You’ve probably heard the jokes about the plumber who charges more than a brain surgeon just to show up on a Saturday morning. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, the reality of what a licensed professional pulls in is actually pretty impressive. If you’re looking at the trades, the big question is always: how much do journeyman plumbers make in the current 2026 market?
Honestly, the answer isn’t a single number you can just circle on a map.
It’s a mix of where you live, whether you’ve got a union card in your pocket, and if you’re willing to take the "on-call" shifts that nobody else wants. Most data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and hiring platforms like ZipRecruiter or Talent.com suggest the average is hovering somewhere between $69,000 and $76,000 a year.
But that’s just the baseline.
The Reality of the Paycheck
In 2026, the national average for a journeyman plumber sits at roughly $34 to $36 per hour. If you’re just looking at the base hourly rate, it looks like a solid middle-class living. However, the "total package" is where things get interesting.
Geography is Everything
Where you park your van matters more than almost any other factor. Take Washington State, for instance. A journeyman there is looking at an average annual salary of about $78,968, which is nearly 13% above the national average. Contrast that with Florida, where the average drops significantly to around $52,103.
Why the massive gap?
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It’s not just about the cost of living—it’s about demand and regulation. States with stricter licensing requirements and strong union presence tend to see higher wages.
States where the money is best right now:
- Washington: $78,968
- New York: $76,279
- Massachusetts: $76,146
- Oregon: $73,717
On the flip side, if you're working in West Virginia or Arkansas, you might find yourself closer to the $54,000 to $57,000 range. It sounds lower, sure, but your mortgage in Little Rock is a fraction of what it would be in Seattle.
Union vs. Non-Union: The 40% Difference
This is the part most career brochures gloss over. According to recent 2026 industry data from LumberFi and union reports, there is a massive "union premium" in the plumbing world.
Union journeymen often earn a base wage of $33.86 per hour, while their non-union counterparts average closer to $25.16. When you add in benefits—health insurance, pensions, and annuity contributions—the gap becomes a canyon. The total compensation for a union plumber can reach $56.12 per hour (roughly $116,730 annually), compared to **$40.27** for non-union.
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That's a 39% difference in total value.
Of course, being non-union has its perks too. You aren't paying dues, you can often negotiate your own raises based on performance, and you might have more flexibility to jump into high-commission service roles. In service and repair, a "hungry" plumber who is good at sales can sometimes out-earn a union guy on a commercial construction site by racking up commissions on water heater installs and emergency repipes.
The "Overtime" Variable
Let’s be real: no plumber works exactly 40 hours.
If you're willing to handle the 2:00 AM burst pipe or the Christmas Day sewer backup, your "how much do journeyman plumbers make" math changes instantly. Overtime is usually paid at time-and-a-half or double-time. It’s not uncommon for a hardworking journeyman in a high-demand city like Chicago or San Jose to clear $100,000 once you factor in those extra hours and emergency call-out bonuses.
Why the Numbers are Climbing in 2026
We are currently in a "perfect storm" for trade wages. The "Silver Tsunami" isn't just a catchy phrase; it’s a reality where experienced master plumbers are retiring faster than apprentices are coming up.
Basically, there’s a shortage.
When there aren't enough people to fix the pipes, the people who can do it get to charge a premium. We're also seeing more complex systems. Today’s journeyman isn't just gluing PVC; they’re dealing with smart home integrations, greywater recycling systems, and high-efficiency heat pump water heaters.
Certifications that Bump Your Pay
If you want to move the needle on your salary, you need to specialize. Basic license? Cool. But if you add these to your resume, you can often command an extra $5,000 to $15,000 a year:
- Medical Gas Certification: Essential for hospital work.
- Backflow Prevention: A steady stream of recurring inspection work.
- Refinery or Industrial Certs: Dangerous, but very high-paying.
- Tankless Water Heater Specialist: High-demand residential service.
Cost of Living Adjustments
You have to look at "Real Wages." A study by Construction Coverage found that after adjusting for the cost of living, plumbers in Illinois actually have the highest buying power, with an adjusted median wage of $97,314.
Meanwhile, plumbers in California might see a high raw number on their check, but after they pay for gas, groceries, and a $3,000-a-month apartment, their "adjusted" wage drops significantly.
The Career Path
- Apprentice: Usually starts at $42,000 - $46,000. You’re learning. You’re the one carrying the heavy tools.
- Journeyman: This is the sweet spot. You work independently. You make the $70k+ average.
- Master Plumber: You can pull permits and start your own business. Salaries here can easily exceed $90,000, and if you own the company, the sky is the limit.
Actionable Steps to Maximize Your Earnings
If you're already a journeyman or looking to become one, don't just settle for the local average.
First, evaluate your market. If you’re in a low-paying state like Florida or Georgia, look at the metropolitan hubs. Cities like Atlanta or Miami pay significantly better than the rural outskirts.
Second, look into the union. Even if you prefer the non-union lifestyle, knowing what the local UA (United Association) scale is gives you leverage when negotiating with your boss.
Third, get specialized. Don't just be the "clogged toilet" guy. Learn the technical side of commercial boilers or medical gas. The rarer your skill, the higher your bill.
Finally, track your "total package." Don't just look at the hourly rate. A job paying $32/hour with a 401k match and 100% paid health insurance is often worth more than a $38/hour job with zero benefits.
The bottom line? The money is there. You just have to be smart about where you go and what you know.