Ask a master plumber what they earn, and you will get a different answer depending on who you ask, where they work, and how many years they have spent in the trade. The national average for a master plumber salary sits somewhere between $74,000 and $80,000 per year—but that range masks a more complicated reality.
One master plumber in rural Texas might clear $62,000. Another in San Francisco might pull in $90,000. A third, running their own shop in Alaska, could exceed $100,000. The same license, vastly different outcomes.
Here is what the data actually shows, why the numbers diverge, and—most importantly—how professionals in this trade can move toward the higher end of the spectrum.
Quick Salary Summary
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | $74,000 – $80,000 |
| Average Hourly Rate | $36 – $39 |
| Typical Range (25th–75th Percentile) | $61,500 – $92,500 |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $118,000+ |
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | ~$69,000 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | ~$75,000 |
| Highest Paying State | District of Columbia ($82,171) |
| Highest Paying City | Nome, Alaska ($99,306) |
| Union Premium | +10% to 35% |
| Commercial Plumbing Premium | +10% to 20% |
Market Snapshot: What Master Plumbers Earn in 2026
Here is the baseline. According to multiple national compensation datasets, the average annual pay for a master plumber in the United States as of 2026 falls between $74,000 and $80,000, with a typical range from approximately $61,500 at the 25th percentile to $92,500 at the 75th percentile. The average hourly rate sits between $36 and $39.
Total compensation—including bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions—can extend significantly higher, with some professionals reporting total annual earnings between $54,000 and $159,000 depending on their specific role, employer, and geographic location.
Why do the numbers vary across different reports? Industry salary surveys use different methodologies. Some analyse employer-reported data from job postings, which often list higher salaries to attract talent. Others rely on self-reported individual profiles, which capture actual earnings but may have sample bias. Some focus solely on base pay, while others include bonuses and overtime.
SalaryInfo Insight: The master plumber salary data is unusually fragmented in 2026. This isn’t a data error—it reflects different methodologies, sample sizes, and definitions of what constitutes a “master” plumber. The true market rate likely falls somewhere in the middle of these estimates, but the variance itself tells an important story about how localized and employer-dependent this profession’s pay truly is.
Key Takeaway: For salary negotiations, use the higher end of the range ($80,000+) as a benchmark for job offers and the lower end ($65,000–$75,000) as a reality check for what employers are actually paying in your specific region.
Why Experience Changes Everything—and Not How You Expect
Experience drives pay in most professions. Plumbing is no exception. But the curve is steeper than many realise.
An entry-level master plumber—someone who has just passed the exam and received their license—earns around $69,000 annually. After two to four years in the role, that rises to roughly $72,500. With five to eight years of experience, the average reaches $74,000. And beyond eight years, the average settles around $75,000.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | ~$69,000 |
| Early Career (2–4 years) | ~$72,500 |
| Mid-Career (5–8 years) | ~$74,000 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | ~$75,000 |
Here is the catch: the difference between entry-level and experienced is only about $6,000 per year. That is modest compared to many white-collar professions where experience can double or triple a starting salary.
So what actually moves the needle?
SalaryInfo Observation: The master plumber pay curve flattens faster than in many other trades because the license itself—not years in the role—is the primary qualification. Once you hold the master credential, employers assume you can handle the work. Additional years matter less than your ability to manage crews, estimate projects, or specialise in high-value commercial work. The professionals who break past the $90,000 ceiling do so through business development, not just seniority.
The States That Pay Master Plumbers the Most
Location remains the single largest variable in master plumber compensation. The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states can exceed $20,000 annually.
The top-paying states for master plumbers, based on aggregated employment data, include:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $82,171 |
| California | $81,859 |
| Massachusetts | $80,768 |
| Washington | $80,472 |
| New Jersey | $80,442 |
| Alaska | $80,338 |
| Connecticut | $79,314 |
California’s average of $81,859 is nearly $8,000 above the national mean—but that does not account for cost of living. A master plumber in San Jose earning $91,400 faces housing costs that are 70% above the national average. The same salary in Houston—where the average master plumber earns closer to $74,000—might actually go further after taxes and rent.
Reality Check: Higher gross pay does not always mean higher net worth. When evaluating state-level salaries, always factor in cost of living, state income tax, and housing affordability. A $75,000 salary in Texas can easily outperform an $82,000 salary in California after adjusting for these variables.
Where This Career Pays the Most: Top Cities
City-level data reveals even sharper contrasts. The highest-paying metropolitan areas for master plumbers include:
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $91,400 |
| San Francisco, CA | $90,400 |
| Oakland, CA | $88,500 |
| New York, NY | $83,500 |
| Paramus, NJ | $82,500 |
| Queens Village, NY | $82,500 |
| Passaic, NJ | $82,400 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | $82,400 |
| Huntington, NY | $82,200 |
| Stamford, CT | $82,200 |
Other datasets show even higher figures in less conventional locations. Nome, Alaska, often tops the list at approximately $99,306, followed by Berkeley, California, at $98,020, and Sitka, Alaska, at $96,438.
The Alaska premium reflects remote work conditions, harsh weather, and the difficulty of attracting skilled tradespeople to the state. It is not a typical market—but it demonstrates how supply and demand can override national averages.
Texas: A Case Study in Regional Variation
Texas provides an instructive example of how master plumber salaries vary within a single state. The statewide average sits at $74,582, or approximately $35.86 per hour—noticeably below the national figure.
| Texas Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Driftwood | ~$84,607 (estimated) |
| Odessa | ~$80,780 |
| Fort Worth | $76,722 |
| Dallas | $76,069 |
| Arlington | $72,500 |
| Statewide Average | $74,582 |
Dallas master plumbers earn an average of $76,069 per year, or approximately $37 per hour, with a typical range between $55,000 and $91,000. Fort Worth comes in at $76,722 annually. Arlington reports $72,500 on average, though experienced workers there can reach $122,802 per year.
SalaryInfo Career Strategy: Texas offers no state income tax, which effectively boosts take-home pay compared to states like California or New York. A $74,582 salary in Texas can feel closer to an $82,000 salary in a high-tax state. For master plumbers considering relocation, the effective tax rate should factor into any compensation comparison.
Take-Home Pay After Taxes: What You Actually Keep
Gross salary numbers can be misleading. What matters is what lands in your bank account after federal, state, and local taxes.
For a master plumber earning $80,000 annually in Texas (no state income tax):
- Federal income tax (approximate): ~$10,000–$12,000
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA): ~$6,120
- Estimated take-home pay: ~$62,000–$64,000
For the same $80,000 salary in California (state income tax ~9.3%):
- Federal income tax: ~$10,000–$12,000
- State income tax: ~$5,500–$6,500
- FICA: ~$6,120
- Estimated take-home pay: ~$56,000–$58,000
That is a difference of roughly $6,000 per year in take-home pay for the same gross salary—before considering cost of living differences.
SalaryInfo Observation: A $75,000 salary in a no-tax state like Texas, Florida, or Washington often provides higher real purchasing power than an $82,000 salary in California, New York, or Oregon. When comparing job offers across state lines, always calculate the after-tax equivalent.
Relevant Tool: Use the SalaryInfo Income Tax Calculator to estimate your take-home pay based on your specific state and salary. For salaried employees, the Salary Slip Generator can help you understand your pay breakdown.
Hourly vs. Annual: Understanding the Trade-Off
Master plumbers are typically paid by the hour, not a fixed annual salary. The distinction matters for several reasons.
The average hourly rate ranges from $36 to $39. At 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, that translates to approximately $74,880 to $81,120 annually.
But here is where hourly pay creates opportunity: overtime. Many master plumbers work beyond 40 hours, particularly during peak construction seasons or emergency call-outs. Time-and-a-half overtime can add $10,000 to $20,000 to annual earnings. Some employers also offer double-time for weekends and holidays.
Did You Know? The lowest recorded hourly rate for a master plumber is approximately $25.94, while the highest reaches $65.27 per hour. That is a spread of nearly $40 per hour—or roughly $80,000 per year—between the bottom and top of the profession.
Relevant Tool: Use the Overtime Calculator to estimate how additional hours impact your annual earnings.
Beyond Base Pay: Bonuses, Profit Sharing, and Hidden Income
Base salary tells only part of the story. Master plumbers frequently receive additional compensation that can significantly boost total earnings.
Industry compensation research indicates:
- Bonuses: $800 to $15,000
- Profit Sharing: $4,000 to $19,000
- Commission: $2,000 to $5,000
A master plumber earning a $75,000 base salary could realistically see total compensation reach $85,000 to $95,000 with bonuses and profit sharing. In some cases, total pay climbs as high as $159,000.
These variable components are more common in commercial plumbing and among self-employed master plumbers who share in business profits. Residential service plumbers are less likely to receive profit sharing but may earn commissions on upsold services or new contracts.
Career Strategy: When evaluating a job offer, ask about bonus structures, profit-sharing eligibility, and overtime policies. A $70,000 base with a $15,000 bonus potential often beats an $80,000 base with no additional compensation.
Commercial vs. Residential Master Plumber Salaries
The type of work you do significantly impacts your earning potential. Commercial and residential plumbing require different skill sets, carry different risks, and offer different compensation structures.
| Work Type | Average Annual Salary | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Plumbing | $78,000–$95,000+ | Larger projects, more complex systems, higher liability, often unionized |
| Residential Plumbing | $70,000–$82,000 | Smaller projects, direct homeowner interaction, more variable demand |
Commercial master plumbers typically earn 10% to 20% more than their residential counterparts. The reasons include:
- Project scale. Commercial projects—hospitals, schools, office buildings—involve larger budgets and more complex plumbing systems.
- Union density. Commercial plumbing is more frequently unionized, with higher wage scales and better benefits.
- Specialisation requirements. Commercial work often requires additional certifications in backflow prevention, medical gas systems, or fire protection.
Residential master plumbers, however, often have more flexible schedules and greater opportunities for self-employment. A residential plumber who builds a strong reputation and referral network can exceed the earnings of a commercial plumber through business ownership.
SalaryInfo Career Strategy: If your primary goal is maximizing salary early in your career, commercial plumbing typically pays more. If your long-term goal is business ownership and flexibility, residential plumbing offers a more accessible path to self-employment.
Union vs. Non-Union: Which Pays Better?
Union membership remains a significant factor in plumbing compensation, though its impact varies by region and employer.
Union master plumbers in major metropolitan areas often earn 10% to 35% more than their non-union counterparts. This premium reflects collective bargaining power, standardised wage scales, and better benefits packages—including pension plans, health insurance, and guaranteed overtime rates.
| Factor | Union | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Average Wage Premium | +10% to 35% | Baseline |
| Benefits | Strong (pension, health, paid leave) | Variable |
| Job Security | Higher | Lower |
| Flexibility | Lower (assignments determined by union) | Higher |
| Dues | 2–3% of wages | None |
| Work Variety | May vary by assignment | Self-directed |
However, union jobs are not universally available. Right-to-work states in the South and Midwest have lower union density, meaning non-union wages set the market. In these regions, master plumbers may earn closer to the lower end of the national range.
Reality Check: Union membership also comes with dues (typically 2% to 3% of wages) and less flexibility in choosing jobs or employers. For some professionals, the trade-off is worthwhile. For others, the independence of non-union work—and the ability to set their own rates—is more attractive.
Self-Employed vs. Employee: The Earnings Difference
This is perhaps the most consequential career decision a master plumber can make.
| Employment Type | Average Annual Earnings | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Employee (W-2) | $74,000–$80,000 | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Self-Employed / Business Owner | $80,000–$150,000+ | $50,000–$250,000+ |
Self-employed master plumbers have the potential to earn significantly more—but they also bear more risk and responsibility.
Employee advantages:
- Steady paycheck
- Employer-provided benefits (health insurance, retirement)
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- No business overhead costs
- No client acquisition responsibility
Self-employed advantages:
- Direct capture of profit margins
- Ability to set your own rates
- Tax deductions for business expenses
- Unlimited earning potential
- Schedule flexibility
SalaryInfo Observation: The self-employed path is not for everyone. It requires business skills—estimating, marketing, accounting, client management—that go far beyond plumbing expertise. However, for those who develop these skills, the financial rewards are substantially higher. The highest-earning master plumbers are almost always business owners, not employees.
Master Plumber vs. Journeyman vs. Other Trades
Understanding where master plumbers sit relative to other trades helps contextualise the numbers.
| Role | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Master Plumber | $74,000–$80,000 | $36–$39 |
| Journeyman Plumber | ~$65,000 | ~$31 |
| Master Electrician | ~$80,000 | ~$38 |
| Apprentice Plumber | ~$43,000–$46,000 | ~$20–$22 |
| HVAC Technician | ~$55,000–$70,000 | ~$26–$34 |
| Pipefitter | ~$60,000–$75,000 | ~$29–$36 |
Journeyman plumbers earn approximately $65,000 per year, or roughly $31 per hour. The jump to master plumber represents a $9,000 to $15,000 annual increase—a significant return on the additional experience, exam preparation, and licensing fees required.
Master electricians earn approximately $80,000 annually—nearly identical to master plumbers. The two trades are closely matched in compensation, though electricians sometimes command slightly higher rates in certain markets due to higher perceived complexity and safety risks.
SalaryInfo Observation: The plumbing trade offers a faster path to the master level in many states (typically 4–5 years of journeyman experience) compared to electrical (often 6–8 years). This shorter timeline means plumbers can reach top-tier earnings earlier in their careers, even if the ceiling is similar.
Explore Related Careers:
- Electrician Salary – Detailed compensation data for the electrical trade
- Plumbing Designer Salary – Compensation for plumbing design professionals
- HVAC Technician Salary – Earnings in the heating and cooling trade
What It Actually Takes to Become a Master Plumber
The salary numbers only make sense against the backdrop of what it costs—in time, money, and effort—to earn the credential.
Requirements vary by state, but the general path includes:
- Apprenticeship: 2 to 5 years of supervised training, typically 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job experience.
- Journeyman License: Pass a state exam and work as a journeyman for 1 to 4 years, accumulating additional supervised hours.
- Master License: Pass a more rigorous exam covering plumbing codes, system design, and business management. Many states require 3,750 to 5,000 hours of journeyman experience and a minimum age of 21.
Important Note: Some states require journeyman licensure for at least one year before applying for the master exam. Others mandate a written exam score of at least 70%. Licensing is not portable—master plumbers must meet each state’s requirements individually if they relocate.
The investment is substantial. But the payoff—a six-figure earning potential in many markets—makes the journey worthwhile for those who complete it.
The Skills That Actually Increase Your Pay
Not all master plumbers earn the same. The ones who command the highest rates typically possess skills beyond basic plumbing.
Compensation research identifies the following skills as correlated with higher earnings:
| Skill | Estimated Pay Impact |
|---|---|
| Construction Estimating | ~4% premium |
| Residential Project Estimating | ~3% premium |
| Operations Management | ~2% premium |
| Project Management | In demand |
| Commercial Plumbing | Above-market rates |
Notice what is missing: “pipe fitting” and “fixture installation” do not appear. The premium skills are management and estimation—the abilities that allow a master plumber to run jobs, manage crews, and bid projects profitably.
Career Strategy: The fastest path to higher earnings is not more years in the field—it is developing business acumen. Master plumbers who can estimate jobs accurately, manage project timelines, and supervise apprentices become invaluable to employers. Those who start their own businesses capture the full profit margin.
Benefits: Beyond the Paycheck
Compensation extends beyond base salary. Benefits can add significant value to a master plumber’s total package.
| Benefit | Typical Employer Contribution |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $5,000–$15,000/year |
| Retirement (401k/ Pension) | 3–10% of salary |
| Paid Time Off | 1–3 weeks annually |
| Continuing Education | $500–$2,000/year |
| Vehicle / Fuel Allowance | $5,000–$10,000/year |
| Tools / Equipment | $1,000–$3,000/year |
Union positions typically offer stronger benefits packages, while non-union employers may provide more flexibility in choosing coverage.
SalaryInfo Observation: When evaluating job offers, do not focus solely on base salary. A $72,000 job with full health insurance, a 401k match, and a company vehicle can be worth more than an $80,000 job with minimal benefits. Estimate the total value of benefits—often 20–30% of base salary—when comparing opportunities.
The $100,000 Question: Can Master Plumbers Break Six Figures?
Yes. But not everyone will.
Top earners—the 90th percentile—make $118,000 annually. Total compensation reaches $159,000 for the highest-paid individuals in some compensation surveys.
