Considering a career as a plumber? You’re looking at a profession that is not only essential to public health and modern infrastructure but also offers significant financial stability and growth. A journeyman plumber, a licensed and experienced professional, stands at the heart of this trade. But what does that translate to in terms of salary?
While the national average salary for a journeyman plumber hovers around $65,000 per year, many professionals earn significantly more, with top earners in high-demand areas exceeding $95,000 annually. This article breaks down the salary you can expect and the key factors that will influence your earning potential throughout your career.
What Does a Journeyman Plumber Do?
A journeyman plumber is a skilled tradesperson who has successfully completed a multi-year apprenticeship program and passed a state licensing exam. They are qualified to work independently on a wide range of plumbing tasks without the supervision required of an apprentice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Installation: Installing water supply lines, drainage systems, and gas lines in new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
- Maintenance & Repair: Diagnosing and fixing issues in existing plumbing systems, from leaky faucets and clogged drains to complex sewer line problems.
- Fixture and Appliance Installation: Setting up toilets, sinks, water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances that connect to a building's plumbing.
- Blueprint Reading: Interpreting technical drawings and building plans to ensure plumbing systems are installed to code and specifications.
- Adhering to Codes: Ensuring all work complies with local, state, and national plumbing codes to guarantee safety and functionality.
A journeyman is the backbone of the plumbing industry, capable of handling nearly any job before potentially advancing to the "Master Plumber" level.
Average Journeyman Plumber Salary
Salary data shows a strong and stable income for journeyman plumbers, with a wide range that reflects differences in experience, location, and specialization.
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Journeyman Plumber in the United States is $66,666 per year as of May 2024, with a typical range falling between $57,639 and $75,739.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a broader perspective for the "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" category. As of May 2022, the BLS reports:
- Median Annual Wage: $60,090 ($28.89 per hour)
- Lowest 10% Earned: Less than $37,860
- Highest 10% Earned: More than $101,980
This data includes apprentices at the lower end and highly specialized master plumbers at the high end. As a licensed journeyman, you can expect your earnings to be comfortably above the entry-level figures and grow steadily toward the upper end as you gain experience.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your paycheck as a journeyman plumber isn't a fixed number. It’s a dynamic figure influenced by several critical factors. Understanding these can help you maximize your earning potential.
### Level of Education
In plumbing, "education" refers to your licensure and certifications, not necessarily a traditional college degree. A high school diploma or GED is the standard starting point, followed by a 4- to 5-year paid apprenticeship. Upon completion and passing your state's journeyman exam, you receive your license and a significant pay increase. Further boosting your salary involves earning specialized certifications, such as:
- Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for testing and certifying devices that prevent contaminated water from entering public water supplies.
- Medical Gas (MedGas) Certification: A highly specialized and lucrative credential for working on medical gas systems in hospitals and clinics.
- Welding Certifications: Essential for industrial pipefitting and certain commercial jobs.
Each additional, in-demand certification makes you more valuable and can directly lead to higher pay.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in the skilled trades. Salary aggregators like Payscale show a clear correlation between years on the job and income:
- Entry-Level (0-1 year): A newly licensed journeyman can expect to start near the lower end of the salary range as they build confidence and speed.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): With solid experience, plumbers can handle more complex jobs, work more efficiently, and begin to mentor apprentices, leading to a substantial increase in earnings.
- Experienced (10+ years): Veteran journeymen with a decade or more of experience often command the highest salaries. They may lead projects, specialize in high-value work, or move into foreman or project management roles.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. High cost-of-living areas, regions with strong unions, and states with high demand for construction typically offer the highest wages.
According to the BLS, the top-paying states for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are:
1. Illinois: $90,720 (average annual salary)
2. Alaska: $87,550
3. Massachusetts: $85,070
4. New Jersey: $82,920
5. Oregon: $81,420
Conversely, states with a lower cost of living and less union density, such as Arkansas and Mississippi, tend to have salaries closer to the lower end of the national average.
### Company Type
The type of company you work for directly impacts your pay and benefits.
- Union vs. Non-Union: Union plumbers generally earn higher wages and receive comprehensive benefits packages, including pensions and healthcare, as negotiated by their local chapter.
- Commercial vs. Residential: Plumbers working for large commercial or industrial contractors often earn more than those in residential service due to the scale, complexity, and compliance requirements of the projects.
- Self-Employed Contractor: The ultimate earning potential lies in self-employment. Owning your own plumbing business means you set your rates, but it also comes with the responsibilities of marketing, insurance, and managing overhead.
### Area of Specialization
While general plumbing is a stable career, specializing can unlock higher income levels. New construction and service/repair are the two main paths, but within them are niches:
- Industrial Pipefitting: Involves working with high-pressure pipes and systems in manufacturing plants, power plants, and refineries. This is often one of the highest-paying specializations.
- Commercial Plumbing: Focuses on large-scale installations for office buildings, schools, and hospitals, requiring knowledge of complex, multi-story systems.
- Green Plumbing: Specializing in eco-friendly systems like rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and high-efficiency fixtures is a growing, high-demand field.
- Service & Repair: While it can involve late-night emergencies, expert diagnosticians who can quickly and effectively solve problems for homeowners and businesses are always in high demand and can bill at a premium.
Job Outlook
The future for journeyman plumbers is bright and stable. The BLS projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032. While this percentage may seem modest, it translates to approximately 45,500 job openings each year on average over the decade.
This consistent demand is driven less by new construction and more by the critical need to maintain and repair plumbing systems in existing buildings. As infrastructure ages and a large portion of the current workforce nears retirement, a steady stream of skilled, licensed journeymen will be required to fill their shoes.
Conclusion
A career as a journeyman plumber is a pathway to a secure, respectable, and financially rewarding life. With a strong starting salary and a clear trajectory for growth, your earnings are directly tied to your skill, dedication, and strategic career choices.
Key Takeaways:
- Solid Earning Potential: Expect to earn a competitive salary that grows well into the upper five figures.
- You Control Your Growth: Your income isn't static. You can actively increase it by gaining experience, pursuing certifications, and specializing in high-demand areas.
- Location is Key: Your earnings can vary significantly based on your state and city.
- Job Security is High: Plumbing is an essential service with a consistent need for skilled professionals, offering excellent long-term career stability.
For anyone seeking a hands-on profession that rewards hard work and expertise, the role of a journeyman plumber is an outstanding choice.