Plumber Salary

Austin vs Kingsville: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Austin, TX and Kingsville, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$64,393
$30.96/hr
Kingsville, TX
$53,342
$25.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXKingsville, TX
Median Salary$64,393$53,342
Hourly Rate$30.96$25.64
Entry Level (P10)$41,838$39,353
25th Percentile$49,989$43,161
75th Percentile$81,719$68,278
Top Earner (P90)$82,959$82,680
Total Employed5,2605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($64,393) and Kingsville ($53,342) plumber salaries.AustinKingsvilleMedian Salary$64,393$53,342Entry Level (P10)$41,838$39,353Top Earner (P90)$82,959$82,680US Median $65,408

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingsville.

The salary gap between Austin and Kingsville is $11,051 (20.72%). Austin's median is -1.55% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $41,121,Kingsville spans $43,327. Kingsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$41,838
P25$49,989
Median$64,393
P75$81,719
P90 (Top)$82,959
Kingsville
P10 (Entry)$39,353
P25$43,161
Median$53,342
P75$68,278
P90 (Top)$82,680

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($65,663 effective) pays 18.17% more than Kingsville ($55,565 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $64,393
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $65,663
Kingsville
Nominal: $53,342
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $55,565

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,393/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,959)
  • Larger job market (5,260 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,663)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Kingsville if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Austin grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.4% growth in Kingsville over the same period.

Austin, TX

+19.0%

$52,780 (2019) → $62,810 (2025)

Kingsville, TX

+-2.4%

$53,333 (2024) → $52,031 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Austin or Kingsville?

Austin has a higher median plumber salary at $64,393/year, compared to Kingsville at $53,342/year — a difference of $11,051 (20.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Kingsville?

Austin plumbers earn $30.96/hr while Kingsville hygienists earn $25.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Kingsville as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Kingsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $65,663, Kingsville = $55,565), job availability (5,260 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Austin vs Kingsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $41,838 in Austin and $39,353 in Kingsville. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP

Career Analyst

Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov