Lowest Salary for a Plumber: What You Need to Know Before Training

Thinking about a career in plumbing? One of the first things most people want to know is how much you’ll actually take home when you’re starting out. Entry-level plumbers—those just out of training or apprenticeships—often earn the lowest wages in the field, but the numbers might surprise you.

In most places across the US, brand new plumbers make anywhere from $15 to $20 per hour. Pull out your calculator, and that means yearly salaries for beginners are usually between $30,000 and $42,000 before taxes. Some states dip lower, especially where the cost of living is cheaper; there, new plumbers might see closer to $28,000. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but there’s a big upside: These numbers can shoot up fast if you work hard and keep learning on the job.

So, why does the pay start lower than other trades? Plumbing is one of those careers where real experience counts for a lot. At first, you’re basically paying your dues—helping out, handling simpler jobs, proving you can handle the tough stuff when it comes your way. But unlike office jobs where raises crawl along, plumbers can jump up a few pay brackets within the first couple of years.

• Typical Starting Pay for New Plumbers
• What Affects Entry-Level Wages?
• Comparing Regions and Specializations
• Boosting Your Pay Quickly

Typical Starting Pay for New Plumbers

Getting into plumbing isn’t glamorous at the very beginning, but for a hands-on trade, it pays better than a lot of other entry-level jobs. If you’re just out of a plumber training course or apprenticeship, you’ll usually start as an apprentice or a helper. That’s where the pay is lowest, but the learning is real.

Most apprentice plumbers in the US kick off at an hourly wage. You’re looking at about $15 to $20 per hour across most states—that’s straight from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of late 2024. Big cities may start a bit higher, and rural areas can drop a couple bucks below average. Here’s what the annual pay might look like, just starting out:

Those numbers are based on full-time hours, no overtime. If you get overtime, plumbing pay can go up fast. Some shops also offer bonuses or tool allowances, but don’t count on those in your first year.

One thing to know about plumber salary: the minimum wage for a starting plumber almost always beats flipping burgers or stocking shelves. Plus, you’re picking up skills that boost your pay every year. If you want to make the jump to journeyman (which is where pay takes off), just keep at it and get licensed when you can.

Tip: Some union apprenticeships pay a bit higher to start, usually because they include benefits. If you’re young and strong, and okay with a little hard work, grabbing a union spot can pay off down the line.

What Affects Entry-Level Wages?

If you're itching to know why some brand-new plumbers get paid more than others, here's where things get interesting. Entry-level pay isn't just a fixed number—it's shaped by a mix of real-world factors you can actually control (and some you can't).

Plumber salary mainly depends on three things right out of the gate: where you live, how much training you've got, and the company you start with.

• Location: Big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago almost always offer higher hourly rates. That's because living costs are steeper, and competition for good workers is fierce. Meanwhile, small towns or rural areas tend to pay less since the demand—and cost of living—is lower.
• Training and Certification: If you've just finished a solid plumbing training course, you'll likely start a bit higher on the pay scale than someone who’s learning everything on the fly. Getting extra certifications, like OSHA or safety cards, can bump up your starting wage faster than just winging it.
• The Employer: Some big plumbing companies or union shops pay new hires more than mom-and-pop businesses. There are perks with both sides, but bigger firms usually have deeper pockets and offer steadier raises.

To back this up with hard numbers, check out this quick table of starting wages by region, based on recent 2025 data from trade organizations:

Experience isn't much of a difference-maker on day one, but you'll start climbing fast if you tackle overtime, fill in during busy weekends, or chase extra certifications. The cool part? You’ve got ways to nudge that starting salary up even before your first full year on the job.

Comparing Regions and Specializations

Where you live can change your starting pay as a plumber by a lot. In big cities on the coasts—think New York, San Francisco, or Seattle—even entry-level plumbers pull in higher pay. That’s mostly because the cost of living is wild, but also, these areas just need more skilled tradespeople. For example, a beginner in California might see offers starting around $22 an hour, while a similar gig in rural Mississippi could start as low as $14 an hour.

Here’s a quick breakdown of average starting hourly wages for plumber salary in different areas as of 2024:

Beyond geography, your specific focus can change the game. Some folks stick with general repairs or residential plumbing, which is in steady demand but doesn’t pay as much at the start. Others go for commercial gigs, laying giant pipelines or working in factories. There are even plumbers who specialize in green technologies—like installing environmentally-friendly water systems—which is growing fast and already pays more for newbies who train up in it.

• Residential work: Predictable hours, but usually lower pay.
• Commercial plumbing: Bigger projects and paychecks, but longer days and more pressure.
• Industrial or specialty work: Things like steam systems or hospital work need more training, but the salaries at all levels, even starting out, are higher.

If you’re aiming for the fastest pay jump, getting experience in hospitals, high-rises, or learning about energy-efficient systems puts you in a sweet spot. Clients with special needs pay more and need plumbers who can handle unique systems. So, your first job’s location and focus can make a real difference—think carefully about where you’re willing to work and what path you want your plumbing career to take.

Boosting Your Pay Quickly

No one wants to stick with the lowest plumber salary forever. The good news? You can climb the pay ladder much faster than you might expect. Smart moves in your first year or two make a huge difference—and it’s not always about putting in extra hours.

Certification is a game changer. Getting licensed proves you know your stuff—and most states bump up pay for licensed plumbers fast. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed plumbers earn about 44% more on average than those who haven’t finished the licensing process. So, stay on top of your training hours and knock out your test as soon as you’re eligible.

“A plumber with strong troubleshooting skills can double their hourly wage within just a few years,” says Jason Church, Master Plumber and program instructor at Plumbers United Institute.

Don’t stop at the basic license, either. Adding extra skills is like adding money to your paycheck. Specialize in high-demand areas—like water heater installs, green plumbing, or medical gas lines—and your rate goes up fast. Side jobs and overtime can also bump up your yearly take-home, especially during busy seasons or big commercial projects.

• Take night courses in advanced or specialty plumbing (local unions often offer affordable options).
• Work for companies that pay bonuses for emergency calls or weekend jobs.
• Ask about apprenticeship programs that offer paid progression for certifications.
• Network with experienced plumbers who can put you on bigger, higher-paying projects.

Here’s how much difference just a couple of those choices can make in your yearly pay:

The bottom line? If you keep learning, pick up certifications quickly, and put yourself out there for extra work, you can leave those entry-level numbers behind way sooner than most trades. Every extra skill is cash in your pocket.