A Beginner's Guide to Plumbing Salaries in the United States

As of my last update in August 2023, a beginner plumber in the United States typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on various factors such as location, level of education, and whether they are working for a company or self-employed.

Entry-Level Salaries and Factors Influencing Pay

There is a minimum amount of pay according to the hours worked in the trade, which is based on the Journeymen pay scale. The actual amount an apprentice plumber can earn can vary, but it is determined through agreements between employers and employees, as long as it is above the minimum wage required by law.

For example, I have seen apprentice plumber jobs paying $12 to $15 per hour, while my brother-in-law, who is a master plumber, makes around $30 per hour. In some high-demand regions, beginners may earn more, especially if they have completed an apprenticeship program.

Step Progression in Plumbing Careers

Typically, after five years of apprenticeship, an apprentice plumber can become a Journeymen plumber, who earns a minimum of $31 per hour. With experience and further certifications, their earning potential can significantly increase. After becoming a Journeymen, they can further advance to become a Master Plumber, who can charge $40 per hour for their services.

At this point, it is advisable for a Master Plumber to take the Master Plumber Exam to legally work independently. After obtaining a license, they can advertise their services on platforms like yellow-pages or Craigslist. When I called for a master-plumber service, the minimum billable rate was $98 per hour, though I had a master-plumber on contract charging $200 per hour.

Factors Affecting Plumbing Salary

Beginning plumbers can make whatever the market demands. If you work for a plumbing contractor, you will most likely earn close to the minimum wage in your state, possibly with some additional benefits if the job is with a union. In some areas, depending on how codes are written, there may be different classifications such as Apprentice, Trainee, Journeyman, and Master. Certain states also require specific experience, training, and certification to obtain a contractor's license, allowing plumbers to operate independently.

Conclusion

The salary progression in the plumbing industry is structured in a way that allows plumbers to gradually increase their earnings as they gain experience and certifications. Understanding the step progression and the various factors affecting salary can help beginners set realistic expectations and plan their career paths accordingly.