Plumber pay
What plumbers earn — and take home — in 2026
Plumbing is one of the best-paid skilled trades, and it is learned on the job. The BLS puts the median plumber, pipefitter and steamfitter at $62,970 (May 2024), with the top 10% over $103,000. Apprentices start at a fraction of journeyman scale and earn raises as they log hours; master plumbers and those who own a business can earn well into six figures.
Where a plumber's paycheck goes
On the $62,970 median, a single plumber sits in the 12%–22% federal brackets after the standard deduction, plus FICA. State income tax ranges from zero in Texas, Florida and Washington to several percent elsewhere. If you bank regular overtime, run the annualized total through our overtime pay calculator first.
The highest-paying states for plumbers
Average plumber pay runs highest in Illinois, Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Minnesota — strong union markets. Alaska has no income tax; the others tax wages, so compare take-home, not just scale.
Compare plumbing with other trades
See how plumber pay compares with an electrician, an HVAC technician or a welder, or check your exact net in Texas or Illinois.
Questions
Plumber Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a plumber make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $62,970 for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (May 2024). The top 10% earn over $103,000. Pay climbs sharply from apprentice to licensed journeyman to master plumber, and union membership often adds pension and health benefits.
What is a plumber's take-home pay on $62,970?
A single plumber earning the $62,970 median takes home roughly $51,000 to $52,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state. State income tax in most states removes another $1,500 to $3,000. Overtime, which is common in the trade, can raise this considerably.
How much do apprentice vs master plumbers earn?
A first-year apprentice typically earns around 50% of journeyman scale and gets a raise each year as they accumulate hours. Licensed journeyman plumbers earn near the $62,970 median or above, while master plumbers and plumbing-business owners frequently earn well into six figures.
Which states pay plumbers the most?
Illinois, Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Minnesota report the highest average plumber pay, reflecting strong union markets and high construction demand. Alaska levies no state income tax, so it often delivers the best take-home for a given wage.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters (median $62,970, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base ($184,500) · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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