to plumbers nationwide.
What is the salary range for plumbers in DC?
- Plumber salaries in District of Columbia range from $52,310 at the lower end to $117,180 at the upper end, providing a wide spectrum of earning potential depending on experience and specialization.
How many plumbers work in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 1,010 plumbers employed in District of Columbia, representing the total workforce in this occupation within the district.
Is plumbing a well-paid job in Washington DC?
- Yes, plumbing is particularly well-compensated in Washington DC, with plumbers earning 47.3% more than the national average median salary of $101,020 annually. The high cost of living and demand for skilled trades in the district contribute to these above-average wages.