Plumber Salary in New Jersey 2026:
$78,240 Average ($37.61/hr)
Updated 19 June 2026
New Jersey plumbers earn $14,440 above the national median of $63,800. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
New Jersey Median
$78,240/yr
Hourly Rate
$37.61/hr
vs National
+$14,440
Top 10% Earn
$112,800+
Where New Jersey Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#10
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
120
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$65,200
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in New Jersey
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Newark Metro (NYC suburbs) | $88,200 |
| Trenton Metro | $75,300 |
| Atlantic City Metro | $71,600 |
| Camden Area (Philadelphia suburbs) | $73,200 |
| Edison-New Brunswick | $79,300 |
Metro figures are estimates derived from the BLS OEWS May 2025 state median; actual MSA wages vary.
Pay by Experience Level in New Jersey
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in New Jersey.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $22 - $28/hr | $46,000 - $58,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $30 - $40/hr | $62,000 - $83,000 |
| Journeyman | $38 - $52/hr | $79,000 - $108,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $48 - $62/hr | $100,000 - $129,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $100 - $200/hr billed | $90,000 - $250,000 net |
New Jersey Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in New Jersey, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
Journeyman Requirement
4 years OJT under licensed master plumber
Master Plumber Requirement
2 years as journeyman
Reciprocity
Limited; contact the Board
Exam Fee
$300 exam fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in New Jersey
UA Local 14 (Newark/Essex), UA Local 9 (Raritan Valley), UA Local 274 (Camden/South Jersey). ~40% in northern NJ; lower in southern NJ.
Union plumbers in New Jersey 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 New Jersey
New Jersey benefits from its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, with many plumbers working across state lines. The northern NJ market pays close to NYC rates. New Jersey has one of the highest costs of living in the country, which reduces effective purchasing power despite high nominal wages.
Biggest Employers in New Jersey
- +Turner Construction NJ
- +Skanska
- +Barr & Barr Builders
- +JMB Construction
- +Numerous residential contractors in suburbs of NYC and Philadelphia