If you’ve ever considered a career in plumbing, you’ve probably wondered how much a journeyman plumber makes. The answer might surprise you. Unlike many traditional jobs, plumbing offers a steady income, great benefits, and long-term stability. Journeyman plumbers those who have completed their apprenticeship and hold a state license are in high demand across the country.
In 2025, the plumbing industry continues to thrive due to aging infrastructure, population growth, and new construction projects. This demand keeps wages competitive, especially for skilled tradesmen who know their craft. But how much does a journeyman plumber actually earn? Let’s take a detailed look at salaries, regional variations, and what factors affect a plumber’s pay.
Who is a Journeyman Plumber?
A journeyman plumber is a licensed professional who has completed an apprenticeship typically lasting four to five years and passed the state licensing exam. At this stage, a journeyman can work independently, install and repair plumbing systems, and supervise apprentices. However, they are not yet authorized to pull permits or run their own plumbing company; that privilege belongs to master plumbers.
Journeymen play a crucial role in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing projects. Their duties include installing water pipes, fixing leaks, joining gas systems, and seeing that everything is done in compliance with local building codes. Once they gain experience, they are skilled troubleshooters, and they can handle complex problems on the job.
Basically, the journeyman level is becoming a master skilled, qualified, and trustworthy to perform professional-level work with minimal supervision.
How a Journeyman Differs from an Apprentice and a Master Plumber
In the plumbing career ladder, there are three primary levels: apprentice, journeyman, and master. Each stage represents progression in skill, responsibility and earning potential.
- Apprentice Plumber: Apprentices are beginners who work under licensed plumbers to learn the trade. They typically earn around 50-60% of a journeyman’s salary while gaining practical experience.
- Journeyman Plumber: Once an apprentice completes training and passes the licensing exam, he or she becomes a journeyman. This is the level where freedom and higher pay begins.
- Master Plumber: The highest level in the trade. Masters can own businesses, supervise other plumbers, and pull permits for large projects. Their income often surpasses six figures.
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Average Salary of a Journeyman Plumber in 2025
National Average Salary Overview
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a journeyman plumber in the United States ranges from $58,000 to $82,000, depending on location, experience, and work environment. According to industry data and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay sits around $69,000 per year.
This makes plumbing one of the highest-paying trades, outpacing careers like carpentry, HVAC, and general construction work. The pay reflects not only the technical skill required but also the growing shortage of qualified plumbers nationwide.
In areas with strong union representation or high demand (like California, New York, and Washington), journeyman plumbers can earn upwards of $90,000 annually. On the other hand, in smaller towns or rural regions, wages might start closer to $50,000–$55,000 per year.
Hourly Wage vs. Annual Salary Comparison
Most journeyman plumbers are paid hourly, though their total annual income depends on hours worked, overtime, and project load. The average hourly wage in 2025 ranges between $28 and $42 per hour.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type of Work | Average Hourly Wage | Approx. Annual Salary (Full-Time) |
| Residential Plumbing | $27 – $35/hr | $56,000 – $72,000 |
| Commercial Plumbing | $30 – $42/hr | $62,000 – $87,000 |
| Union Plumber | $35 – $45/hr | $72,000 – $95,000 |
| Self-Employed | $40 – $60/hr (varies) | $80,000 – $120,000+ |
The difference comes from the type of employer and workload. Union and self-employed plumbers often earn more due to overtime pay, higher service rates, and fewer middlemen taking a cut.
Factors That Affect a Journeyman Plumber’s Salary
Geographic Location
The location is one of the largest determinants of the plumber pay. High cost states pay more pay for life or lack of labor. For example, Travelman Plumber in California, Massachusetts and Alaska earns top -level wages, often over $ 85,000 per year.
Meanwhile, plumbers in Southern or Midwestern states such as Mississippi, Alabama, or Kansas can earn approximately $ 55,000- $ 60,000 annually.
However, when adjusted for cost of living, their purchasing power may be quite similar to that of higher-paid plumbers in expensive states.
Urban areas generally offer more opportunities and higher pay than rural communities due to demand and the complexity of projects.
