Plumber Salary in Michigan 2026:
$80,190 Average ($38.56/hr)
Updated 19 June 2026
Michigan plumbers earn $16,390 above the national median of $63,800. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Michigan Median
$80,190/yr
Hourly Rate
$38.56/hr
vs National
+$16,390
Top 10% Earn
$103,430+
Where Michigan Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#8
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$88,121
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Michigan
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | $87,900 |
| Grand Rapids Metro | $77,800 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $73,900 |
| Ann Arbor Metro | $81,600 |
| Flint Metro | $71,000 |
Metro figures are estimates derived from the BLS OEWS May 2025 state median; actual MSA wages vary.
Pay by Experience Level in Michigan
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Michigan.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $19 - $25/hr | $39,000 - $52,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $26 - $34/hr | $54,000 - $71,000 |
| Journeyman | $34 - $48/hr | $71,000 - $100,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $42 - $56/hr | $87,000 - $116,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $85 - $160/hr billed | $80,000 - $200,000 net |
Michigan Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Michigan, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes
Journeyman Requirement
4 years (6,000 hours) OJT plus apprenticeship program completion
Master Plumber Requirement
2 years as licensed journeyman plus exam
Reciprocity
Limited; check LARA for current reciprocity partners
Exam Fee
$100 application + $50 exam fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Michigan
UA Local 98 (Detroit), UA Local 174 (Grand Rapids), UA Local 333 (Lansing). ~32% of plumbers in Michigan are union.
Union plumbers in Michigan typically earn 25 to 40 percent more in total compensation (base wages plus health insurance, pension, and annuity) compared to non-union plumbers at the same experience level. See the full comparison at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Job Outlook in Michigan
Michigan offers the strongest cost-of-living-adjusted plumber purchasing power among the top-20 states by pay. Detroit's automotive sector employs significant numbers of industrial pipefitters at the Big 3 plants (Ford, GM, Stellantis) and at supplier facilities (Magna, Lear). EV-related manufacturing investments (Ford BlueOval City coordination, GM Ultium Cells, Stellantis battery plants) create ongoing pipefitter demand. The downstate market (Grand Rapids, Lansing) is anchored by healthcare and higher-education construction.
Biggest Employers in Michigan
- +Barton Malow
- +Walbridge
- +Christman Company
- +Spence Brothers
- +Limbach Company
- +Auch Construction