2026 State Salary Guide
Plumber Salary in Washington 2026:
$72,200 Average ($34.71/hr)
Updated 17 April 2026
Washington plumbers earn $9,230 above the national median of $62,970. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Washington Median
$72,200/yr
Hourly Rate
$34.71/hr
vs National
+$9,230
Top 10% Earn
$106,400+
Where Washington Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#6
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
115
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$62,783
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Washington
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue Metro | $84,600 |
| Spokane Metro | $62,800 |
| Tacoma Metro | $78,400 |
| Bellingham Metro | $68,200 |
| Yakima Metro | $54,800 |
Source: BLS OES May 2024 Metropolitan Area data. Figures are estimates based on available MSA data.
Pay by Experience Level in Washington
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Washington.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $20 - $26/hr | $42,000 - $54,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $28 - $36/hr | $58,000 - $75,000 |
| Journeyman | $38 - $50/hr | $79,000 - $104,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $46 - $60/hr | $96,000 - $125,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $90 - $175/hr billed | $85,000 - $220,000 net |
Washington Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Washington, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)
Journeyman Requirement
4 years (8,000 hours) OJT
Master Plumber Requirement
2 years as journeyman
Reciprocity
Yes - Washington has broad reciprocity
Exam Fee
$125 exam fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Washington
UA Local 32 (Seattle/Tacoma), UA Local 598 (Richland - pipefitters). ~35% of plumbers in Washington are union.
Union plumbers in Washington 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 Washington
Washington state, particularly the Seattle metro, is one of the strongest plumbing markets in the country. Tech campus construction (Amazon, Microsoft, Google) has driven commercial mechanical work. No state income tax is a significant advantage for self-employed plumbers compared to California. UA Local 32 packages are among the strongest on the West Coast.
Biggest Employers in Washington
- +Skanska USA
- +Turner Construction Pacific Northwest
- +Sellen Construction
- +Howard S. Wright
- +Lease Crutcher Lewis