Plumber Pay

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks a variety of work-related data for plumbers, including salary information. According to figures released in May 2011, the nearly 350,000 plumbers in the country earned an average of $24.92 per hour, or approximately $51,830 per year.

The lowest 25 percent of earners reported pay of $36,050 per year or $17.33 per hour, while the highest 25 percent earned $64,790 per year or $31.15 per hour. Apprentice wages start at approximately half the rate of a journeyman in most states, and increase with experience and training.

Union apprentices at Local 1 start at $14 an hour and make more than $50 per hour after completing a five-year apprenticeship and passing a test to advance to journeyman plumber status, Mr. Murphy said. Experienced plumbers can make $200,000 a year, he said — but that typically means many hours on the job. Mar 24, 2014

Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining water systems within buildings, including drinking water, drainage, heating, sanitation, and sewage systems. Plumbers are not only involved with the installation and development of new houses and plumbing systems, but also with assessing and fixing problems in existing and older systems. Install and repair pipes and fixtures and open clogged drains. Cut openings in floors and walls to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings. Utilize appropriate plumbing and shop tools. Cut and thread pipes. Install vents and traps in the plumbing system, in accordance with required codes.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader