Licensed plumbers are in short supply across the US, and wages have moved significantly in the past two years to reflect it. If you’re a plumber evaluating a new opportunity — or an employer trying to understand what competitive pay looks like — this guide is for you.
The License Level Determines the Baseline
Plumbing licenses are regulated by state, so exact equivalencies vary — but the general framework applies nationally:
- Apprentice plumber (year 1–2): $18–$24/hr
- Apprentice plumber (year 3–4): $22–$28/hr
- Journeyman plumber: $30–$48/hr
- Master plumber: $45–$70/hr (or salary equivalent of $85,000–$130,000)
- Plumbing foreman / superintendent: $60–$90/hr or $100,000–$150,000+ salary
The jump from journeyman to master is significant — both in responsibility and earning potential. Most states require 2–4 years of journeyman experience plus a written exam to obtain a master license.
Commercial vs. Residential: A Real Pay Difference
The type of work shapes the rate as much as the license level.
Residential plumbing:
- More predictable hours
- Often union or non-union small business work
- Journeyman rate: $28–$40/hr in most markets
Commercial plumbing:
- Larger, longer-duration projects
- More complex code requirements and coordination
- Journeyman rate: $35–$52/hr; premium for medical gas or fire suppression experience
Industrial / process piping:
- Highest complexity — often overlaps with pipefitting
- Requires OSHA 30, sometimes confined space or HAZMAT certs
- Journeyman rate: $42–$65/hr; shutdown and turnaround work can push $80/hr with overtime
Certifications That Add to Your Rate
Beyond the base license, certain credentials materially increase what you can command:
- OSHA 30 — required on most commercial projects over a certain size; adds credibility and sometimes a rate premium
- Backflow prevention certification — in demand across municipal and commercial work
- Medical gas certification (ASSE 6010) — specialized skill; relatively few plumbers hold it; rates reflect this
- Grease trap / interceptor work — niche but well-paid in food service and industrial settings
What to Know If You’re Evaluating an Offer
Before you accept or decline any offer, check these three things:
- Is the rate all-in or base? Per diem, tool allowance, and vehicle allowance add real value. A $38/hr offer with $75/day per diem and a truck may be worth more than $44/hr with nothing extra.
- Is overtime likely? Plumbing crews regularly run 50–60 hour weeks on commercial projects. Know the OT policy before you sign.
- What’s the project duration? Steady work through Q4 is worth something; a 3-week job that goes dark afterward isn’t.
If you’re a licensed plumber looking for your next placement, Bravo matches you with employers who pay what the credential is worth. Apply here — we’ll tell you exactly where you stand in your market and what we can place you into.