Pay data / Plumbers / Salary / Kentucky
Plumber Salary
in Kentucky
Plumbers in Kentucky (KY) earn a median of $56,000 a year, about $27 an hour. That runs roughly 9% below the national median for plumbers, with most earning between $35,500 and $92,100.
Bottom 10%
$35,500
KY Median
$56,000
Top 10%
$92,100
Plumber pay by experience in Kentucky
- Apprentice$33,600$16/hr
Working toward a journeyman license over 4-5 years.
- Journeyman$56,000$27/hr
Licensed to work independently.
- Master$75,600$36/hr
Permits, inspections, and running the crew.
Plumber pay in Kentucky metros
- Louisville$59,800$29/hr
- Lexington$53,600$26/hr
- Bowling Green$54,700$26/hr
Licensing in Kentucky
Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work.
Frequently asked
- How much do plumbers make in Kentucky?
- Plumbers in Kentucky earn a median of $56,000 per year, about $27 per hour. That is roughly 9% below the national median. Most earn between $35,500 and $92,100.
- What is the highest-paying place for plumbers in Kentucky?
- Among Kentucky's major metros, Louisville tends to pay plumbers the most, near $59,800 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Kentucky?
- Yes. Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work. Licensing in Kentucky is handled at the state level, and a licensed person is required to permit and sign off on most work.
Plumber pay in other states
Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for Kentucky by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.