How Much Do Plumbers Make?

The median salary for a plumber was $51,450 in 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The best-paid pulled in about $90,530, while those in the bottom 10 percent earned $30,430 a year. Apprentices who are just starting out could make 30 to 50 percent less than a fully trained plumber as they learn the trade. Typically, Roto-Rooter’s pay scale beats the national average for plumbers.

With an average salary of $56,030 in 2016, plumbers earn more than other professions according to the US News Best Construction Jobs list. General construction workers earned an average of $37,890 in 2016, while insulation contractors made $45,070 and carpenters made $48,340. Electricians earned a comparable average salary to plumbers of $56,650 in 2016.

The question can be asked many ways: What is the average plumber salary? How much does a plumber make? How much is a Master Plumber’s salary? In short, is a plumbing salary worth the time and effort that it will take to complete years of plumbing courses and become a plumber? The facts suggest that the time invested is well worth the effort. Master Plumbers often command six figure salaries because their skills and knowledge are in short supply.