How Much Do Plumbers Make in the United States? [2025 Salary Guide]
Key takeaways:
This guide gives you the latest insights into plumber salaries across the United States, breaking down what impacts income and how plumbers at all stages can grow their earnings.
- Plumber salaries vary by experience and location. The national average is around $63,215 per year, with hourly rates from $25–$45 and a wide range depending on state, license level, and employment type.
- License level significantly affects earning potential. Apprentices make less as they learn on the job, journeymen earn predictable wages, and master plumbers have the highest income—often over $80,000 annually—with business ownership offering even more opportunity.
- Where you work matters. States like Illinois and Virginia offer higher average salaries, and urban areas with high demand for skilled tradespeople typically pay more than rural regions.
- Business owners set their own income ceiling. Successful plumbing entrepreneurs who manage teams, specialize their services, and optimize business operations can earn six-figure profits, especially with efficient management and stellar customer service.
- Multiple factors influence pay. Location, experience, license type, area of specialization, and willingness to take urgent or complex jobs all play key roles in how much plumbers can make.
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Plumbing is more than fixing leaky pipes. It’s a stable, in-demand career that offers high earning potential and the opportunity to run your own flexible business.
If you’re considering a future in the plumbing industry, one of your first questions might be, “How much do plumbers really make?”
In this guide, we’ll break down average plumber salaries across the U.S. by experience level, region, and business type. From apprentices just starting out to seasoned pros ready to launch a new company, this article shows you what to expect and how to boost your earning potential.
Average plumber salary in the U.S.
The average plumber in the U.S. earns around $63,215 USD per year, or roughly $30 USD per hour.
Those numbers, however, only tell part of the story. Salaries can vary widely depending on your plumbing license level, service region or location, and whether you’re self-employed or work for a company.
Based on the most recent plumbing salary data, here’s a quick look at the national plumbing salary averages:
- Hourly wage: $25–$45/hour
- Weekly: $1,000–$1,800
- Monthly: $4,300–$7,800
- Annual: $52,000–$93,000
Entry-level plumbers earn closer to the bottom of each range, while a licensed plumber and business owners can earn significantly more based on their expertise, years of experience, and the local market.
Plumber salary by license level
A plumbing license level is one of the biggest factors in how much you can make because it determines the types of jobs you’re allowed to take on, the level of responsibility you can assume, and whether you can own and operate your business.
Higher license levels often open the door to bigger projects, more specialized work, and higher-paying contracts. Let’s break it down by level of experience, qualifications, and types of plumbers.
Apprentice plumber salary
Apprentice plumbers are just getting started in their careers. They are often working under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
- Average salary: $48,624 USD per year
- Salary range: $32,000–$72,000 USD per year
Apprentices typically earn less, but they’re also gaining valuable on-the-job training to use later in their careers. Serving as an apprentice is a necessary first step to unlock higher earning tiers.
Journeyman plumber salary
Journeymen are fully licensed to work independently, which means they can take on a wide range of plumbing jobs without direct oversight. They also often supervise apprentices, passing along skills and ensuring that plumbing work meets code.
- Average salary: $69,125 USD per year
- Salary range: $49,000–$88,000 USD per year
Journeymen earn a predictable living and are often in high demand in both residential and commercial settings.
READ MORE: Plumber job description [free template + guide]
Master plumber salary
Master plumbers hold the highest level of licensure in the trade, which means they’re qualified to take on the most complex plumbing projects. This includes large-scale commercial installations and more intricate residential remodels.
They often lead teams of journeymen and apprentices, oversee quality control, and handle important tasks like securing permits and certifications. Because they can combine a strong base compensation with higher-paying contracts and specialized jobs, master plumbers have a much wider earning scale than other license levels.
- Average salary: $80,053 USD per year
- Salary range: $70,000–$100,000+ USD per year
With the highest level of licensing, master plumbers can take on the most complex plumbing projects and also run their own businesses.
Owning a plumbing company opens the door to scaling up, bidding on larger contracts, and setting personalized rates, all of which can significantly improve annual income totals.
READ MORE: How to become a certified plumber
How much do plumbers make by state?
