Salary data · Bespree
Plumber Salary in New York City
Plumbers in the New York City area earn a median of $38.18/hr — based on BLS OEWS May 2024.
At median pay, that's roughly $79,414/year, $1,527/week, or $6,613/month (40-hour week, before taxes).
About plumbers
Job duties, work environment, and education based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What plumbers do
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, air, and other liquids and gases. They read blueprints, install pipes and fixtures, inspect and test installed piping systems, and troubleshoot malfunctioning systems. Plumbers also install drainage systems and water heaters and ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
Work environment
These workers may be employed in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. The work is physically demanding and includes lifting heavy materials, standing for long periods, and working in tight spaces. Plumbers may work evenings and weekends, especially for emergency calls. The job involves risk of injury from cuts, burns, and falls, though safety training and protective equipment help reduce these risks.
How to become one
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship. Some begin by attending a trade or vocational school. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Most states and localities require plumbers to be licensed, which generally involves passing an exam on plumbing codes and regulations after gaining sufficient experience.
Similar occupations
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — bls.gov/ooh. BLS content is in the public domain.
Hourly wage ranges
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th) | $23.65 | $49,192 |
| 25th percentile | $31.16 | $64,813 |
| Median (50th) | $38.18 | $79,414 |
| 75th percentile | $51.44 | $106,995 |
| Top earners (90th) | $66.39 | $138,091 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 · Annual estimate = hourly × 2,080 hrs · Actual annual income varies by hours worked and schedule.
Plumbers — Hourly Pay Distribution
Percentile range from entry-level to top earners
How New York City compares
Plumbers pay by metro
| Metro | Median/hr |
|---|---|
| New York City | $38.18 |
| Chicago | $47.54 |
| New Haven | $35.96 |
| Trenton-Princeton | $35.24 |
| Philadelphia | $34.89 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford | $32.28 |
| Los Angeles | $31.30 |
| Houston | $28.96 |
| Miami | $27.01 |
Plumbers — Median Hourly Pay by Metro
Sorted by median pay, highest to lowest
Job outlook for Plumbers
National employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
🟡 About as fast as average
+3.8% projected growth, 2024–2034
+18,100
2024–2034
~42,400
New + replacement
480,200
2024 estimate
High school diploma
Entry-level
On-the-job training: Apprenticeship
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034. Published August 2025. National-level projections — local growth may differ.
Skills & qualifications
Key skills and knowledge areas from O*NET OnLine, plus representative tools compiled by Bespree for plumbers.
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Installation
- Critical Thinking
- Equipment Selection
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
- Physics
- Pipe wrenches
- Pipe cutters
- Soldering torches
- Threading machines
- Drain cameras
Skills and knowledge data from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Bespree has selected and summarized a subset of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Tools & technology listed are representative examples compiled by Bespree.
Commute-adjusted effective wage
What you actually earn after subtracting the cost of getting to work.
Effective hourly wage after estimated commute costs, based on a 40-hr work week.
| Commute mode | Monthly cost | Hourly impact | Effective wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| No commute cost (baseline) | — | — | $38.18 |
| NYC Subway (unlimited monthly) | ~$132/mo | −$0.76/hr | $37.42/hr |
| Driving + parking (estimate) | ~$550/mo | −$3.17/hr | $35.01/hr |
Methodology: Commute cost is deducted from median hourly wage assuming 2,080 working hours per year (52 weeks × 40 hrs). Costs are directional estimates based on published transit fares or AAA average variable driving costs. Actual costs vary by distance, schedule, vehicle, and commute days.
NYC Subway (unlimited monthly): MTA 30-day unlimited pass, 2024 rate.
Driving + parking (estimate): AAA avg variable cost + typical NYC street/garage parking.
Local job market
—
No current paid openings on Bespree
Public-sector pay signals
—
No current imported salary signals for this role
BLS estimates 21,500 plumbers employed in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area, or 7.4 per 1,000 jobs. (BLS OEWS May 2024)
Ready to find a job?
Create a free Bespree profile to track your pay over time and get matched to jobs that fit your commute.
Preparing for an interview? Plumbers interview prep →
Data source: Wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, BLS OEWS May 2024. Job outlook data is from the BLS Employment Projections program (BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034). BLS data is in the public domain. Occupation profile content summarized from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Skills and knowledge data from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Bespree has selected and summarized a subset of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Tools & technology listed are representative examples compiled by Bespree. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after retrieval. Wage figures are estimates and do not constitute a guarantee of earnings. Actual pay depends on employer, experience, certifications, and hours worked. Weekly and monthly earnings shown assume a 40-hour work week and are pre-tax estimates. Commute cost figures are directional estimates based on published transit fares and AAA average variable driving cost data; actual commute costs vary.