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Plumber: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$63,800median pay per year, or $30.67 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $44,150lowest 10% earn less
  2. $50,19025th percentile
  3. $63,800median
  4. $85,11075th percentile
  5. $108,420top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

The median pay for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $63,800 a year in May 2025[1]. Most people enter through an apprenticeship[2], and jobs are projected to grow 6.8% from 2025 to 2035[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+6.8%[3]
Openings per year
42,000[6]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[7]

How much do plumbers make?

The median plumber made $63,800 a year, or $30.67 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of all workers made more than the median and half made less. The average was higher, at $72,170 a year or $34.70 an hour[8].

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $44,150 a year, and the lowest-paid 25% earned less than $50,190[4]. At the top, the highest-paid 25% earned more than $85,110 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $108,420[4]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

Hourly, the 10th percentile was $21.22 and the 90th percentile was $52.13[10].

For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980[5]. The plumber median was $12,820 higher[1][5].

These figures cover wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed and do not include benefits or nonproduction bonuses[11]. About 8% of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were self-employed in 2025[12].

Pay by state and city

The District of Columbia had the highest median pay at $101,020, followed by Illinois at $99,950 and Oregon at $97,050[13]. Minnesota ($94,410), Alaska ($93,920) and Massachusetts ($93,880) came next[13]. Arkansas had the lowest published state median at $48,660[13].

California had the most jobs at 47,660, then Texas at 44,090, Florida at 29,260, New York at 23,210 and Illinois at 16,750[14]. Pay in these big states varied. The median in California was $72,830, in Texas $59,840 and in Florida $52,910[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, the highest medians were in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,560), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN ($103,380) and Bellingham, WA ($102,750)[15].

The metro areas with the most jobs were New York-Newark-Jersey City (21,040 jobs), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (15,690) and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (12,750)[16].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[13]$101,0201,010
Illinois$99,95016,750
Oregon$97,0505,370
Minnesota$94,41010,720
Alaska$93,9201,200
Massachusetts$93,88013,460
Wisconsin$81,21010,210
Washington$81,03012,470
Michigan$80,19014,120
Montana$79,9601,860
New Jersey$78,2408,750
Hawaii$78,0602,500
New York$77,49023,210
Connecticut$77,2805,410
Rhode Island$76,4701,820
Indiana$76,32011,280
California$72,83047,660
Pennsylvania$68,08013,620
New Hampshire$66,8101,950
Missouri$66,7908,310
Maryland$65,40011,420
Kansas$65,2204,590
Delaware$64,7201,590
Kentucky$64,1606,360
Maine$64,0002,710
Iowa$63,8905,730
Louisiana$63,6808,360
North Dakota$63,5601,620
Ohio$63,33016,390
Colorado$63,24010,080
Wyoming$62,4101,140
Vermont$62,170980
Arizona$62,07011,810
Utah$61,9007,030
Nevada$61,6105,370
New Mexico$61,4402,830
Nebraska$60,9704,110
Virginia$60,47013,780
Texas$59,84044,090
Alabama$58,6706,950
Tennessee$58,6009,270
Oklahoma$57,9706,050
Georgia$57,2008,930
North Carolina$57,08014,510
West Virginia$56,9801,830
Mississippi$55,4803,360
South Carolina$53,9405,770
Florida$52,91029,260
Idaho$52,3803,090
South Dakota$51,6201,760
Arkansas$48,6603,370

How to become a plumber

BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with no related work experience needed[7]. Training happens mainly on the job through an apprenticeship[7].

  1. Finish high school or get an equivalent[7]. Vocational-technical schools teach pipe system design, safety and how to use tools[17]. Some pipefitter and steamfitter apprenticeship programs require welding courses, and these schools offer them[17].
  2. Join an apprenticeship[7]. Most people learn the trade through a program that lasts 4 or 5 years[2]. Each year typically includes about 2,000 hours of paid work on the job plus some classroom-style instruction[2]. Programs are run by unions, trade associations and businesses[2].
  3. Get licensed[18]. Licensing is required for plumbers in most states and some localities[18]. Rules differ, but states and localities often ask for 2 to 5 years of experience and an exam[18]. Some states also license pipefitters and steamfitters, and may add a special license for gas lines[19]. Your state licensing board can give the exact rules[19].
  4. Work toward journey level[20]. After an apprenticeship and the required exam, a worker can do tasks independently[20]. With several years of experience and another exam, a plumber can earn master status[20].