Experience Level and Skill Set
Even within the journeyman rank, experience matters. A newly licensed journeyman might start at the lower end of the pay scale, around $28 per hour, while someone with 10+ years of experience could earn $40+ per hour.
Specialized skills like working with gas lines, medical piping, or green energy systems can also raise your earning potential. Journeymen who stay current with the latest tools, safety standards, and technologies are more likely to command premium wages and leadership roles on job sites.
Type of Employer (Residential, Commercial, Union, or Self-Employed)
Plumbers employed in commercial and industrial settings typically earn more than those in residential service. That’s because commercial projects often require advanced technical knowledge, blueprint reading, and strict adherence to building codes.
Union plumbers also enjoy higher pay, health insurance, retirement plans, and job security. In contrast, self-employed journeyman plumbers may earn more overall but face inconsistent work and must handle business expenses such as tools, transportation, and insurance.
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Journeyman Plumber Salaries by State
Highest Paying States
As of 2025, the top-paying states for journeyman plumbers include:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| California | $89,500 |
| Massachusetts | $87,200 |
| Alaska | $85,900 |
| Washington | $84,300 |
| Illinois | $82,700 |
Lowest Paying States
On the lower end, the following states tend to offer more modest wages:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| Mississippi | $54,800 |
| Alabama | $57,100 |
| Arkansas | $58,000 |
| South Dakota | $58,500 |
| Kansas | $59,300 |
Cost of Living Adjustments
When comparing wages, cost of living (COL) must always be factored in. For instance, a journeyman plumber earning $85,000 in San Francisco might have the same financial comfort as someone making $60,000 in rural Oklahoma.
Smart plumbers consider relocation options based on both pay and expenses. Some even move seasonally, working on large commercial projects in high-paying regions before returning home when work slows down.
Union vs. Non-Union Journeyman Plumber Pay
Benefits of Working Under a Union
Working as a union plumber offers many benefits both financially and professionally. Unionized plumbers typically earn 10-25% more than their non-union counterparts. This pay difference comes from strong collective bargaining agreements negotiated by plumbing unions like the United Association (UA), which represents hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople in North America.
Unions ensure that members receive consistent wage increases, overtime pay, health insurance, and pension benefits. They also enforce safe working conditions and fair treatment on job sites. A union journeyman plumber often enjoys job security even during economic downturns, thanks to project allocations and established contracts with major construction firms.
Another major perk is access to continued education and training programs. Unions regularly sponsor courses that help members update on technologies such as new plumbing codes, safety standards and PEX piping or smart water system.
How Non-Union Pay Structures Differ
Non-union plumbers work directly for private companies or as independent contractors. Their salary is often demonstrated-based, which means that if they complete the work efficiently or handle service calls after hours, they can sometimes earn more.
However, non-union plumbers usually do not get equal level benefits such as retirement plans or payment holidays. They also have low negotiation power and may experience more unexpected charge, especially during the slow construction season.
As stated, non-union tasks provide more flexibility. Many passengers choose this route as it allows them to select their own projects, interact directly with customers, and potentially start their own business.
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Benefits and Perks of Being a Journeyman Plumber
Health, Retirement, and Union Benefits
The biggest advantage of being a travelman plumber, especially on union posts, is a comprehensive profit package. Many employers offer:
- Full medical and dental insurance
- 401(k) or pension plans
- Paid vacations and sick leave
- Life and disability insurance
Union plumbers often enjoy some of the best benefit plans in the skilled trades industry, rivaling even corporate office jobs. For many, the value of these benefits adds $10,000–$20,000 to their total compensation annually.
Job Stability and Career Satisfaction
Plumbing provides something few careers can match stability and pride. Every building, from small homes to massive skyscrapers, depends on plumbing systems. This means steady work year-round, even when other industries slow down.
Additionally, plumbing is one of the few professions where you can see the results of your labor immediately fixing leaks, installing fixtures, and ensuring clean water flow. Many plumbers take deep satisfaction in their hands-on craftsmanship.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Journeyman Plumber
Continuing Education and Specialized Certifications
One of the best ways to boost your income as a journeyman plumber is through continued education and specialized certifications. The plumbing field is constantly evolving, and staying current with new systems, codes, and technologies makes you more valuable to employers and clients alike.
