Plumber Salary

Bridgewater vs Trenton: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Bridgewater, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgewater, NJ
$74,204
$35.68/hr
Trenton, NJ
$78,284
$37.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgewater, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$74,204$78,284
Hourly Rate$35.68$37.64
Entry Level (P10)$51,709$51,711
25th Percentile$58,030$61,686
75th Percentile$94,981$109,040
Top Earner (P90)$115,016$130,508
Total Employed10280
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgewater ($74,204) and Trenton ($78,284) plumber salaries.BridgewaterTrentonMedian Salary$74,204$78,284Entry Level (P10)$51,709$51,711Top Earner (P90)$115,016$130,508US Median $65,408

Verdict

Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bridgewater.

The salary gap between Bridgewater and Trenton is $4,080 (5.50%). Trenton's median is +19.69% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgewater spans $63,307,Trenton spans $78,797. Trenton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.

Bridgewater
P10 (Entry)$51,709
P25$58,030
Median$74,204
P75$94,981
P90 (Top)$115,016
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$51,711
P25$61,686
Median$78,284
P75$109,040
P90 (Top)$130,508

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($75,871 effective) pays 17.79% more than Bridgewater ($64,413 effective).

Bridgewater
Nominal: $74,204
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $64,413
Trenton
Nominal: $78,284
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $75,871

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bridgewater if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,284/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($130,508)
  • Larger job market (280 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,871)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Bridgewater grew -22.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Bridgewater, NJ

+-22.2%

$93,027 (2024) → $72,380 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+-9.5%

$84,420 (2019) → $76,360 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Bridgewater or Trenton?

Trenton has a higher median plumber salary at $78,284/year, compared to Bridgewater at $74,204/year — a difference of $4,080 (5.50%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgewater and Trenton?

Bridgewater plumbers earn $35.68/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $37.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgewater to Trenton as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgewater and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgewater = $64,413, Trenton = $75,871), job availability (10 vs 280 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Bridgewater vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $51,709 in Bridgewater and $51,711 in Trenton. The Trenton area offers higher starting salaries.
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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