In an O*NET survey of 38 workers, 43% said a post-secondary certificate was the education needed, and 35% said a high school diploma or equivalent[21]. That is a small survey, so treat it as a rough guide.

Most employers also expect plumbers to hold a driver's license[22]. Optional certification, such as in plumbing design, can widen career options[22].

What plumbers do

O*NET describes the work as putting together, installing, changing and repairing pipe systems that carry water, steam, air or other liquids and gases[23]. Sprinkler fitters are included[23]. Typical tasks include:

Workers report job titles such as service plumber, residential plumber, pipe welder and fire sprinkler service technician[25]. Useful skills include mechanical know-how, dexterity in tight spaces, physical strength and good communication with customers and crews[26][27][28][29].

Where plumbers work

Plumbers and fitters work in factories, homes, businesses and other places with pipes[30]. The work can involve lifting heavy materials, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces and sometimes working outdoors in any weather[30]. The largest employer group was plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors, at 65% of jobs in 2025[31].

Injuries do happen. The main risks are cuts, burns from hot pipes or soldering gear, and falls from ladders[32].

Most work full time. That can include nights and weekends, and they are often on call for emergencies[33]. Plumbers who work for themselves may be able to choose their own hours[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 6.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 510,600 to 545,200 jobs, a gain of 34,500[3]. For all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[34]. These projection counts include self-employed workers[3].

BLS expects about 42,000 openings a year, on average, from 2025 to 2035[6]. Openings include jobs that open up when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 2.7% of workers leave the labor force and 4.6% move to a different occupation[35].

The OEWS count is 465,840 wage and salary jobs[36]. The projection count of about 510,600 jobs includes self-employed workers[3].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with pay above the all-occupations median[1][5] and growth faster than average[3][34]. Entry does not require a college degree. It does require a long apprenticeship of 4 or 5 years that mixes paid work with instruction[7][2]. The work is physical, can involve nights, weekends and emergency calls, and carries a risk of cuts, burns and falls[29][32][33]. Licensing rules depend on where you live, so check with your state board before you plan[18][19].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[37].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a plumber make an hour?
The median was $30.67 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $34.70[1][8]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $21.22 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $52.13[10].
How long does it take to become a plumber?
Most people learn through an apprenticeship that lasts 4 or 5 years[2]. Licensing often requires 2 to 5 years of experience and an exam[18].
What education do you need to be a plumber?
A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry education, with no related work experience needed[7].
Are plumbers in demand?
BLS projects 6.8% job growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, and about 42,000 openings a year[3][34][6].
What is the highest paying state for plumbers?
The District of Columbia had the highest median at $101,020, followed by Illinois at $99,950[13]. Among the 50 states, Illinois was first[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the US was $63,800 per year and $30.67 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters is projected to grow 6.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 510,600 to 545,200 jobs (a change of +34,500). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: 10th percentile $44,150, 25th percentile $50,190, 75th percentile $85,110, 90th percentile $108,420. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 42,000 openings for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Apprenticeship. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters was $72,170 per year and $34.70 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: 10th percentile $21.22, 25th percentile $24.13, 75th percentile $40.92, 90th percentile $52.13. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS Employment Projections: 8% of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  13. Median annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs: California 47,660; Texas 44,090; Florida 29,260; New York 23,210; Illinois 16,750. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $107,560; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $103,380; Bellingham, WA $102,750; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $101,630; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $101,010; Kennewick-Richland, WA $97,130; Bloomington, IN $96,980; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $96,760. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 21,040 (median $78,610); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 15,690 (median $71,110); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 12,750 (median $103,380); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 11,980 (median $61,250); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 10,980 (median $61,300); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 9,420 (median $71,860). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. O*NET 47-2152.00 survey of workers (38 respondents), education level they say is required: Post-Secondary Certificate 43%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 35%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 9%, Less than a High School Diploma 8% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET description of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET task list for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET 47-2152.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Drain Technician, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician, Pipe Welder, Pipefitter, Plumber, Plumbing Installer, Residential Plumber, Service Plumber. O*NET OnLine
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in 2025: Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors 65%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: 2.7% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 465,840 people were employed as Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  37. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.