How Much Do Master Plumbers Make in 2025

In any situation, handy people are valuable. That’s why considering plumping as your career path can be a hidden gem in the market of possible professions. While construction and maintenance industries are growing extremely, plumbing services are in high demand. So it's only logical to be curious about this profession. In this article we are going to sort out every cent from plumbers income depending on experience, location, employment type, and more.

We’ll be straight: the average plumber salary in 2024 in the US sits around $61,000 to $68,000 per year. This is for hourly wages ranging from $25 to $45 depending on skill level and location. However, that’s just the average. Some plumbers, especially those working in metropolitan areas or with niche specializations, earn well over $90,000 annually. The range is wide because plumbing isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. From residential service calls to large-scale commercial projects, a plumber’s responsibilities can greatly affect their paycheck.

Just starting out? Beginners usually get about $30,000-40,000 per year. It also depends on the region and employer. They work under supervision and spend time learning the trade.

The beginner is eventually promoted to journeyman plumber after completing training and passing the licensing exam. So how much do journeyman plumbers make? They can expect to earn between $50,000 and $70,000. They handle most plumbing jobs independently.

And when it comes to how much do master plumbers make? Master plumbers, on the other hand, often earn $80,000 to over $100,000, especially if they own a business or take on commercial contracts. These professionals carry the most licensing and responsibility, and their pay reflects it.

Geography matters—a lot. Some of the highest paying states for plumbers include:

Also note that big cities are a great place for higher plumber salary because of cost of living and demand. That’s the reason plumbers in San Francisco or New York City usually get significantly higher pay than those in rural areas.

To be a union plumber or not to be? That is the question! Union will offer you better wages and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and job security. However, non-union is about having more flexibility and sometimes higher earning potential if self-employed or working in high-demand markets. Although, statistics claim that union hourly plumber rates can be 20% to 30% higher than non-union counterparts. You’re free to choose, but anyway you might find plumbing advertising ideas useful!

There’s a clear pay ladder in plumbing. Apprentices earn the least but receive valuable hands-on training. When it comes to how much do master plumbers make, it appears that master plumbers are the top earners with the ability to supervise teams, run businesses, and land large-scale contracts.

Here’s a simple comparison on how much do plumbers make an hour depending on their skill level:

Absolutely. With certain determination and persistence self-employed plumbers can earn over $120,000 annually. At the same time, there are more obstacles for self-employed plumbers: business expenses, irregular income, and the need to market their services.

But the upside? They control their rates, work hours, and client list. With the right client base and reputation, independent plumbers can out-earn even master plumbers working for large companies. Whether you choose the path of lonely wolf or not, reviews are crucial, so make sure to check out some useful tips to improve them.

Numbers are the following: extra $10,000-$20,000 per year. It comes from weekend and evening call-outs with premium pay, often 1.5x to 2x the regular hourly plumber rate. So if that’s your goal, consider a plumbing career in emergency services or work for 24/7 companies. There are also possible spendings on such things as advertising. Learn how much Google ads costs and is it worth it.

Yes—and it's only getting better. Demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise as older plumbers retire and fewer young people enter the field. With less competitors, the market value of a licensed plumber keeps climbing.

Plus, it's a recession-resistant job—plumbing is essential, whether in a booming economy or a downturn. Homes, businesses, and municipalities all need reliable plumbing services.

When comparing to other skilled trades, plumbing holds its own average salary for plumber:

In many regions, plumbers earn more than both electricians and HVAC techs, particularly if they’re licensed and experienced.

Want to increase your earning potential? Try these:

With the right moves, even a journeyman plumber can hit six figures.

To sum up, how much do plumbers make? There are a lot of things that form the price: experience, location, certifications, and how you structure your career. Though, both beginners and masters are confident in their future due to the plumbing market always growing and suggesting new opportunities. It’s a respected trade, in high demand, and brimming with opportunity for those willing to put in the work. Contact us at (725) 213-7330 or info@4pmix.co and your plumbing career will be boosted by true professionals. Check our Instagram page as well to see great marketing ideas for your business.