When you look at trade-career opportunities, few are as promising as plumbing. Indeed, if you are wondering how much do plumbers make in 2025, keep in mind that location is becoming as important as your skillset. Across the U.S., plumber compensation trends show significant variations in plumber annual salary by state, metropolitan market, and licensing level. Whether you’re just beginning or you’re already a licensed journeyman or master plumber, knowing how much plumbers make in different states can guide your career decisions.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top five states where plumbers are earning the most. We’ll highlight plumber salaries by state for each, and discuss what factors drive the differences.
These states offer top-paying plumbing jobs, often due to higher living costs and strong union representation.
| State | Plumbing Starting Pay | Mid-Level Plumbing Pay | Experienced Plumbing Pay | Top-Level Plumbing Pay |
| Alaska | $54,810 | $79,080 | $94,130 | $103,930 |
| Illinois | $44,700 | $91,210 | $108,040 | $123,350 |
| Oregon | $38,050 | $72,880 | $94,990 | $114,900 |
| Washington | $37,260 | $68,640 | $93,330 | $116,940 |
| Massachusetts | $39,820 | $68,180 | $90,750 | $119,990 |
| New Jersey | $39,630 | $67,820 | $99,280 | $122,250 |
| California | $32,950 | $57,660 | $79,720 | $115,500 |
These states offer solid pay ranges for plumbers, especially for those with certifications or several years of experience.
| State | Plumbing Starting Pay | Mid-Level Plumbing Pay | Experienced Plumbing Pay | Top-Level Plumbing Pay |
| Colorado | $33,750 | $52,250 | $63,640 | $78,610 |
| Connecticut | $36,740 | $63,930 | $84,630 | $97,630 |
| Maryland | $36,040 | $57,930 | $74,030 | $92,830 |
| Michigan | $33,210 | $65,750 | $78,780 | $92,130 |
| Minnesota | $40,440 | $74,240 | $93,290 | $105,240 |
| Missouri | $35,390 | $63,770 | $86,620 | $98,940 |
| New York | $36,920 | $65,970 | $93,610 | $121,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $33,700 | $53,660 | $72,600 | $100,970 |
| Wisconsin | $39,170 | $67,480 | $86,950 | $99,270 |
While the cost of living in these states is typically lower, plumbing wages are also more modest.
| State | Plumbing Starting Pay | Mid-Level Plumbing Pay | Experienced Plumbing Pay | Top-Level Plumbing Pay |
| Arkansas | $27,450 | $42,400 | $53,970 | $62,390 |
| Mississippi | $29,690 | $47,430 | $57,020 | $62,480 |
| South Dakota | $31,900 | $41,100 | $52,540 | $62,420 |
| Alabama | $28,570 | $46,510 | $57,030 | $64,290 |
| Florida | $28,730 | $43,220 | $52,260 | $62,840 |
| Georgia | $28,510 | $46,760 | $59,330 | $74,470 |
| Oklahoma | $28,000 | $48,710 | $64,650 | $76,570 |
| Texas | $28,840 | $50,780 | $61,030 | $71,320 |
| State | Plumbing Starting Pay | Mid-Level Plumbing Pay | Experienced Plumbing Pay | Top-Level Plumbing Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $27,450 | $42,400 | $53,970 | $62,390 |
| Mississippi | $29,690 | $47,430 | $57,020 | $62,480 |
| South Dakota | $31,900 | $41,100 | $52,540 | $62,420 |
| Alabama | $28,570 | $46,510 | $57,030 | $64,290 |
| Florida | $28,730 | $43,220 | $52,260 | $62,840 |
| Georgia | $28,510 | $46,760 | $59,330 | $74,470 |
| Oklahoma | $28,000 | $48,710 | $64,650 | $76,570 |
| Texas | $28,840 | $50,780 | $61,030 | $71,320 |
| State | Mid-Level Plumbing Pay |
|---|---|
| Idaho | $48,470 |
| Montana | $59,290 |
| Nebraska | $59,720 |
| Nevada | $55,670 |
| New Hampshire | $53,150 |
| Vermont | $52,570 |
| North Dakota | $55,140 |
| Wyoming | $54,830 |
Illinois stands out as one of the best states for plumber income due to the strong union presence in the Chicago metropolitan region, a large volume of commercial and industrial construction, and a licensing environment that rewards journeyman and master plumbers. According to one source, Illinois averages around $86,200 per year for plumbers, placing it among the top states.
