2026 Salary Guide
Journeyman Plumber Salary 2026:
$69,273 Average ($35-$48/hr)
Updated 17 April 2026
After 4 to 5 years of apprenticeship, a journeyman plumber earns $35 to $48 per hour depending on state, union status, and specialisation.
Average Annual
$69,273
Hourly Rate
$35 - $48/hr
Top 10% Earn
$95,000+
Years Experience
5-8 yrs post-apprentice
What a Journeyman Plumber Does
A journeyman plumber is a fully licensed trades worker who has completed an apprenticeship and passed the state journeyman examination. The journeyman license represents the first full independent working credential in the plumbing trade.
Unlike an apprentice, who must work under direct supervision, a journeyman can plan and execute plumbing work independently, pull permits in their own name in most states, and supervise apprentices on the job. However, a journeyman typically works as an employee of a licensed plumbing contractor rather than running their own business. Starting a business requires a master plumber license in most states.
Journeyman-level work spans the full range of plumbing: residential service and repair, commercial rough-in and trim, new construction, industrial pipe installation, and specialty systems. The type of work a journeyman does directly determines their pay range. Industrial pipefitting pays the highest; residential service repair is the most common entry point.
Journeyman Pay by Years of Experience
Pay increases steadily post-journeyman as skills, efficiency, and specialisation develop.
| Experience After Apprenticeship | Hourly Range | Annual Range | Typical Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (new journeyman) | $28 - $36 | $58k - $75k | Supervised service calls, residential |
| Year 2-3 | $32 - $40 | $67k - $83k | Independent service, some commercial |
| Year 4-5 | $36 - $44 | $75k - $92k | Commercial new construction, supervising apprentices |
| Year 6-8 | $40 - $48 | $83k - $100k | Complex systems, specialty work, lead journeyman |
| Year 8+ (senior / pre-master) | $44 - $55 | $92k - $114k | Industrial, project lead, master exam eligible |
Journeyman Pay by State
Top 15 states by journeyman hourly rate. States with strong union presence and high cost of living lead the list.
| State | Journeyman Hourly | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $47/hr | $97,760 |
| New York | $44/hr | $91,520 |
| Massachusetts | $43/hr | $89,440 |
| New Jersey | $42/hr | $87,360 |
| California | $41/hr | $85,280 |
| Washington | $40/hr | $83,200 |
| Oregon | $38/hr | $79,040 |
| Minnesota | $37/hr | $76,960 |
| Alaska | $37/hr | $76,960 |
| Connecticut | $36/hr | $74,880 |
| Michigan | $35/hr | $72,800 |
| Wisconsin | $34/hr | $70,720 |
| Colorado | $33/hr | $68,640 |
| Ohio | $32/hr | $66,560 |
| Texas | $30/hr | $62,400 |
Journeyman rates derived from BLS OES May 2024 state data and union Local wage scales. Annual figures assume 2,080 hours.
Union vs Non-Union Journeyman Pay
The union premium for journeyman plumbers is significant. Here is what the difference looks like in base wages and total compensation.
| Factor | Union Journeyman | Non-Union Journeyman |
|---|---|---|
| Base hourly rate | $35 - $50/hr | $25 - $38/hr |
| Health insurance value | $8 - $15/hr equivalent | Self-paid or partial employer |
| Pension contribution | $4 - $10/hr equivalent | 401(k) if offered |
| Annuity fund | $2 - $5/hr equivalent | None |
| Training fund | $0.50 - $1.00/hr | None |
| Total package (equivalent) | $50 - $80/hr+ | $25 - $40/hr |
| Annual dues | $600 - $1,200/yr | None |
See the full breakdown at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Specialty Pay Premiums
Not all journeyman work pays the same. Specialised certifications and work types command meaningful hourly premiums.
Industrial Pipefitter
+$5 - $12/hr
Refinery, chemical plant, power generation
Steamfitter
+$3 - $8/hr
High-pressure steam systems, industrial
Medical Gas Installer
+$3 - $8/hr
ASSE 6010 certified, hospital/clinic work
Backflow Specialist
+$2 - $5/hr
Backflow prevention certification
Commercial New Construction
+$2 - $5/hr vs residential
Larger scale, more complexity
Gas Fitter
+$1 - $4/hr
Gas line certification required
Overtime and Emergency Income
Journeyman plumbers who take on emergency and weekend work can add $10,000 to $20,000 per year to their base income.
Emergency Call-Out Fee
$100 - $250 flat
Plus hourly at 1.5x to 2x standard rate
Weekend Rate
1.5x base hourly
Saturday and Sunday shifts
Holiday Rate
2x to 3x base hourly
Federal holidays, peak demand periods
On-Call Pay
$50 - $150/week
For being available, before any calls
From Journeyman to Master Plumber
The journeyman license is the foundation, not the ceiling. Most plumbers who want to earn at the top of the range, or start their own business, pursue the master plumber license.
Journeyman Experience Required
2 to 5 years
Varies by state. Some require 2 years (Florida); others require 5 years (Texas). Most fall in the 3 to 4 year range.
Master Exam Focus
Code + Business
Advanced plumbing code, system design, bidding, business law, and state-specific requirements. Pass rates typically 50 to 70 percent on first attempt.
Pay Impact
+$10k - $40k/yr
As an employee, master-level pay is $72k to $105k. As a business owner, the ceiling removes itself. See master plumber salary.