Plumbing salaries often vary drastically by location. Cost of living, demand, union presence, and local licensing rules all impact pay.
Here’s a basic snapshot of average plumber salaries in key states:
Pro Tip: Areas with housing booms or aging infrastructure can have higher demand for plumbers. This means greater pay for in-demand service providers, but a higher cost of living
How much do plumbing business owners make?
If you’re ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, owning a plumbing business could be the profitable trade you’re searching for.
As the owner, you’re not limited to hourly wages. You set your own rates, decide which jobs to take, and build a team to handle more work than you could manage on your own as a solo provider.
Keep in mind that top earners who earn six figures in profit or more are likely running multiple crews or servicing large commercial contracts every year.
Pro Tip: As you scale your business, invest in the right small business platforms and apps to make operations run smoothly 24/7.
Your earning potential depends on more than just technical skill. The most common factors include:
- Pricing strategy: Charging rates that reflect your expertise and market demand can help you raise your income each month. Know your target market so that you can avoid pricing too high or too low.
- Operational efficiency: Keeping your crews productive and your overhead low lets you complete more jobs in less time.
- Customer service: Building a reputation that drives repeat business and referrals is one way to maintain profitability. When you’re a trustworthy expert, customers will know exactly who to call.
- Market focus or specialty: Serving high-demand areas or offering specialized services commands premium rates. If you’re stuck at a certain income ceiling, consider opening your services menu to include more high-tier options or service bundles.
With the right mix of business leadership and hands-on plumbing skills, your income can grow far beyond what’s possible as an employee.
What affects a plumber’s salary?
Many factors can shape your earning potential, including your location and the kinds of plumbing jobs you regularly accept. These are the most common factors in how much you earn:
- Location: Plumbers in urban areas or states with a high cost-of-living typically earn a higher salary to match the demand and higher living expenses. For example, salaries in New York City or San Francisco can be thousands higher than in rural areas.
- Experience level: Like many trades, more experience often means higher hourly rates. A seasoned plumber who can troubleshoot complex issues quickly is more valuable (and better paid) than someone just starting in the plumbing industry.
- License level: Your license determines the scope of work you can perform and the jobs you can bid on. Master plumbers earn significantly more because they can take on large-scale projects and run their own business.
- Type of work: Commercial and industrial plumbing sometimes pays more than routine residential service calls. Industrial projects can be larger, more complex, and require specialized knowledge over a long period of time.
- Specialties: Skills like gas fitting, solar plumbing, or medical gas installation are in high demand and can set a plumbing business apart. Plus, these services allow plumbers to charge premium rates compared to basic maintenance.
- Overtime and emergency calls: Offering 24/7 service or taking on nights and weekend work can be a major income booster, as customers are often willing to pay extra for urgent repairs outside normal business hours.
READ MORE: Plumbing labor statistics you need to know
Turning your skills into a profitable plumbing career
Plumbing offers a clear path from apprenticeship to six-figure business ownership. Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about growing your company, there’s increasing income potential at every stage of your business journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plumbers with a master license, strong customer service skills, and experience in commercial or niche sectors (like medical gas or industrial systems) typically earn the most money overall. Business owners also earn more with sales and team management experience.
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Yes. Master plumbers usually earn more than journeymen because they can lead projects, pull permits, and manage teams. On average, master plumbers make about $80,053 per year (with a range of $70,000–$100,000+), while journeymen earn around $69,125 per year (ranging from $49,000–$88,000).
The biggest difference is that journeymen are licensed to work independently but typically report to a master plumber, while masters have the authority to oversee entire projects and even run their own business. -
Plumbers earn the most in urban areas within states like California, Alaska, and New York. For example, average annual salaries are about $64,000 in California ($30.85/hr) and $62,902 in New York ($30.13/hr). States like Illinois and Virginia also rank high, with plumbers averaging $78,227 ($37.47/hr) and $73,000 ($35.00/hr), respectively. Urban areas with high demand and union jobs tend to offer the best wages.
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Apprentices or new entrants may start as low as $15–$20/hour, depending on region and training level.
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The top 5% of master plumbers and plumbing business owners can make $118,000-125,000 USD per year, especially in high-cost areas or with large commercial contracts.