Salary Outlook
The average pay for a plumber in 2011 was $47,750, the BLS reports. The best-paid are pulling in around $82,310, while those in the bottom 10 percent earn just shy of $30,000 a year. Cities on the East Coast pay particularly well; specifically, metropolitan areas like Vineland, N.J., Nassau, N.Y., and Peabody, Mass. However, apprentices just starting out could make 30 to 50 percent less than a fully trained plumber.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $37,430.00 |
| 2004 | $44,460.00 |
| 2006 | $45,870.00 |
| 2008 | $49,330.00 |
| 2010 | $50,530.00 |
Average Plumber Pay vs. All Construction Jobs
A general laborer earns a salary on the low end of this sector’s pay scale—approximately $29,730—while those who have specialized training earn salaries comparable to that of a plumber. Painters and carpenters make a little less money than a plumber, while electricians may earn a bit more.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $84,240.00 |
| Electrician | $49,320.00 |
| Plumber | $47,750.00 |
| Carpenter | $40,010.00 |
| Painter | $35,430.00 |
| Construction Worker | $29,730.00 |
See Complete List of Best Construction Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Plumbers
The highest paid in the plumber profession work in the metropolitan areas of Vineland, NJ, Nassau, NY, and San Jose, CA. The Peabody, MA area also pays well, as does the city of Madison, WI.
Vineland, NJ
Average Salary: $84,030 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a plumber working in Vineland, NJ is $84,030, which is $36,280 more than the average pay in the profession.
Nassau, NY
Average Salary: $75,990 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a plumber working in Nassau, NY is $75,990, which is $28,240 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $75,730 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a plumber working in San Jose, CA is $75,730, which is $27,980 more than the average pay in the profession.
Peabody, MA
Average Salary: $75,170 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a plumber working in Peabody, MA is $75,170, which is $27,420 more than the average pay in the profession.
Madison, WI
Average Salary: $74,420 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a plumber working in Madison, WI is $74,420, which is $26,670 more than the average pay in the profession.
