Plumber: career path and pay in the US
Where a Plumber goes next, what each step typically pays in the United States, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 4 steps, from Apprentice Plumber to Plumbing Contractor / Business Owner.
Also for the United Kingdom: Plumber in the UK
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 2 years
Apprentice Plumber
$35K to $55K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Apprenticeship Program (in progress) - US/UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification (required) - Global.
Step 2 · 2 to 5 years
Journeyman Plumber
$50K to $75K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Journeyman Plumber License - US, NVQ Level 3 Plumbing - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global.
Step 3 · 5 to 10 years
Master Plumber / Plumbing Supervisor
$130K to $200K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Master Plumber License - US, NVQ Level 4 Plumbing - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global, Business License (optional) - Global.
Step 4 · 10+ years
Plumbing Contractor / Business Owner
$150K to $220K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Master Plumber License - US, NVQ Level 4 Plumbing - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global, Business License - Global.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
24% → 24%
Stays level across the path. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
$35K to $55K → $150K to $220K
US estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US. Indeed publishes a hourly average for Apprentice Plumber ($21.14); this band converts it at 40 hours a week. Indeed publishes a hourly average for Plumber ($30.68); this band converts it at 40 hours a week. The published figure for Plumbing Contractor sat below the previous step, so this band is set 12% above it.
What the work involves
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Design
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
Education people bring
- Post-Secondary Certificate: 43%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED): 35%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree: 9%
Job Zone 3, job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Other paths from here
More Skilled Trades paths in the US
Related occupations in O*NET: Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Boilermakers, Pipelayers, Maintenance and Repair Workers, General, Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners.
Your own role
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SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US, US national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to $5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.