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How to Find the Best Plumbing Labor Rates

Plumbing experts are very much in demand no matter what season of the year. Regardless of what happens to the economy, plumbing problems are addressed without much delay. This may be one of the reasons why a lot of people are venturing into the plumbing profession. So basically how much are the usual plumbing labor rates and how are they determined?

Keep in mind that plumbing rates differ from one contractor to another. Plumbers affiliated with labor unions earn more than those who are not. Experienced plumbers also have higher pay rates than apprentices.
It can be confusing to know the average plumbing labor rates. As listed in the annual salary for plumbers in the US, people in the plumbing profession earn about $27,000 per year. However, this figure is common to all people in the plumbing industry. Remember that plumbers’ helpers and master plumbers have different rates. A plumber’s helper only earns $18,000 per year while a master plumber earns as much as $47,000 per year.

Those new to the plumbing profession will earn a salary as they work. As mentioned above, a plumber’s helper can earn about $18,000 a year but as he progresses into a plumber's helper, he can earn as much as $25,000 a year. This would pay a plumber $9 - $12 per hour.

Once a person becomes a full fledged plumber, he can take home about $30,000 a month. For plumbing professionals who possess specialized skills, such as oil and GA specialists, they can earn about $33,000 annually. Senior trade plumbers, plumber pipefitters, commercial plumbers also earn more than $30,000 per year. These yearly rates come out to hourly rates of $15 - $19.

High end plumbers, those who have been in the business for many years and are able to gain the trust of a large number of clients, can have an annual income of $40,000 – $50,000. They will have hourly rates of between $20 and $25. Specialized plumbing positions in this salary range include plumbing technicians, plumbing workers, licensed journey man plumbers, and some others.

You should know that the figures are based on a 40-hour work week, so basically they are merely base pays. Since some plumbers work more than 40 hours per week, their income can increase significantly. In fact, those that provide less than 40 hours of service per week can earn less than the figures listed above.

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