Plumber salary in U.S.
A strong career option in U.S. — with programs that take 6 months to 5 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$63,800/ yr
$5,317 / mo · $30.67 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$44,138
Median
$63,800
Experienced
$108,430
Demand
Stable
Program length
6 months to 5 years
Projected growth
+4.5%
Annual openings
44,000
Job demand & outlook
+4.5% projected growth through 2034
44,000 average annual openings nationwide for Plumbers.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Plumber (entry-level)$44,138
- Plumber (mid-career)$63,800
- Plumber (experienced)$108,430
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$7,498
- Time to complete6 months to 5 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$44,138
- Median salary$63,800
- Experienced salary$108,430
At an entry wage of $44,138, most Plumbers break even on the $7,498 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become a Plumber in U.S.
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Plumber program in U.S.
Browse certified training programs. Most Plumber tracks complete in 6 months to 5 years and average $7,498 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in U.S..
Get hired in U.S.
With roughly 44,000 Plumber openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in U.S..
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Plumber in U.S. is $63,800 per year, which is $30.67 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $44,138 while experienced Plumbers can earn up to $108,430 annually.
Next step
Find Plumber Classes Near You
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