Plumber Pay 12-15-25

In 2025, U.S. plumbers earn an average hourly wage around $30-$34/hour, with averages varying by experience (apprentices closer to $20, journeymen ~$34, masters ~$38+) and location, but top earners, especially in high-demand areas or with advanced skills (Master Plumbers, specialists), can exceed $40-$50/hour or even reach $100/hour in rare cases due to trade shortages, with figures from $29.50 to over $40/hour seen across different sources.  

Average Hourly Rates (2025 Estimates)

Overall Average: Around $30.39 - $30.39/hour (approx. $63,215/year).

Apprentice Plumber: ~$20.96/hour (in training).

Journeyman Plumber: ~$34.39/hour (licensed, works independently).

Master Plumber: ~$38.49+/hour (highest level, can run own business). 

Factors Influencing Pay

Experience & Licensing: Apprentice pay is lower, while journeyman and master plumbers earn significantly more.

Location: High-cost-of-living cities (SF, NYC) and states like Delaware or Alaska offer higher rates than lower-cost areas.

Specialization: Commercial, industrial, or specialized fields like gas fitting command higher wages.

Demand: A nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople is pushing wages up, notes this article from Housecall Pro. 

Top Earners & Potential

Top earners (90th percentile) can reach $90,000+ annually, equating to over $40/hour.

With advanced skills, union affiliation, or running a business, some plumbers might approach or even hit $100/hour, say experts on TikTok. 

As of late 2025, the average hourly pay for a plumber in the United States is approximately $30 to $31 per hour, with the majority of wages falling between $24 and $35 per hour. Top earners can make over $40 per hour, depending on their experience, license level, and location. 

Plumber Hourly Rates by Experience (2025 Data)

The hourly wage for a plumber varies significantly with experience and certification level. 

Apprentice (Entry-Level): Averages around $22 per hour (or $46,000 annually), typically ranging from $15 to $26 per hour. Apprentices work under supervision while learning the trade.

Journeyman (Intermediate): Averages around $34 per hour (or $69,273 annually). Journeymen are licensed to work independently and supervise apprentices.

Master Plumber (Senior/Specialist): Averages around $38 to $43 per hour (or over $80,000 annually), with top earners in this category making upwards of $50 per hour or even six figures. 

Factors Influencing Pay

Location: Pay varies by state and city. States like Illinois, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Oregon generally have higher average wages, while urban areas with high demand often pay more than rural regions.

License Type: Higher license levels (Journeyman vs. Master) directly correlate to higher earning potential due to increased responsibility and autonomy.

Employment Type: Plumbers who run their own businesses often have the highest earning potential. Union jobs also tend to offer competitive wages and benefits. 

For more specific salary information, you can use online tools like the ZipRecruiter Salary Calculator or refer to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=plumber+pay+in+us+per+hour+2025

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