Pay data / Plumbers / Salary / Tennessee
Plumber Salary
in Tennessee
Plumbers in Tennessee (TN) earn a median of $56,600 a year, about $27 an hour. That runs roughly 8% below the national median for plumbers, with most earning between $35,900 and $93,100.
Bottom 10%
$35,900
TN Median
$56,600
Top 10%
$93,100
Plumber pay by experience in Tennessee
- Apprentice$34,000$16/hr
Working toward a journeyman license over 4-5 years.
- Journeyman$56,600$27/hr
Licensed to work independently.
- Master$76,400$37/hr
Permits, inspections, and running the crew.
Plumber pay in Tennessee metros
- Nashville$60,200$29/hr
- Memphis$56,400$27/hr
- Knoxville$60,000$29/hr
Licensing in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
- Plumbers in Tennessee earn a median of $56,600 per year, about $27 per hour. That is roughly 8% below the national median. Most earn between $35,900 and $93,100.
- What is the highest-paying place for plumbers in Tennessee?
- Among Tennessee's major metros, Nashville tends to pay plumbers the most, near $60,200 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Tennessee?
- Yes. Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work. Licensing in Tennessee 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 Tennessee by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.