2026 State Salary Guide
Plumber Salary in Ohio 2026:
$62,800 Average ($30.19/hr)
Updated 17 April 2026
Ohio plumbers earn $170 below the national median of $62,970. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Ohio Median
$62,800/yr
Hourly Rate
$30.19/hr
vs National
$-170
Top 10% Earn
$95,600+
Where Ohio Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#18
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
90
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$69,778
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Ohio
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Columbus Metro | $66,400 |
| Cleveland-Elyria | $68,200 |
| Cincinnati Metro | $65,800 |
| Dayton Metro | $62,000 |
| Toledo Metro | $63,600 |
Source: BLS OES May 2024 Metropolitan Area data. Figures are estimates based on available MSA data.
Pay by Experience Level in Ohio
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Ohio.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $17 - $22/hr | $35,000 - $46,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $22 - $28/hr | $46,000 - $58,000 |
| Journeyman | $30 - $42/hr | $62,000 - $87,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $38 - $50/hr | $79,000 - $104,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $75 - $140/hr billed | $65,000 - $175,000 net |
Ohio Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Ohio, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) + local jurisdictions
Journeyman Requirement
4 years (some cities have local requirements)
Master Plumber Requirement
3 years as journeyman
Reciprocity
Varies by city; check local board
Exam Fee
$75-$150 depending on jurisdiction
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Ohio
UA Local 55 (Cleveland), UA Local 189 (Columbus), UA Local 392 (Cincinnati). ~22% of plumbers in Ohio are union.
Union plumbers in Ohio 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 Ohio
Ohio has a strong industrial base (automotive, steel, chemical) that employs industrial pipefitters alongside residential and commercial plumbers. Cost of living is below the national average, making Ohio's median plumber wage more purchasing-power-effective than coastal markets paying similar nominal wages.
Biggest Employers in Ohio
- +Turner Construction
- +Messer Construction
- +Danis Building Construction
- +Albert M. Higley
- +Elford Construction