How Much Do Plumbers Make? A Look At Earnings In 2024-2025

Shania Green 02 Aug 2025

Have you ever wondered about the money a plumber brings home? It's a question many people ask, especially when thinking about a career that truly helps others or just trying to understand what goes into a service call. Well, we're going to take a really good look at what plumbers can earn, giving you some clear figures and a bit of insight into how those numbers come about. It's actually a pretty interesting topic, so just hang on.

Figuring out how much a plumber makes isn't always a straightforward thing, you know. There are quite a few things that play a part in what someone gets paid, like where they work, how long they've been doing the job, and even the kind of tasks they usually handle. We're going to break all of this down for you, making it pretty simple to see the whole picture.

This article will discuss the typical money a plumber can earn, including what they might earn in different states and explore other details about this job, like what truly influences their pay. We'll use information shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, and also some figures from Forbes, so it's all based on real data, which is nice.

What Influences a Plumber's Paycheck?
Exploring Plumber Salaries in Detail
Frequently Asked Questions About Plumber Earnings
Your Path to a Rewarding Plumbing Career

What Influences a Plumber's Paycheck?

When you start to look at how much do plumbers make, it becomes pretty clear that it's not just one fixed number for everyone. There are, in fact, several big things that can change what a plumber takes home. It’s a bit like many other jobs, where your earnings depend on a mix of different circumstances, so it's not a simple calculation, really.

These influences can make a plumber's income vary quite a bit, from just starting out to having many years under their belt. We're going to go through each of these parts so you get a better idea of why some plumbers earn more than others. It's important to know this if you're thinking about this kind of work, or just curious.

The National Average and What It Means

Let's begin with the big picture, the typical pay across the entire country. For plumbers in the US, the average yearly money they bring in is around $64,810, or about $31 for every hour they work. This figure, you know, is a good starting point to think about what plumbers make generally. It gives you a baseline, which is quite useful.

Now, while that's the average, it's also true that the money can really change, with some plumbers earning around $48,119 a year and others getting as much as $81,626. That's a pretty wide spread, isn't it? So, while the average is helpful, it doesn't tell the whole story for every single plumber out there, not by a long shot.

In 2024, the average yearly money nationwide for plumbers was $64,455. This is based on a plumbing salary database that Payscale.com shared with ServiceTitan, which is a really good source for this kind of information. So, you can see, the numbers are pretty consistent, which is reassuring.

Hourly Rates vs. Annual Salaries

A plumber's earnings can come in a couple of different forms, either as an hourly rate or as a set yearly amount, and this often depends on the kind of tasks they do. Some plumbers might work on a project-by-project basis, getting paid for each hour they put in, which is a common setup, you know.

For those who get paid by the hour, the amount can really swing, anywhere from around $18 and up, to about $39. This kind of pay structure means that if a plumber works more hours, they'll obviously bring in more money. It's a pretty direct relationship, as you might expect.

On the other hand, some plumbers might be on a fixed yearly salary, especially if they work for a bigger company or have a steady role. This gives them a more predictable income each month, which many people prefer for budgeting and stability. Both ways of getting paid have their own good points, it just depends on the work.

Experience Really Does Count

One of the biggest things that influences how much do plumbers make is, without a doubt, how much time they've spent doing the job. It's a bit like many other skilled trades; the longer you've been at it, the more valuable your abilities become. So, it really does pay to stick with it and learn more.

For example, a plumber who is just starting out might bring in around $40,023 on average each year. That's a decent start, of course, but it shows there's room to grow. They're still learning the ropes and building their skills, which is a very natural part of any career.

Now, if you look at plumbers with a lot of time on the job, say 19 years or more, their average yearly money goes up quite a bit, to around $66,764. That's a significant jump, showing that all those years of fixing pipes and solving problems really add up in terms of earnings. It truly makes a difference, so.

Location, Location, Location: State-by-State Earnings

Where a plumber works in the country can also have a pretty big impact on how much they earn. It's not just about the national average; some states simply pay more for plumbing work than others. This is often tied to things like the cost of living in that area or the demand for skilled tradespeople, which is something to think about.

We've found that there are 15 states where the typical money for a plumber's job is actually above the national average. So, if you're a plumber, or thinking of becoming one, choosing where you live and work can make a noticeable difference in your paycheck, which is pretty interesting.

Leading the way in terms of higher pay is Washington, with the District of Columbia and New York right behind it, coming in second. These places tend to have a higher cost of living, which often means higher wages to match. It's a good idea to check out specific cities and states to see what licensed plumbers and pipefitters make there. You can learn more about plumbing careers on our site, which is helpful.

Skills and Employer Type

Beyond experience and location, the specific abilities a plumber has and the kind of company they work for also play a part in their earnings. Some plumbers might specialize in certain types of work, like commercial buildings or complex industrial systems, which can sometimes command a higher rate. It's all about what you can do, you know.

Payscale.com is a good place to visit to look into plumber hourly pay based on things like the city, how much experience someone has, what skills they possess, and even the employer they work for. This shows that every detail can affect the final number, which is pretty cool. For example, some employers might offer better benefits or a more steady flow of work.

Also, the kind of employer can make a difference. Working for a large construction company might be different from working for a small, local plumbing service. Each type of employer might have different pay structures and demands, so that's something to consider when thinking about how much do plumbers make.

Exploring Plumber Salaries in Detail

Let's take an even closer look at the actual money figures, giving you a really clear picture of what plumbers are earning right now and what might be coming up. It’s always good to have the most current information, especially if you’re making career plans or just trying to understand the market, you know.

We'll go through the specific ranges, talk about what business owners might earn, and even give you a peek at what's expected for hourly pay in the near future. This helps paint a more complete picture, so you can see the finer points of plumber earnings.

Current Salary Ranges You Should Know (July 2024)

According to Forbes, the current money range for a professional plumber in July 2024 is between $48,119 and $81,626. This is a pretty important piece of information because it gives you the most up-to-date figures from a trusted source. It shows that there's a good bit of room for growth within the profession, which is encouraging.

This range, you know, really shows the spread of earnings across the country, taking into account all those different things we talked about earlier, like experience and where someone lives. It means that while some plumbers might be at the lower end of that scale, others are doing quite well, which is pretty standard for many jobs, actually.

So, when you ask how much do plumbers make, knowing this range gives you a much better answer than just a single average number. It helps you see the potential, which is what many people are looking for when they consider a job. This kind of detail is very useful.

What About Service Business Owners?

It's one thing to work for someone else, but what if a plumber decides to run their own service business? Well, plumbers who own their own service businesses tend to have an hourly rate of about $29.22. This is a bit different from just being an employee, as it involves managing a business, too, which can bring its own rewards and challenges.

Being a business owner means taking on more responsibilities, like finding customers, handling paperwork, and managing other workers, perhaps. But it also means they have more control over their own rates and their schedule, which can be a big plus for many people. So, it's a different path, with different potential earnings.

This figure gives you a glimpse into what's possible if a plumber decides to strike out on their own. It's a path that can lead to higher earnings for some, especially if they build a strong customer base and manage their business well. It's definitely something to think about for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, you know.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Predicted Hourly Pay

It's always good to look a little bit into the future, isn't it? For plumbers, the average hourly pay is expected to be around $26.38 in 2025. This gives us a slight peek at what might be coming up for earnings in the next year. It's not a huge change from current figures, but it's still good to know what's predicted.

This kind of prediction helps both those in the trade and those thinking about joining it to plan a bit. Knowing what the typical hourly rate might be helps with financial planning and setting expectations. It's a way of staying informed about the job market, which is pretty smart, in a way.

So, when you consider how much do plumbers make, it's not just about today's numbers but also what the near future might hold. These figures, you know, are based on trends and data, so they offer a fairly good idea of what to expect, which is very helpful for anyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plumber Earnings

People often have specific questions about plumber salaries, so we've gathered some common ones that folks ask. These answers should help clear up any lingering thoughts you might have about how plumbers get paid and what truly affects their income. It’s always good to get clear answers, so.

How does a plumber's experience affect their salary?

A plumber's earnings tend to go up as they gain more time on the job. For instance, someone just starting out in plumbing might earn around $40,023 on average each year. But, plumbers with a lot of time in the trade, like those with 19 or more years of experience, see their average yearly money rise to about $66,764. So, the longer you work, the more you can expect to get paid, which is a pretty common pattern in many jobs, you know.

Which states offer the best pay for plumbers?

There are about 15 states where the typical money for a plumber's job is actually higher than the national average. Washington is at the very top of this list, with the District of Columbia and New York following closely behind in second place. These areas often have a higher cost of living, which can lead to better pay for skilled trades like plumbing. It's worth looking into specific city data for even more detail, which you can find on sites like Payscale.com, for example.

Can plumbers earn an hourly rate or an annual salary?

Yes, plumbers can earn either an hourly rate or a yearly salary, and it often depends on the kind of tasks they do. Some plumbers are paid by the hour, and that amount can range from around $18 to $39. Others might receive a set annual salary, especially if they work for a larger company or have a steady position. Both ways of getting paid are common, so it just depends on the work arrangement, you know.

Your Path to a Rewarding Plumbing Career

So, we've taken a good look at how much do plumbers make, covering everything from the national averages to how experience and location play a big part. It's clear that plumbing can be a job that brings in a good amount of money, and there's definitely room for growth as you gain more time and abilities. The numbers, you know, show a pretty stable and often increasing earning potential for those in this important trade.

Whether you're thinking about becoming a plumber, or you're already in the field and just curious about what others are earning, understanding these figures is truly helpful. It gives you a solid idea of what to expect and what can influence your paycheck. Knowing about the different pay structures, like hourly versus annual, and how various factors like skill and employer type matter, really helps paint a full picture.

For more detailed information on plumber salaries by city, experience, skill, and employer, you can always visit Payscale.com. It's a great place to get specific data. You can also learn more about becoming a plumber and the steps involved right here on our site, which is pretty handy. This career path offers a chance to earn a good living while providing a very needed service to communities, which is something to be proud of, honestly.

Plumber Salary - How much do plumbers make?

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