How much does a valve repairer make?
Answer: A typical valve repairer in the United States makes $74,340 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 48,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Valve repairer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $45,910 | $74,340 | $112,500 | about 48,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $101,150 | about 4,000 |
| California | $100,260 | about 4,000 |
| Michigan | $96,890 | about 2,000 |
| New Jersey | $96,510 | about 1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $95,520 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., valve repairers may earn more as they gain experience, learn specialized equipment, or earn useful credentials. Pay also differs by employer, industry, and location, and hours can matter too.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a valve repairer do?
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
What's a typical day like?
They inspect a valve or regulator, take it apart, and repair worn parts with hand tools. Then they test for leaks and correct pressure, or shut off service and call a repair crew for a major problem.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED, then train on the job for 1–2 years; trade school or an apprenticeship can help. One Oregon meter-repair apprenticeship requires age 18, a diploma/GED, and lists no entrance test or license.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Despite the name, U.S. valve repairers may also fix electric meters, gas regulators, and thermostats—not just valves.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-9012.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2022/May/oes499012.htm
- www.oregon.gov/boli/apprenticeship/Standards/1082_0151.1.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY