Are you considering a career as a plumber? If your answer is yes, you are likely wondering, “how much do plumbers make?”
Unfortunately, there is not an accurate average plumber salary due to a variety of factors that influence that number. These factors include location, competencies and training, schooling, and more.
Even though there is not a quotable average salary for plumbing professionals, it is safe to say that it is a lucrative career. People are willing to pay a good amount of money to have their plumbing built or repaired.
Check out some of the top factors that influence how much plumbers make.
Location
One of the most influential factors for a plumber’s salary is where you live. The city and state you call home can directly affect how much a plumber makes yearly.
According to Service Titan, the salary range spans from $39,600 to $50,400 for entry-level plumbers. The lower end of annual salaries in found in states like:
- Arkansas ($36,900),
- West Virginia ($39,800),
- Mississippi ($40,900), and
- Montana ($41,300).
To compare, higher plumber salaries are paid in states like:
- Alaska ($50,400),
- California ($49,300), and
- New Jersey ($48,800).
This geographical variety in salaries is attributable to different costs of living, the local demand for the type of work, and various other factors.
Even if you live in a state with a lower-than-hoped-for median income, there are ways to increase the average plumber salary.
Schooling & Training
All plumbers are required to attend vocational school to learn how to be a plumber.
After you complete this basic training—which can yield you entry-level jobs—you can continue your schooling to become a more competent professional and increase your earning potential.
For example, if you decide to become a master plumber through additional training, you could earn an average of $62,550 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Of course, earning this extra schooling requires more time and money on your part, but those investments will likely pay off in the form of a higher average plumber salary.
Experience
When working in any field, you will likely have to start at an entry-level position, but with additional training and schooling, you can work your way up the chain and begin earning more money.
A plumber who has been in the business for four to six years will likely be rewarded with a higher salary for their increased knowledge and training gained during that time.
Competencies & Duties
In addition to advanced schooling, plumbers can also become certified in a variety of specialty areas. These can include:
- Irrigation and water drainage,
- Gas service technician,
- Pipefitters and steamfitters, and
- Commercial plumber
Whether you have an interest in performing basic plumbing tasks around your own home or have a sincere interest in becoming a plumber and earning a decent salary, Stratford Career Institute’s Plumbing course can help you get started.
Start learning plumbing basics and enroll in Stratford Career Institute’s Plumbing Training Course Today!
If you want to learn more about what is required to be a plumber, check out Stratford Career Institute’s plumbing training course.
In the course, you will get an introduction to plumbing, an overview of plumbing safety and tools, a deeper understanding of plumbing systems, and more.
This course is currently being offered as a distance learning program, so you can learn about your next career from the comfort of your own home.
Enroll today!
This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain the knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships.
Become a Plumber

Explore Stratford Career Institute’s plumbing training course to see if it is right for you. With our course, you will jumpstart your journey to becoming a plumber.