Plumber Salary in New York 2026:
$77,490 Average ($37.26/hr)
Updated 19 June 2026
New York plumbers earn $13,690 above the national median of $63,800. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
New York Median
$77,490/yr
Hourly Rate
$37.26/hr
vs National
+$13,690
Top 10% Earn
$130,420+
Where New York Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#12
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
136
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$56,978
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in New York
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| New York City Metro | $95,900 |
| Buffalo-Niagara Falls | $67,800 |
| Albany Metro | $65,600 |
| Rochester Metro | $64,200 |
| Syracuse Metro | $61,800 |
Metro figures are estimates derived from the BLS OEWS May 2025 state median; actual MSA wages vary.
Pay by Experience Level in New York
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in New York.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $22 - $30/hr | $46,000 - $62,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $30 - $42/hr | $62,000 - $87,000 |
| Journeyman | $40 - $58/hr | $83,000 - $121,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $50 - $70/hr | $104,000 - $146,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $125 - $250/hr billed (NYC) | $100,000 - $300,000+ net |
New York Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in New York, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
New York State Department of State (state) + NYC DOB (NYC master license)
Journeyman Requirement
4 years of apprenticeship or 4 years documented OJT
Master Plumber Requirement
7 years of experience in NYC trade work for NYC master license; 2 years journeyman experience for state license outside NYC
Reciprocity
NYC: No reciprocity. State license: limited.
Exam Fee
$100-$150 state; $150 NYC application
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in New York
UA Local 1 (New York City - one of the largest and highest-paid Locals in the country), UA Local 22 (Rochester), UA Local 73 (Buffalo). ~55% in NYC metro; ~25% upstate.
Union plumbers in New York 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 York
New York City is one of the highest-paying markets in the country for union plumbers. UA Local 1 packages top $90/hr in total compensation. Upstate New York pays at a significant discount to NYC but also has much lower cost of living. Aging infrastructure in the five boroughs creates consistent demand for commercial and municipal work.
Biggest Employers in New York
- +Turner Construction
- +Tishman Construction
- +Plaza Construction
- +Hunter Roberts Construction
- +Skanska USA