Plumber Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$60,000
national median salary
$46,000 to $78,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$84,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$63,000
Newark, NJ
Lowest Paying
$47,000
Little Rock, AR
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Plumber salary in the United States is $60,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $46,000 at the 25th percentile to $78,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $84,000, while Newark offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Licensed master plumbers earn 25 to 35% more than journeymen, with commercial and industrial specialization pushing pay to the top of the range.
Plumber salary by city
What you should know
Licensed master plumbers earn 25 to 35% more than journeymen, with commercial and industrial specialization pushing pay to the top of the range. Plumbers who handle gas line work, backflow prevention, or medical gas systems command premium rates. Union membership in major metro areas provides the strongest wage floors.
Apprentice plumbers start at $32,000 to $40,000 during their four to five year apprenticeship. Journeymen earn $46,000 to $65,000, while master plumbers reach $65,000 to $85,000. Plumbing contractors who run their own businesses can earn $90,000 to $150,000 or more.
Union plumbers receive health insurance, pension contributions, and annuity funds worth $15,000 to $25,000 annually on top of wages. Overtime during emergency calls can add $8,000 to $15,000 per year, especially for on-call residential specialists.