Where Do Most Plumbers Live? Your Guide to the Best Cities for Plumbing Careers

Not all places are created equal when it comes to plumbing jobs. If you’ve just started a plumber training course or you’re thinking about it, you might be surprised how much your location matters for your career. Some cities can’t get enough qualified plumbers—they’re practically rolling out the welcome mat and offering higher pay. Others? You might find yourself stuck behind a long list of people who all want the same jobs.

Knowing where plumbers are in high demand can change the game for you. For example, did you know that Texas, California, and Florida usually top the charts for the number of working plumbers? It’s not just about sunny weather—it’s about population growth, lots of new construction, and older buildings constantly in need of repairs. If you’re training to be a plumber, the state or city you pick can mean more opportunities and better paydays.

• Why Where Plumbers Live Matters
• Top States With the Most Plumbers
• Cities That Lead in Plumbing Jobs
• What Drives Plumber Hotspots?
• How Location Affects Your Plumbing Career
• Tips for Picking the Right Place After Training

Why Where Plumbers Live Matters

If you’re thinking about starting a career as a plumber, where you set up shop can make all the difference. Location shapes your job options, paycheck, and even how steady your work is throughout the year.

In places where lots of people live—like big cities or fast-growing suburbs—there’s always plenty of work. Homeowners, renters, and businesses all need stuff fixed or installed. That means more plumbing jobs popping up all the time. There’s also more competition, but if you’ve got good skills, you’ll be busy.

Let’s look at the numbers for a second. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, the states with the highest number of employed plumbers were California, Texas, and Florida. These states combined have more than 15% of all plumbers in the country. Why? They have booming populations and a lot of construction projects, both residential and commercial.

But it’s not just about big numbers. Sometimes smaller towns with old pipes are desperate for reliable plumbers. In these spots, you might find less competition and more loyal customers.

So, deciding where to live isn’t just about liking the weather. The right location can give you an edge, help you grow your business, and make your plumbing license way more valuable. If you’re in a place where plumber demand is strong, you can usually charge more and pick the best jobs. If you’re in a place packed with plumbers or with low demand, you might have to scramble more for work.

Top States With the Most Plumbers

You don’t have to guess where the action is for plumbers in the US. Some states are absolute magnets for plumbing talent—and for good reason. Let’s talk about the big names first: California, Texas, and Florida always rank at the top for the highest number of working plumbers. There’s no secret: huge populations, a steady stream of new housing plus renovations, and a climate that puts extra wear on pipes all boost demand.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the states outsiders look at when thinking about job opportunities:

• California: Home to mega-cities and dense suburbs, it’s a goldmine for plumbers. There’s constant need for plumbing work, especially with so many old buildings in the mix. The pay is usually higher too, but so is the cost of living.
• Texas: Booming cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin mean lots of construction—and that means consistent plumbing jobs. Texas also has a ton of commercial work alongside the residential gigs.
• Florida: Hurricanes, humidity, and an aging population keep plumbers busy all year long. Older homes and condos are everywhere, so repairs are basically never-ending.
• Illinois: Chicago’s size and its cold winters mean plenty of folks need reliable plumbers. Frozen pipes and historic housing stock spell serious opportunity.
• New York: The state has a dense population and lots of older buildings, especially around NYC and upstate urban areas. Union jobs and city contracts up the stakes for qualified workers.

Some states even publish plumber workforce numbers every year. Here’s an idea of what things looked like recently:

If you’re just starting your plumber training course, targeting these states can pay off with more job leads, higher starting salaries, and better career growth. The more people and buildings in a state, the higher the odds you’ll never run out of work.

Cities That Lead in Plumbing Jobs

If you're chasing the best spots for a plumbing career, it pays to look at where the jobs—and steady paychecks—are stacked. Bigger cities with booming populations and constant construction projects always need plumbers on call.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and real-world job boards, these cities have the highest number of working plumbers—and the most job openings:

• Houston, TX: Houston stands out not just for the heat but for its high demand for plumbing jobs. Big growth and miles of new housing developments mean non-stop work for tradespeople who trained right.
• Los Angeles, CA: LA isn’t just Hollywood lights; it’s a hotbed for construction and older building renovations. More residents, more busted pipes, more work for plumbers—especially those fresh out of a plumber training course.
• Chicago, IL: This city keeps its plumbers busy with aging infrastructure and constant upgrades. Factor in the freezing winters and you can see why plumbers are never out of work here.
• New York City, NY: With so many residents packed into such a small area, NYC sees non-stop plumbing issues. Plus, New York is loaded with old buildings needing constant attention, which keeps plumbing jobs plentiful.
• Dallas, TX: Dallas is expanding fast with thousands of new homes and businesses going up each year, making it a top spot for steady work.

You might be curious about the numbers. Here’s a look at actual job counts for licensed plumbers in a few top cities, taken from government reports and job market surveys in early 2025:

These numbers don’t lie—larger cities carry more opportunities, especially right after you complete a plumber training course. But that also means more competition, so it helps to network and stay sharp with your certifications. If you’re finishing up your training and thinking about your next move, these cities should be at the top of your list for a good reason: they need you, and they’re willing to pay for your skills.

