Updated 19 June 2026 · BLS OEWS May 2025
Plumber Salary by State
Illinois leads at $99,950 median (strong union) and stays on top even after cost of living. Minnesota and Michigan are the next-best value. The national median is $63,800.
Highest Raw Pay
1. Illinois$100K
2. Oregon$97K
3. Minnesota$94K
4. Alaska$94K
5. Massachusetts$94K
Best After Cost of Living
1. Illinois$102K adj.
2. Minnesota$96K adj.
3. Wisconsin$88K adj.
4. Michigan$88K adj.
5. Oregon$87K adj.
| State | Average | COL | Adjusted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $99,950 | 98 | $101,990 | Strongest union presence, highest base pay |
| Oregon | $97,050 | 112 | $86,652 | Growing construction market, strong union |
| Minnesota | $94,410 | 98 | $96,337 | Strong union, excellent COL-adjusted |
| Alaska | $93,920 | 125 | $75,136 | Remote premium, seasonal demand |
| Massachusetts | $93,880 | 131 | $71,664 | Strong union market, licensing requirements |
| Wisconsin | $81,210 | 92 | $88,272 | Strong union tradition |
| Washington | $81,030 | 115 | $70,461 | Seattle metro drives the average up |
| Michigan | $80,190 | 91 | $88,121 | Best COL-adjusted pay among the top states |
| New Jersey | $78,240 | 120 | $65,200 | Union rates near NYC metro |
| New York | $77,490 | 136 | $56,978 | High demand but expensive living |
| Connecticut | $77,280 | 121 | $63,868 | Union rates, aging infrastructure work |
| California | $72,830 | 142 | $51,289 | High demand but high COL eats the premium |
| Pennsylvania | $68,080 | 98 | $69,469 | Philadelphia + Pittsburgh dual-metro |
| Ohio | $63,330 | 90 | $70,367 | Steady demand, affordable living |
| Colorado | $63,240 | 105 | $60,229 | Population growth creating demand |
| Arizona | $62,070 | 102 | $60,853 | Phoenix boom + TSMC fab construction |
| Virginia | $60,470 | 101 | $59,871 | NoVA federal + data centre alley |
| Texas | $59,840 | 92 | $65,043 | No state income tax, Houston energy sector |
| Tennessee | $58,600 | 90 | $65,111 | Nashville boom, no state income tax |
| Georgia | $57,200 | 93 | $61,505 | Atlanta metro driving residential demand |
| North Carolina | $57,080 | 94 | $60,723 | RTP data centre cluster + Charlotte growth |
| Florida | $52,910 | 100 | $52,910 | Population boom, no state income tax |
Why union states dominate the top 5.
Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey all have strong plumber union (UA Local) presence. Union journeyman plumbers earn $35-$55/hour compared to $22-$35/hour non-union. The gap is even wider when you include pension and health benefits.