What is the highest paid type of plumber?

Author: Prof. Stephon Bednar MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Plumbers who are experienced in commercial plumbing and industrial piping tend to make the highest salaries. In addition, plumbers with expertise in underground pipe installation, backflow prevention, and water line installation can command higher wages than those who focus on residential projects.

Which type of plumbing makes the most money?

The best Plumbing jobs can pay up to $107,000 per year.

These are typically for industrial operations, such as at manufacturing or power plants or gas pipelines. Steamfitters perform similar jobs, installing, maintaining and repairing piping that carries steam or other pressurized materials.

Can you make $100,000 as a plumber?

You can definitely make $100k plus a year in industrial and commercial plumbing and pipe fitting, especially once you've completed your apprenticeship.

Can a plumber make 200k a year?

Our Plumbing Service Tech - Residential Plumber earns top pay of up to $200,000 per year, depending on work experience. The typical work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday with some weekends…

What is the highest level of plumber?

A master plumber is the highest level of expertise in plumbing. They've advanced from the rank of a journeyman after rigorous training and practical experience. These experts excel in installing, repairing, and maintaining intricate water systems.

How to Be a Millionaire on a Low Salary

Can plumbers make 6 figures?

You must spend four years as a plumbing apprentice to become a journeyman, earning an average of $81,000 annually. It takes two additional years of training to become a master plumber and command an average of $102,350 annually.

What is the richest plumber?

Charlie Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, made a fortune by building a business, which he originally started in his basement, worth £140m which he sold in 2021, as per ExpressUK. He has been enjoying life since selling the company.

Can you be a millionaire plumber?

Private equity firms have purchased nearly 800 skilled trade companies since 2022. Wall Street Journal reporter Te-Ping Chen joins me. Te-Ping, some plumbers and HVAC workers are becoming millionaires as a result of private equity buying their businesses.

Is plumbing the highest paid trade?

The highest paying skilled trades include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, aircraft mechanics, and welders. Specializations and regional demand significantly influence their earning potential, with experienced professionals often commanding top salaries.

What is a master plumber?

A master plumber, or plumbing contractor, is a professional tradesperson at the highest level in plumbing. They're journey-level plumbers who pass their state-level exam after working for a set amount of time. Like regular plumbers, master plumbers install and maintain pipes.

Do plumbers make more than electricians?

Salary and job outlook

On average, plumbers make $55,600 per year , only slightly less than electricians. Similarly, their salary can vary based on their location, employer and level of experience.

What job makes the most money?

Highest paying jobs in the USA
  • Corporate Executives (CEO, CFO, etc.) ...
  • Dentists. ...
  • Pharmacists. ...
  • IT Managers and Software Engineers. ...
  • Lawyers and Judges. ...
  • Airline Pilots. ...
  • Marketing Managers. ...
  • Data Scientists. With the increasing reliance on data to drive business decisions, data scientists have become highly sought after.

Which state pays plumbers the most?

Best-Paying States for Plumbers

The states and districts that pay Plumbers the highest mean salary are New Jersey ($97,690), Massachusetts ($89,140), Illinois ($88,420), Oregon ($85,680), and New York ($84,890). How Much Do Plumbers Make in Your City? See current salary offers for jobs in your field.

What trade makes the most money?

Top 10 Highest Paying Trades
  • Construction Managers. ...
  • Aircraft Mechanic and Technician. ...
  • Dental Hygienists. ...
  • Cable Technician. ...
  • Industrial Mechanic. Median Annual Salary: $69,637.
  • Solar Installer. Median Annual Salary: $69,422.
  • Property Appraisers and Assessors. Median Annual Salary: $64,075.
  • Electricians. Median Annual Salary: $62,739.

What type of plumbing is best?

PVC can last even longer than steel or copper, which are some of the most durable metals for plumbing pipes. Ability to handle pressure: PVC can withstand high water pressure, which makes it an excellent choice for the main supply line in your home.

Who gets paid more, carpenters or plumbers?

The average annual salary for a carpenter according to Indeed Salaries is $53,184 , while the average annual salary for a plumber can vary depending on experience and ranges from $39,464 to $50,899 .

What pays more, HVAC or plumbing?

HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician salary comparison

As you can see, electricians and plumbers are nearly identical in terms of salary while HVAC technicians make around $10,000 less.

What is the highest paying blue collar job?

The Highest-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs of 2025
  • Elevator technicians.
  • Power plant operators.
  • Electrical power-line installers and repairers.
  • Aircraft mechanics and technicians.
  • Railroad workers.
  • Boilermakers.
  • Construction and building inspectors.
  • Stationary engineers and boiler operators.

What is the fastest trade to learn?

Below, we've listed 10 of the fastest trade jobs to learn.
  1. HVAC Technician. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians install and repair HVAC systems. ...
  2. Plumber. ...
  3. Electrician. ...
  4. Truck Driver. ...
  5. Welder. ...
  6. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) ...
  7. Medical Assistant. ...
  8. Dental Assistant.

Can you make over 100k as a plumber?

Plumbers can expect to earn anywhere from $29,500 on the low end to $100,000 on the high end.

Is plumbing hard on the body?

The career is physically demanding

While this helps them to stay active, the physical demands can take a toll on the body especially for those who have health issues.

How to get rich as a plumber?

Ways to earn more as a plumber
  1. Become a journeyperson. After you become a licensed plumber and complete an apprenticeship , you can pursue the journeyperson career path. ...
  2. Find a specialization. ...
  3. Pursue being a master plumber. ...
  4. Continue developing your skills.

Why are plumbers so highly paid?

Plumbers are compensated for their expertise, training, and the essential nature of their work. Additionally, the costs of tools, certifications, and emergency availability contribute to the price.

Who is the world's most famous plumber?

This list of the five most famous should serve as a reminder.
  1. Mario & Luigi.
  2. Michael Flatley. ...
  3. Harry Patch. ...
  4. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher (aka Joe the Plumber) In 2008, Mr. ...
  5. Thomas Crapper. Born in London in the mid-1900s, Thomas Crapper may be best known by tourists who seek out the manholes which bear his name. ...

What country do plumbers make the most money?

In America, the plumber appears to have taken home the highest wage, with an annual salary of $101,810 (£80,228), based on the highest paying cities in America.

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