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Plumber salary
Plumbers install and repair pipes that carry water, gas, and waste in homes and commercial buildings.
Median annual
$61,000
Median hourly
$29
Top 10% earn
$98,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$37,000
Median$61,000
Top 10%$98,000
Plumber salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $42,800 | $21 | -30% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $53,000 | $25 | -13% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $66,300 | $32 | +9% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $85,600 | $41 | +40% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified plumbers, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
High school diploma plus 4–5 year apprenticeship; license required in most states.
Job outlook
2% growth through 2033 — steady demand for maintenance and construction.
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