Plumber Salary

Boston vs Dartmouth: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Boston, MA and Dartmouth, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$99,198
$47.69/hr
Dartmouth, MA
$82,002
$39.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MADartmouth, MA
Median Salary$99,198$82,002
Hourly Rate$47.69$39.42
Entry Level (P10)$53,587$55,995
25th Percentile$64,219$63,025
75th Percentile$120,871$104,962
Top Earner (P90)$147,578$127,102
Total Employed9,2005
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($99,198) and Dartmouth ($82,002) plumber salaries.BostonDartmouthMedian Salary$99,198$82,002Entry Level (P10)$53,587$55,995Top Earner (P90)$147,578$127,102US Median $65,408

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dartmouth.

The salary gap between Boston and Dartmouth is $17,196 (20.97%). Boston's median is +51.66% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $93,991,Dartmouth spans $71,107. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$53,587
P25$64,219
Median$99,198
P75$120,871
P90 (Top)$147,578
Dartmouth
P10 (Entry)$55,995
P25$63,025
Median$82,002
P75$104,962
P90 (Top)$127,102

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($91,624 effective) pays 21.23% more than Dartmouth ($75,578 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $99,198
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $91,624
Dartmouth
Nominal: $82,002
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $75,578

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,198/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($147,578)
  • Larger job market (9,200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,624)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Dartmouth if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Boston grew 37.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Dartmouth over the same period.

Boston, MA

+37.9%

$70,170 (2019) → $96,760 (2025)

Dartmouth, MA

+-7.7%

$86,663 (2024) → $79,986 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Boston or Dartmouth?

Boston has a higher median plumber salary at $99,198/year, compared to Dartmouth at $82,002/year — a difference of $17,196 (20.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Dartmouth?

Boston plumbers earn $47.69/hr while Dartmouth hygienists earn $39.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Dartmouth as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Dartmouth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $91,624, Dartmouth = $75,578), job availability (9,200 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Boston vs Dartmouth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $53,587 in Boston and $55,995 in Dartmouth. The Dartmouth 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