Plumber Salary in Kentucky
Based on 6K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$64,160
$30.85/hr
vs National Average
$68,560
-6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $95K
6K employed in Kentucky
The median plumber salary in Kentucky is $64,160 per year, which is 6% below the national average. Approximately 6,360 plumbers are currently employed throughout the state. Salaries for plumbers in Kentucky typically range from $44,860 to $94,710 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization within the trade.
Several factors influence plumber salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, licensing level, and geographic location within the state. Plumbers working in urban areas or for larger commercial contractors often earn more than those in rural regions. Specializations in areas like pipefitting or industrial plumbing can also lead to higher compensation, as can business ownership and reputation in the local market.
Salary Distribution — Plumber in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,860 |
| 25th percentile | $50,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,160 |
| 75th percentile | $84,840 |
| 90th percentile | $94,710 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,820 |
| 2023 | $60,550 |
| 2024 | $62,370 |
| 2025 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,001 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,820 | $61,508 |
| 2023 | $60,550 | $64,205 |
| 2024 | $62,370 | $65,674 |
| 2025 | $64,160 | $68,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,001 | $70,528 |
Plumber Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,710 |
Plumber Salary in Other States
Related Plumber Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Plumber ($64,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Plumber | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in KY | $350,950 | +447.0% | $168.73/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in KY | $123,290 | +92.2% | $59.27/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in KY | $73,490 | +14.5% | $35.33/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | -6.9% | $28.71/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in KY | $46,810 | -27.0% | $22.50/hr |
| Construction Laborer in KY | $45,710 | -28.8% | $21.98/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in KY | $44,890 | -30.0% | $21.58/hr |
| School Counselor in KY | $64,350 | +0.3% | $30.94/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in KY | $63,640 | -0.8% | $30.60/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | +1.3% | $31.25/hr |
| Librarian in KY | $65,200 | +1.6% | $31.35/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in KY | $65,240 | +1.7% | $31.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for plumbers in Kentucky is $64,160 per year, or $31 per hour. This is 6.4% below the national average, though salaries in the state range from $44,860 to $94,710 depending on experience and specialization.
What is the salary range for plumbers in Kentucky?
- Plumbers in Kentucky earn between $44,860 and $94,710 annually. The lower end typically represents entry-level positions, while the higher end reflects experienced plumbers with specialized skills or established businesses.
How many plumbers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 6,360 plumbers employed in Kentucky. This represents a stable workforce in the state's skilled trades industry.
Is plumbing a good paying job in Kentucky compared to the national average?
- Plumbing in Kentucky pays $64,160 median salary, which is 6.4% below the national average. While slightly lower than the national median, it remains a solid middle-class income in Kentucky's job market.