How much does a plumber make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical plumber in the United States makes $63,800 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A plumber studies a blueprint, chooses pipes and tools, then installs or repairs a system in a home, business, or factory. They test it and troubleshoot leaks or other problems.
Did you know? Some factory water systems use steel pipes so large that a whole crew of pipefitters is usually needed to install them.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,150 and $108,420How do you become one?
After high school or a GED, many begin around age 18 (some programs accept 17) in a paid, four- to five-year apprenticeship with classes. They then pass any required licensing exam to work independently.
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 United States, beginners usually earn less than experienced, licensed plumbers, and pay differs by location and employer—for example, government, factories, and plumbing contractors. Special skills and working extra nights, weekends, or emergency calls can also affect earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($101,020), lowest in Arkansas ($48,660).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
In Japan, a plumber averages $34,871. Plumber salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,150 | $63,800 | $108,420 | about 466,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $101,020 | about 1,000 |
| Illinois | $99,950 | about 17,000 |
| Oregon | $97,050 | about 5,000 |
| Minnesota | $94,410 | about 11,000 |
| Alaska | $93,920 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
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.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/print/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steam
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/print/wage-differences.htm
- dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/occupations/plumbing.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/interview/plumber.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY