Plumber Salary

Cincinnati vs Middletown: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Middletown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cincinnati, OH
$66,802
$32.12/hr
Middletown, OH
$63,995
$30.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHMiddletown, OH
Median Salary$66,802$63,995
Hourly Rate$32.12$30.77
Entry Level (P10)$48,010$45,558
25th Percentile$51,557$50,558
75th Percentile$86,875$81,913
Top Earner (P90)$104,365$99,192
Total Employed3,6409
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($66,802) and Middletown ($63,995) plumber salaries.CincinnatiMiddletownMedian Salary$66,802$63,995Entry Level (P10)$48,010$45,558Top Earner (P90)$104,365$99,192US Median $65,408

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Middletown is $2,807 (4.39%). Cincinnati's median is +2.13% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $56,355,Middletown spans $53,634. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$48,010
P25$51,557
Median$66,802
P75$86,875
P90 (Top)$104,365
Middletown
P10 (Entry)$45,558
P25$50,558
Median$63,995
P75$81,913
P90 (Top)$99,192

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Middletown ($70,557 effective) pays 0.73% more than Cincinnati ($70,045 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $66,802
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $70,045
Middletown
Nominal: $63,995
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $70,557

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cincinnati if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,802/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,365)
  • Larger job market (3,640 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Middletown if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,557)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Cincinnati grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in Middletown over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+23.0%

$52,970 (2019) → $65,160 (2025)

Middletown, OH

+5.2%

$59,332 (2024) → $62,422 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Cincinnati or Middletown?

Cincinnati has a higher median plumber salary at $66,802/year, compared to Middletown at $63,995/year — a difference of $2,807 (4.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Middletown?

Cincinnati plumbers earn $32.12/hr while Middletown hygienists earn $30.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Middletown as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Middletown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $70,045, Middletown = $70,557), job availability (3,640 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Cincinnati vs Middletown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $48,010 in Cincinnati and $45,558 in Middletown. The Cincinnati 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