Here, average hourly wage of $37.86 in Illinois, with reported overtime of ~$6,750/year. Licensing/licensed plumber earnings tend to increase significantly in Chicago area markets, where competition and demand boost pay. Given the high demand for infrastructure repair, residential retrofit (especially in metro Chicago), and industrial plumbing, job opportunities permit higher rates. Cost of living in Illinois (especially Chicago) is higher than in many Midwestern states, but still lower than in coastal metros, so strong value for income.
If you are a journeyman or master plumber considering relocation, Illinois offers one of the top returns. But to tap into the highest-paying plumber jobs, you’ll likely need advanced credentials, union affiliation, or even a strong commercial/industrial background. If
Many people looking to enter the trades often wonder, “How much do plumbers make in Alaska”? The answer might surprise you. Alaska combines harsh climates, remote job locations, and a high cost of living, factors that drive up trade worker pay scales, including for plumbers. Many plumbing jobs there involve commercial/industrial installations, oil & gas support, or remote residential service where premium rates apply.
Salary figures- Plumber annual salary in Alaska is about $86,499.
Advantages:
Cons:
The cost of living (housing, transport) is very high. Seasonal or project‐based work may create variability. Licensing and travel logistics can challenge non-locals.
With the Boston metro and surrounding New England region, Massachusetts offers a robust construction market, high urban density, older infrastructure, and high cost of living—all of which combine to push master plumber income and specialist trade rates upward.
Plumber annual salary in Massachusetts is about ~$84,090 annually (~$40.43/hr). Strong metropolitan plumbing markets (Boston, Cambridge, Worcester) mean high demand for commercial plumbing, retrofits, and service tech roles. Licensing and code complexity in New England may drive premium rates for more experienced plumbers. Urban plumbing markets often include frequent emergency/service calls and higher billable hours.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, how much do plumbers make compared to electricians or HVAC technicians, you’ll find that plumbing often ranks among the most stable, high-paying trades
Considerations-
Proximity to New York City and Philadelphia markets creates elevated wage opportunities for plumbers in New Jersey. Urban plumbing markets, high-density infrastructure, and union/contractor networks support higher pay. Resources list the New Jersey average plumber salary as ~ $82,740/year (~$39.78/hr).
Factors supporting high pay here-
Keep in consideration-Cost of living (especially housing, tolls, transport) can reduce real take-home. Competition may increase in metro zones; differentiation via specialization (commercial, industrial, emergency service) is key
Oregon markets such as Portland and the Willamette Valley have seen strong construction growth, plumbing demand for new residential and commercial build-outs, and environmental/green plumbing systems, which may boost specialist rates. Add in the relatively high cost of living compared to many inland states, and you get elevated pay opportunities.
Salary Figures-
Urban plumber opportunities in Portland and the surrounding metro areas. Licensing and certifications (e.g., for green plumbing or commercial systems) can enhance pay. Less crowded markets compared to coasts, offering strong pay while retaining a somewhat lower cost base than NYC or San Francisco.
Weather, travel to remote or suburban zones, and overtime/irregular hours may be required for top pay. Real pay should be evaluated relative to cost-of-living increases in housing and transport in the Oregon metro zones. These were the top plumber salaries by state in America. Learn essential steps towards starting your career today with PTTI.
Before investing in a plumbing certification, it’s natural to ask how much do plumbers make per hour and what factors influence their earnings. If your dream is to work in any one of these top states as an experienced plumber, getting certified after completing your formal training from a trade school is a must. Join PTTI today and experience hands-on learning with the best instructors and the best community in Philadelphia.
