How much does a valve repairer make?
a year · about $36 an hour
A typical valve repairer in the United States makes $74,340 a year, about $36 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Despite the name, U.S. valve repairers may also fix electric meters, gas regulators, and thermostats—not just valves.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $45,910 and $112,500How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($101,150), lowest in Tennessee ($57,010).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
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