Trades

Plumber Salary 2026 — Take-Home Pay by State

Plumbers install and repair piping systems for water, gas, and waste in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, balancing code compliance with practical problem-solving.

National Median

$68,000

Best State (Net)

$70,738

Alaska

Take-Home TX

$56,668

No state tax

Job Growth

2%

Key Facts — Plumber 2026

BLS median: $61,550 for plumbers/pipefitters/steamfitters (BLS May 2023 OES)

UA Local 1 (NYC) is among the strongest plumbing locals in the country

CA C-36 contractor license requires 4 years documented experience + exam

Plumbing contractors with established businesses can clear $200K+ regularly

Aging workforce — 30% of plumbers are 55+ — creates strong apprentice demand

Salary by Experience Level

Apprentice (Years 1–4)

$45,000

gross/year

Est. take-home (TX):

$38,338

UA apprenticeship; paid scale

Journeyman Plumber

$70,000

gross/year

Est. take-home (TX):

$58,075

Standard mid-career

Master Plumber

$105,000

gross/year

Est. take-home (TX):

$82,698

License pulls permits, signs work

Plumbing Contractor

$165,000

gross/year

Est. take-home (TX):

$124,044

Business owner; revenue-driven

Specialties & Salary Premiums

SpecialtyEst. SalaryPremium
Plumbing Contractor (Owner)$149,600+120%
Industrial Plumber (Petrochemical)$88,400+30%
Master Plumber (UA Local 1 NYC)$91,800+35%
Service Plumber (Residential)$74,800+10%
Hurricane Recovery (Florida)$95,200+40%
Water Recycling Specialist (CA)$78,200+15%

Best States for Plumbers — Real Take-Home Pay

Ranked by estimated take-home pay (single filer, no additional deductions). The highest gross salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.

Plumber Salary by State — All 50 States

Take-home estimates for a single filer with no additional deductions. Click any state for the full breakdown.

StateGross SalaryEst. Take-Home
1Alaska
$88,000$70,738
2Washington
$70,000$58,075
$75,000$58,063
$75,000$57,784
$75,000$56,961
$72,000$56,749
$72,000$56,011
$70,000$54,900
$70,000$54,755
10Nevada
$65,000$54,408
$68,000$53,567
12New Hampshire
$62,000$51,997
$65,000$51,872
$60,000$50,390
15Wyoming
$60,000$50,390
$65,000$50,369
$62,000$50,094
$65,000$49,785
$62,000$49,613
$60,000$49,293
$62,000$49,233
$62,000$49,193
$60,000$49,182
24Texas
$58,000$48,783
$60,000$48,458
$60,000$48,290
$58,000$47,028
$58,000$46,651
$56,000$45,871
$56,000$45,660
31Florida
$54,000$45,569
$56,000$45,556
$56,000$45,554
$56,000$45,332
$56,000$45,301
$56,000$45,130
$56,000$44,689
$55,000$44,687
$55,000$44,566
$54,000$44,304
$54,000$44,197
$55,000$44,103
43Tennessee
$52,000$43,962
$54,000$43,797
45South Dakota
$50,000$42,355
$52,000$42,168
$50,000$40,286
$48,000$39,431
$48,000$39,388
$46,000$37,393

Job Market Outlook

2% growth projected 2022–2032 — slower than average. Aging plumbing workforce creates real shortage; contractor ownership remains accessible path.

Maximize Your Take-Home

401(k) — $24,500 max

Reduces taxable income dollar-for-dollar

HSA — $4,400 single

Triple tax advantage — deductible, grows tax-free, tax-free withdrawals

FSA — $3,300 max

Medical expenses with pre-tax dollars

State consideration

Moving to TX, FL, WA can save $5,000–$15,000/year in taxes

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home as a Plumber

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Plumber Salary by State — Detailed Pages