What Drives Plumber Hotspots?

When you look at the map, you’ll notice some areas are practically magnets for plumbers while others are kind of meh. So, what actually turns a place into a plumber hotspot? It’s not all about the size of the city. Here’s what really moves the needle:

• Population Growth: Fast-growing states like Texas and Florida see a constant need for new homes, apartments, and businesses—and every one of them needs plumbing from day one. More people mean more demand, plain and simple.
• Weather and Natural Disasters: Hurricanes in the Southeast, deep freezes in the Midwest, and wild storms pretty much everywhere else mean pipes burst, sewers overflow, and water heaters give up. These issues keep plumbing jobs rolling in year-round.
• Age of Buildings: Cities with lots of older homes—think Chicago, New York, Philadelphia—get non-stop calls for leaks, pipe replacements, and upgrades. Old pipes don’t fix themselves, and someone’s gotta do the dirty work.
• Construction Booms: If cranes and new developments are everywhere, so are plumber training course grads landing jobs. Construction-heavy cities in Texas, California, and the Carolinas are great examples.
• Wages and Licensing Laws: Places that pay well or make it easier to get licensed pull in more plumbers. For instance, Alaska pays top dollar (sometimes over $80,000 a year) to attract pros despite the tough climate.

Check out this table showing states where plumbing demand is highest, based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2024:

The bottom line? Follow the building booms, weather trouble spots, and wages. If you’re planning your move after a plumber training course, go where the action—and the paychecks—are, not just where the weather’s nice.

How Location Affects Your Plumbing Career

Where you live can seriously make or break your plumbing career. In places with strong job demand, finding work feels almost effortless. In areas flooded with plumbers or fewer homes, it can be tough just to get your foot in the door. Let’s talk about what you can expect—and what you can do about it.

Big states like Texas, California, and Florida have the highest number of plumbers working, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Why? Those states have a combo of huge populations, lots of older houses needing repairs, and tons of new construction popping up every year. More people and properties needing service spells more paychecks for you.

Living in or near big metro areas is a major advantage. For example, New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago always need more plumbing jobs filled. Rural areas, on the other hand, usually have fewer positions. It’s simple math—more buildings, more pipes, more work.

Pocketbook alert: Your location also messes with your paycheck. The average plumber in California brings home way more than a plumber in Mississippi—sometimes over $30,000 difference a year, just because of where you live. Check this out:

Cities with plumbing unions or high demand often offer better benefits too—think overtime, health insurance, or retirement plans.

Don’t forget about licensing. Some states make it harder to get your license. California, for example, has extra rules and a tough exam, but clearing it means fewer competitors and higher pay. Jumping through those hoops can pay off, literally.

Want to set yourself up for success after your plumber training course? Take these steps:

• Check job boards for local demand in your area and surrounding cities.
• Research state licensing requirements before you move.
• Consider working in states with high construction rates.
• If you’re okay with moving, aim for places with a shortage of skilled plumbers.

Your skills open more doors if you keep tabs on where the jobs are hot. Where you live isn’t everything—but it makes a huge difference in your career, your bank account, and your job satisfaction in this field.

Tips for Picking the Right Place After Training

Once you’ve wrapped up your plumber training course, it’s time to make some real decisions. Where you plant your roots matters way more than most folks think, especially in a hands-on trade like plumbing. Let’s break down what you should look for before you settle anywhere.

First, check job boards and local union pages. This is the fastest way to see who’s hiring and how many postings pop up for plumbers. Large job platforms like Indeed and regional contractor sites will show you if a city is thirsty for workers or totally saturated.

Second, think about state licensing and rules. Every state is a little different—some are strict with experience hours and require state exams; others make it way simpler. For example, in California you’ll need to pass a specific exam, while in Texas, you’ve got a few levels (apprentice, journeyman, master) to work through.

• Cost of living: High pay doesn’t mean much if rent is astronomical. Cities like New York might pay plumbers well, but you’ll need a chunk of that just to keep a roof over your head. Meanwhile, in places like Houston or Phoenix, your paycheck might stretch a lot further.
• Population growth: Fast-growing cities are goldmines for plumbers. More people mean more homes, more businesses, more pipes that need fixing. Think Austin, Orlando, or Charlotte—these spots have boomed over the past few years.
• Weather patterns: Cold and wet climates often spell bigger business for plumbers—pipes freeze, burst, and demand shoots up when temperatures swing.

Here’s a quick comparison of five cities that are hotbeds for plumbing jobs. These numbers are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, rounded to keep it simple:

*Lower cost rank means your money will stretch further.

Finally, tap into local plumber communities—Facebook groups and online forums are full of real plumbers who can dish out honest info about work, pay, or even which local companies treat their crews right. Sometimes these connections give you a jump on job leads or a shot at an apprenticeship.

To sum it up, picking where you live after your plumber training course isn’t just about the weather or the city’s vibe. It’s about finding that sweet spot where jobs, pay, cost of living, and work-life balance line up. Do your research now so you don’t end up in a place where plumbers are elbow-to-elbow fighting for scraps.