How much do plumbers make?

Plumbers earn a national median of $61,550 per year, about $30 per hour. Most earn between $39,000 and $101,190, depending on experience, certification, specialty, and location.

What is the hourly rate for a plumber?

The national median is roughly $30 per hour, with apprentice work near $18/hr and top plumbers above $40/hr.

Which states pay plumbers the most?

Higher-wage, higher-cost states and strong union markets pay above the national median. Use the state links below to see local pay for plumbers.

Pay data / Plumbers / Salary

Plumber Salary

Plumbers in the United States earn a median of $61,550 a year, about $30 an hour. Pay runs from around $39,000 for newer plumbers to $101,190+ for the most experienced and certified.

Bottom 10%

$39,000

Median

$61,550

Top 10%

$101,190

Plumber pay by experience

Apprentice
$36,900$18/hr
Working toward a journeyman license over 4-5 years.
Journeyman
$61,600$30/hr
Licensed to work independently.
Master
$83,100$40/hr
Permits, inspections, and running the crew.

What moves the number

·License level. Master plumbers who can pull permits earn the most.
·Service vs new construction. Emergency service and repipe work carries premium rates.
·Gas and medical-gas certification. Specialty endorsements lift pay.
·Prevailing-wage and union jobs. Public work sets higher wage floors.

Plumber salary by state

Local pay swings with cost of living, union density, and demand. Pick a state for plumbers pay near you.

Frequently asked

How much do plumbers make?: Plumbers earn a national median of $61,550 per year, about $30 per hour. Most earn between $39,000 and $101,190, depending on experience, certification, specialty, and location.
What is the hourly rate for a plumber?: The national median is roughly $30 per hour, with apprentice work near $18/hr and top plumbers above $40/hr.
Which states pay plumbers the most?: Higher-wage, higher-cost states and strong union markets pay above the national median. Use the state links below to see local pay for plumbers.

Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and adjusted for experience and location. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and market.