Highest Paying States for Journeyman Plumber License in 2026
In 2026, the average salary for a journeyman plumber across the United States stands at $64,205, with a national median of $68,090. This data indicates a significant variance in pay depending on geographic location, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local demand for plumbing services, and union presence.
Top 5 Highest Paying States
Illinois leads with an impressive annual salary of $94,500, largely due to Chicago's high cost of living and strong union influence. Massachusetts follows with $91,380, supported by high standards of living and robust demand in urban areas like Boston. The District of Columbia offers $84,470, where government and commercial projects boost demand. Oregon and Alaska, with salaries of $82,840 and $81,670 respectively, see high wages due to remote locations and the specialized nature of plumbing jobs required in these regions.
5 Lowest Paying States
Arkansas, the lowest payer, offers $47,460, reflecting its lower cost of living. Similar economic conditions influence wages in Florida ($49,280), West Virginia ($50,270), North Carolina ($50,420), and South Carolina ($50,640), where the cost of living and demand for plumbing are comparatively lower.
What Affects Journeyman Plumber License Salary?
Factors influencing a journeyman plumber's salary include years of experience, work setting (residential vs. commercial), and specializations such as gas fitting or steam fitting. Additionally, overtime can significantly boost earnings, especially in states with higher hourly rates.
Salary Comparison Table
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the median annual and hourly wages for journeyman plumbers across all states in 2026.
| State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $94,500 | $45.43 |
| Massachusetts | $91,380 | $43.93 |
| District of Columbia | $84,470 | $40.61 |
| Oregon | $82,840 | $39.83 |
| Alaska | $81,670 | $39.26 |
| Minnesota | $79,930 | $38.43 |
| New Jersey | $78,450 | $37.72 |
| New York | $78,210 | $37.60 |
| Montana | $77,520 | $37.27 |
| Wisconsin | $76,660 | $36.86 |
| Washington | $76,170 | $36.62 |
| Rhode Island | $75,580 | $36.34 |
| Hawaii | $74,090 | $35.62 |
| Michigan | $72,690 | $34.95 |
| Ohio | $65,040 | $31.27 |
| Indiana | $64,900 | $31.20 |
| Connecticut | $64,560 | $31.04 |
| Missouri | $63,420 | $30.49 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,160 | $30.37 |
| Delaware | $63,000 | $30.29 |
| California | $62,990 | $30.28 |
| Louisiana | $62,540 | $30.07 |
| North Dakota | $62,280 | $29.94 |
| Iowa | $62,080 | $29.85 |
| Maryland | $62,020 | $29.82 |
| Colorado | $61,880 | $29.75 |
| New Hampshire | $61,650 | $29.64 |
| Maine | $61,580 | $29.61 |
| Idaho | $61,190 | $29.42 |
| Nebraska | $60,820 | $29.24 |
| Nevada | $60,580 | $29.13 |
| Kentucky | $60,550 | $29.11 |
| Kansas | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| Vermont | $59,460 | $28.58 |
| Utah | $59,410 | $28.56 |
| Virginia | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| Georgia | $57,550 | $27.67 |
| Texas | $57,250 | $27.52 |
| Wyoming | $57,070 | $27.44 |
| Arizona | $56,880 | $27.35 |
| Oklahoma | $54,660 | $26.28 |
| Mississippi | $54,020 | $25.97 |
| South Dakota | $51,990 | $25.00 |
| New Mexico | $50,920 | $24.48 |
| Tennessee | $50,920 | $24.48 |
| Alabama | $50,680 | $24.37 |
| South Carolina | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| North Carolina | $50,420 | $24.24 |
| West Virginia | $50,270 | $24.17 |
| Florida | $49,280 | $23.69 |
| Arkansas | $47,460 | $22.82 |
Regional Patterns
The Northeast and West Coast generally offer higher salaries, attributed to higher living costs and stringent licensing requirements. In contrast, the South and Midwest often feature lower wages, correlating with a lower cost of living and differing economic conditions.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
To maximize earnings, plumbers should consider gaining specialized certifications, pursuing continuous education, and seeking employment in higher-paying states. Networking within the industry and joining trade unions can also lead to higher wages and better job opportunities.
Bottom Line
Understanding the factors that influence journeyman plumber salaries can help professionals strategically plan their careers for maximum earning potential.
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CredentialGuide Editorial Team
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