Plumber Salary – Averages & Factors
When your plumbing bursts or your toilet gets plugged up, who do you call? A plumber would be the first person to come to mind. A lot of people are choosing to become plumbers, because it is a profession that is not being brought down by the economy. The question still remains, what is the average plumber salary?
The plumber will bring in different amounts of income, based on their training and level of experience. Trainees obviously make the least amount of money, but you have to start somewhere. Plumbers who are part of a union generally bring in more money, but also need to pay union fees and dues.
The Numbers
The average plumber salary for a worker in the United States is about $27,000 per year. This number is an average of plumber salaries from all levels of training and experience. An entry level plumber may start at around $18,000 annually, while a top tier plumber can earn $50,000 or more. T
People who are entry level in this profesion are considered to be plumber’s helpers rather than a full time plumber. They will generally bring home an average plumber salary of $18-25,000 annually. This number works out to an hourly rate of anywhere from 9-13 dollars per hour.
When the plumber’s helper advances to the next stage of being known simply as a plumber, their salary increases to approximately $30,000 per year. The next stage of training and income is to become a specialist. If a plumber becomes specialized in a certain aspect of the field, his income could increase to close to $40,000. This obviously requires a higher level of training and can take some time and experience to accomplish. High level plumbers can bring home over $20 an hour.
For the lucky few who are at the top level of income, the average plumber salary can bring up to $50,000 per year. These people are licensed and or specialezed plumbers who are emplyed in higher income areas with an adjusted cost of living. Keep in mind that this is probably the top ten percent of the field, but they can bring home $20-25 an hour for their work.
Conclusion
Be advised that the previous figures are structured around a plumber putting in full time hours every week. Many plumbers may find that overtime hours are available and could boost their income quite a bit. Most employers pay double time for hours worked over 40 a week. As with any profession, your income will depend entirely on how much time you put in to your job.
These figures should give you a good idea of the average plumber salary. As a review, the income of a plumber is directly related to his level of training and certification. It may take years to work your way up the chain, but the pay will reflect your hard work. Learn more about how to become a plumber in our article about training.