Courses in areas like medical gas installation, green plumbing, backflow prevention, and gas line systems can open doors to higher-paying positions. Many of these certifications are recognized nationally and can add $3–$10 per hour to your wage.
Additionally, plumbers who pursue further education in project management, blueprint reading, or construction supervision often move into senior roles that pay significantly more. Even mastering new tools—like digital inspection cameras or advanced soldering techniques—can improve your efficiency, reputation, and earning potential.
Networking and Building Client Relationships
In any trade, relationships matter and plumbing is no exception. Building a strong professional network can lead to steady referrals, higher-paying contracts, and long-term clients.
Journeymen who maintain good relationships with contractors, real estate agents, and local businesses often secure more consistent work. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools in the industry.
Additionally, establishing trust with homeowners can lead to repeat business and lucrative maintenance contracts. If you deliver quality work, show up on time, and communicate clearly, clients are more likely to recommend you to others.
Many high-earning plumbers attribute their success not just to skill, but to customer service and reliability. Remember—people don’t just pay for plumbing; they pay for peace of mind.
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Common Misconceptions About Plumber Salaries
The Myth of Low Pay in Trades
One of the biggest myths about trade jobs is that they don’t pay well. In reality, skilled trades especially plumbing can be more lucrative than many office-based careers that require college degrees.
A journeyman plumber can earn a comfortable middle-class income, and experienced professionals often make six figures with overtime or side work. Plus, unlike many jobs that demand years of student loans, plumbers start earning while training during their apprenticeships.
The truth is, skilled trades are the backbone of modern society. Without plumbers, we wouldn’t have clean water, safe gas systems, or functioning sanitation. That essential nature guarantees consistent work and competitive pay.
Real Earning Potential with Skill and Dedication
Another misconception is that plumbers hit a salary ceiling early in their careers. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. The plumbing field offers unlimited growth potential for those who invest in their skills and work ethic.
Many journeyman plumbers eventually move into supervisory roles, inspection work, or business ownership, with each step bringing higher salaries. Others specialize in advanced fields such as steamfitting, medical gas systems or hydronic heating, where salaries can exceed $100,000 annually.
Dedication, reliability and customer satisfaction are the keys to long-term success. The more you refine your craft and reputation, the higher your earning ceiling becomes.
nic heating, where pay can exceed $100,000 annually.
Dedication, reliability, and customer satisfaction are the keys to long-term success. The more you refine your craft and reputation, the higher your earning ceiling becomes.
Conclusion
Becoming a journeyman plumber is more than just mastering pipes and tools it’s about building a solid, respected, and rewarding career. In 2025, the average journeyman plumber in the U.S. earns between $60,000 and $85,000 per year, with plenty of room for growth through overtime, specialization, or business ownership.
This trade offers one of the best combinations of stability, income potential, and hands-on satisfaction you can find. Whether you’re fresh out of trade school or years into your plumbing journey, there’s always an opportunity to increase your income, refine your skills, and achieve financial independence.
FAQs
1. What’s the starting salary for a new journeyman plumber?
A newly licensed journeyman plumber typically earns between $28 and $32 per hour, translating to roughly $55,000–$65,000 annually, depending on location and employer.
2. Do journeyman plumbers get paid more for overtime?
Yes, most plumbers earn 1.5x their regular hourly wage for overtime work, and emergency calls can pay even more. Many plumbers use overtime to boost their income well above $90,000 per year.
3. Is plumbing a good long-term career choice?
Absolutely. Plumbing is a recession-resistant trade with strong job security and growing demand. As long as people need clean water and functioning pipes, plumbers will remain essential.
4. How can a journeyman plumber become a master plumber?
After several years of experience as a journeyman, you can apply for the master plumber’s exam. This typically involves proving work history, passing a test, and demonstrating advanced knowledge of plumbing systems and codes.
5. Are there remote or online plumbing opportunities?
While plumbing is primarily hands-on, there are emerging online consulting roles, instructional positions, and virtual project estimation jobs for experienced plumbers who want to diversify their work.
