Plumber Salary in Ohio 2026:
$63,330 Average ($30.45/hr)
Updated 19 June 2026
Ohio plumbers earn $470 below the national median of $63,800. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Ohio Median
$63,330/yr
Hourly Rate
$30.45/hr
vs National
$-470
Top 10% Earn
$101,410+
Where Ohio Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#27
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
90
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$70,367
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 | $67,000 |
| Cleveland-Elyria | $68,800 |
| Cincinnati Metro | $66,400 |
| Dayton Metro | $62,500 |
| Toledo Metro | $64,100 |
Metro figures are estimates derived from the BLS OEWS May 2025 state median; actual MSA wages vary.
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