Bremerton vs Des Moines: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Bremerton, WA and Des Moines, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bremerton, WA | Des Moines, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,051▲ | $81,288 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.90▲ | $39.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,216▲ | $57,472 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,208▲ | $64,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,968 | $104,049▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,868 | $125,997▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Bremerton, WA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Bremerton and Des Moines is $3,763 (4.63%). Bremerton's median is +30.03% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bremerton spans $45,652,Des Moines spans $68,525. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bremerton ($80,535 effective) pays 6.41% more than Des Moines ($75,687 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bremerton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,051/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,535)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,997)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Bremerton grew 44.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Bremerton, WA
$57,280 (2019) → $82,960 (2025)
Des Moines, WA
$87,254 (2024) → $79,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bremerton, WA
Des Moines, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Bremerton or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bremerton and Des Moines?
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What do entry-level plumbers earn in Bremerton vs Des Moines?
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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.
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