2026 State Salary Guide
Plumber Salary in Texas 2026:
$58,400 Average ($28.08/hr)
Updated 17 April 2026
Texas plumbers earn $4,570 below the national median of $62,970. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Texas Median
$58,400/yr
Hourly Rate
$28.08/hr
vs National
$-4,570
Top 10% Earn
$89,200+
Where Texas Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#28
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
92
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$63,478
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Texas
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Houston Metro | $62,400 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $60,800 |
| Austin Metro | $59,200 |
| San Antonio Metro | $55,600 |
| El Paso | $48,400 |
Source: BLS OES May 2024 Metropolitan Area data. Figures are estimates based on available MSA data.
Pay by Experience Level in Texas
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Texas.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $17 - $20/hr | $35,000 - $42,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $22 - $26/hr | $46,000 - $54,000 |
| Journeyman | $28 - $38/hr | $58,000 - $79,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $36 - $48/hr | $75,000 - $100,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $75 - $150/hr billed | $70,000 - $200,000 net |
Texas Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Texas, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
Journeyman Requirement
4 years (8,000 hours) OJT + 4,000 hours in an apprenticeship program
Master Plumber Requirement
4 years as licensed journeyman (8,000 journeyman hours)
Reciprocity
Limited reciprocity; verify with TSBPE
Exam Fee
$150 exam fee; $75 license fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Texas
UA Local 68 (Austin), UA Local 142 (Houston), UA Local 100 (Dallas). ~12% of plumbers in Texas are union.
Union plumbers in Texas 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 Texas
Texas is one of the fastest-growing states by population, driving consistent demand for new residential and commercial plumbing. The energy sector (refineries, chemical plants) in the Gulf Coast also employs significant numbers of industrial pipefitters. BLS state projections show plumber employment growing 10 to 15 percent in Texas through 2030.
Biggest Employers in Texas
- +Turner Construction
- +Hensel Phelps
- +EMCOR
- +Comfort Systems USA
- +Large independent plumbing contractors in Houston and Dallas metros