The six-figure club typically includes:
- Self-employed master plumbers who own their own businesses and retain all profits.
- Commercial plumbing specialists who work on large-scale projects like hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities.
- Master plumbers in high-cost markets like San Francisco, New York, and Alaska.
- Union master plumbers with decades of seniority and overtime opportunities.
For the average master plumber, $80,000 to $90,000 is a realistic target. Six figures requires either geographic positioning, business ownership, or specialisation in high-value commercial work.
SalaryInfo Verdict: The $100,000 salary is achievable but not automatic. It rewards those who treat plumbing as a business, not just a trade. The professionals who earn the most are the ones who understand estimating, project management, and client relationships—not just pipe fitting.
The Next Five Years: Where Master Plumber Pay Is Headed
The plumbing industry is large and growing. Industry revenue is estimated at $191.4 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3% over the past five years. The North American MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) services market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated $91.6 billion by 2031.
What does this mean for master plumber salaries?
Upward pressure on wages from several fronts:
- Labour shortages. The plumbing trade faces a persistent shortage of skilled workers. As older plumbers retire, demand for qualified master plumbers will outpace supply—driving wages higher.
- Infrastructure spending. Federal and state infrastructure funding is increasing, particularly for water system upgrades and commercial construction.
- Housing market stabilisation. As mortgage rates ease, residential construction is expected to recover, boosting demand for plumbing services.
Employment projections suggest a 14% increase in master plumber pay over the next five years, from approximately $76,000 today to $86,700 by 2031.
SalaryInfo Market View: The long-term outlook for master plumber compensation is positive. Labour shortages, infrastructure investment, and steady industry growth will continue to push wages upward. Professionals entering the trade now can expect strong earning growth over the next decade.
The Risks: What Could Slow Salary Growth
Not everything points upward. Several risks could temper future salary growth.
- Economic downturn. Plumbing is tied to construction and real estate. A recession would reduce residential and commercial projects, lowering demand for plumbing services.
- Material costs. Supply chain disruptions and trade policy uncertainty can increase material costs, squeezing contractor margins and limiting wage increases.
- Technology adoption. While plumbing is less automatable than many trades, new tools—like leak detection sensors and smart water systems—could reduce the labour required for certain jobs.
- Regulatory changes. Stricter licensing requirements could reduce the supply of master plumbers (which would increase wages) or increase costs (which would reduce margins). The net effect is uncertain.
Professional Warning: The plumbing industry is cyclical. Master plumbers who build diversified skill sets—commercial and residential, service and construction, estimating and hands-on work—will weather downturns better than those who specialise too narrowly.
Common Myths About Master Plumber Salaries
Myth 1: “Master plumbers all earn six figures.”
Reality: The average is closer to $75,000–$80,000. Six figures is achievable but requires specific conditions—commercial work, self-employment, or high-cost markets.
Myth 2: “More experience always means more money.”
Reality: The pay curve flattens after about eight years. Beyond that, business skills matter more than years in the field.
Myth 3: “Union jobs always pay more.”
Reality: Union wages are higher in many markets, but not all. In right-to-work states, non-union wages often set the standard. Union dues and reduced flexibility also factor into the total value proposition.
Myth 4: “Location doesn’t matter—plumbing is plumbing.”
Reality: Location is the single largest variable. A master plumber in San Jose earns $91,400; one in rural Texas might earn $62,000. The difference is nearly $30,000.
SalaryInfo Editorial Verdict
Master plumber compensation in 2026 is strong but uneven. The national average of $74,000 to $80,000 places this profession comfortably in the middle class, with clear pathways to six-figure earnings for those who pursue them.
The real opportunity lies not in the base salary but in the trajectory. Plumbing offers a relatively short path to the master level—typically 4 to 6 years from apprenticeship—compared to many other licensed professions. That means younger professionals can reach top-tier earnings earlier in their careers, with decades of high-income potential ahead.
The professionals who will earn the most are not necessarily the best pipe fitters. They are the ones who understand estimating, project management, client relationships, and business operations. They are the ones who treat plumbing as a profession, not just a job.
For anyone considering this career, the numbers are clear: the investment of time and effort required to reach the master level pays off. The question is not whether the salary justifies the effort—it does. The question is whether the work itself aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a master plumber in the United States?
The average master plumber salary in the United States ranges from approximately $74,000 to $80,000 per year as of 2026, depending on the data source. Hourly rates average between $36 and $39, with top earners exceeding $118,000 annually.
How much do master plumbers make an hour?
Master plumbers earn an average hourly wage of $36 to $39 in 2026. The 10th percentile earns approximately $25.94 per hour, while the 90th percentile reaches $65.27 per hour. Total compensation including bonuses can push the effective hourly rate higher.
Which state pays master plumbers the most?
The District of Columbia pays the highest average master plumber salary at $82,171, followed by California at $81,859 and Massachusetts at $80,768. Alaska, New Jersey, and Washington also rank among the top-paying states.
How much does a master plumber make in Texas?
The average master plumber salary in Texas is $74,582 per year, or approximately $35.86 per hour. Dallas averages $76,069, Fort Worth $76,722, and Arlington $72,500. Top earners in Texas can exceed $120,000 annually.
What is the difference between a journeyman and master plumber salary?
Journeyman plumbers earn approximately $65,000 per year on average, while master plumbers earn $74,000 to $80,000—a premium of roughly $9,000 to $15,000. The master license represents the highest level of plumbing certification and commands the highest pay.
What is the highest paid type of plumber?
Master plumbers are the highest-paid plumbers, earning an average of $74,000 to $80,000 annually. Within the master level, those specialising in commercial plumbing, working in high-cost metropolitan areas, or owning their own businesses earn the most—frequently exceeding $100,000 per year.
Can plumbers make $100,000 a year?
Yes. Top-earning master plumbers—approximately the 90th percentile—earn $118,000 or more annually. Achieving six figures typically requires commercial specialisation, self-employment, union membership in a high-wage market, or a combination of these factors.
How long does it take to become a master plumber?
The timeline varies by state but typically requires 4 to 6 years of apprenticeship and journeyman experience. Most states mandate 8,000 to 10,000 hours of supervised work, plus 1 to 4 years as a licensed journeyman, before qualifying for the master plumber exam.
Do master plumbers need a college degree?
No. Master plumbers typically hold a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal apprenticeship program. Advanced degrees do not significantly impact earnings in this trade—experience and licensing are the primary qualification drivers.
Is master plumber salary higher than master electrician?
Master plumbers and master electricians earn nearly identical average salaries—approximately $74,000–$80,000 for plumbers versus $80,000 for electricians. The difference is minimal, though electricians may earn slightly more in certain markets due to perceived higher complexity.
What skills increase a master plumber’s salary?
Construction estimating, residential project estimating, and operations management skills command pay premiums of 2% to 4%. Project management and commercial plumbing expertise also correlate with higher earnings. Business acumen often matters more than additional years of experience.
How does union membership affect master plumber pay?
Union master plumbers typically earn 10% to 35% more than non-union workers in the same market, with better benefits including pensions and health insurance. However, union density varies by state, and dues reduce net take-home pay.
What is the take-home pay for an $80,000 master plumber salary?
For an $80,000 salary in Texas (no state tax), estimated take-home pay is approximately $62,000–$64,000 after federal tax and FICA. In California (9.3% state tax), take-home pay drops to approximately $56,000–$58,000. Use the SalaryInfo Income Tax Calculator for personalised estimates.
Is commercial or residential plumbing more profitable?
Commercial plumbing typically pays 10% to 20% more than residential, with average salaries of $78,000–$95,000 versus $70,000–$82,000. However, residential plumbing offers more accessible self-employment opportunities, which can lead to higher overall earnings for business owners.
How We Analyze Salaries
At SalaryInfo, we aggregate and analyse compensation data from multiple national employment datasets, industry salary surveys, and employer-reported figures. We do not rely on a single source. Instead, we compare methodologies, identify outliers, and present ranges rather than false precision. All figures are for the 2026 calendar year and represent United States compensation data only.
This article was prepared and reviewed by the SalaryInfo USA Editorial Team. Our researchers analyze U.S. labor market data, employer compensation trends, government wage statistics, and industry research to produce accurate, independent, and practical career intelligence. Every article is editorially reviewed to help professionals make informed decisions about salaries, career growth, and employment opportunities.