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How to Become a Plumber in 2026: License, Salary by State & Career Path
Key Facts
- The BLS median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $63,800 in May 2025 ($30.67 per hour) (BLS OOH).
- The lowest 10% of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned less than $44,150, and the highest 10% earned more than $108,420 in May 2025 (BLS OOH).
- BLS projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations (BLS OOH).
- About 42,000 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average, over the 2025-2035 decade (BLS OOH).
- The BLS median for all occupations was $50,980 in May 2025, about $12,820 below the plumber median of $63,800 (BLS OOH).
- BLS wage figures exclude self-employed workers, so the median does not include plumbing business owners (BLS OOH).
How to Become a Plumber in 2026
Plumbing is one of the most essential and highest-paying skilled trades that doesn't require a college degree. With 7% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035 (BLS), strong union wages, and growing demand from infrastructure projects and green building technology, plumbing offers a reliable career path with six-figure earning potential. Here's the complete path from apprentice to master plumber.