When someone begins a career in plumbing, knowing the typical plumbing starting pay is crucial. According to recent data, entry-level plumbers in the U.S. earn around $53,900 annually, or roughly $25.91 per hour at the median for 0–2 years of experience. Another source reports the nationwide average plumber wage at about $30.39 per hour, or approximately $63,215 per year, though that figure includes experienced professionals too.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that entry-level plumbers (10th percentile) earn about $40,670 annually, while the median sits near $62,970 (BLS). This means the real plumbing starting pay generally ranges from $40,000–$55,000, depending on location, apprenticeship level, and employer type. For beginners comparing trade options, it’s clear that plumbing starting pay remains one of the strongest among blue-collar jobs, especially when you factor in overtime, union benefits, and long-term wage growth. If you’re entering the field today, your plumbing starting pay can increase steadily every year with training and certification.
Reaching master status takes years of training, but the rewards show in the master plumber salary. Data from Glassdoor places the average master plumber salary around $162,623 per year, though top professionals earn much more depending on project type and city. Hourly rates vary widely, between $25 – $62 per hour, showing how certifications, union affiliation, and leadership roles affect income.
Another nationwide report lists the average master plumber salary near $80,053 annually, or about $38.49 per hour, for licensed tradespeople who work independently or in senior roles. Whether you supervise major construction projects or run your own plumbing business, a higher master plumber salary often reflects not only technical skill but also management expertise and customer trust built over years.
If you want to tap into the highest-paying plumber jobs and pick a location with the most substantial return, consider the following:
One of the top searched questions by trade school students is “How much do plumbers make after completing training?” Join PTTI for its trade school programs today and start your skilled trades journey with experts. Add more than $80k to your pocket every year post training and some years of experience at work.
If you’re aiming to build a plumbing career with the best income potential, focusing on the highest-paying states for plumbers in 2025 makes smart sense. Of course, plumber salary by state is only part of the equation—your role (apprentice, journeyman, master), whether you take on service technician work, commercial vs residential projects, and your own credentials will heavily influence your earnings. But by aligning location, licensing and market niche, you can accelerate your plumbing career earnings and tap into the best states for plumber income.
To reiterate: where you work matters almost as much as how well you work. By choosing one of the states listed above and positioning yourself with the proper credentials and experience, you can get much closer to how much do plumbers make at the top end of the field—and claim one of the highest paying plumber jobs available.
Q1. Which state pays plumbers the most in 2025?
Illinois currently leads the list of highest paying states for plumbers in 2025, offering average annual salaries between $86,200 and $97,000 depending on experience, union status, and city.
Q2. How much do plumbers make across the United States?
Nationally, how much do plumbers make varies between $55,000 and $75,000 per year. However, top states like Alaska, Massachusetts, and Oregon exceed $80,000 annually,primarilyy for licensed or union plumbers.
Q3. What factors affect plumber salaries by state?
Plumber salary by state depends on licensing, cost of living, union membership, regional demand, and job type. Urban markets and industrial roles typically pay the most.
Q4. Are union plumbers paid more than non-union plumbers?
Yes. Union plumber benefits usually add 15–23% higher earnings through negotiated contracts, overtime premiums, and better hourly rates.
Q5. What are projected plumber earnings for 2025 and beyond?
According to current data, projected plumber earnings in 2025 show continued wage growth with over 26,000 new plumbing jobs expected nationwide by 2033.
Q6. Where do plumbers make the most money outside these top states?
Outside the top five, states like Washington, California, and New York also report strong wages—mostly in metropolitan plumbing markets where the cost of living and demand are both high.
Q7. What’s the best way to increase your plumber’s income?
Advance your license level, join a trade union, and gain experience in high-demand areas such as commercial, industrial, or eco-plumbing systems. These paths consistently lead to the highest-paying plumber jobs.
Q8. Do cost-of-living adjustments impact real plumber income?
Absolutely. A $90K salary in New Jersey may equal the purchasing power of $70K in Oregon due to different cost of living adjustments, so always compare actual buying power before relocating.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm
https://www.servicetitan.com/plumber/salary
https://constructioncoverage.com/research/highest-paying-states-for-plumbers
https://www.indeed.com/career/plumber/salaries?
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Plumber-Salary-by-State
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/plumber-salary
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/master-plumber-salary-
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