Cleveland vs Akron: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Cleveland, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,608 | $65,049▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.06 | $31.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,498▲ | $45,908 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,783▲ | $50,235 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,174▲ | $84,723 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,771▲ | $102,223 |
| Total Employed | 3,040▲ | 1,070 |
Verdict
Cleveland and Akron are closely matched on overall plumber compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Akron is $441 (0.68%). Akron's median is -0.55% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $56,273,Akron spans $56,315. Akron 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, Akron ($69,668 effective) pays 1.28% more than Cleveland ($68,788 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,771)
- ✓Larger job market (3,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,049/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,668)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Cleveland grew -5.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Akron over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$66,600 (2019) → $63,020 (2025)
Akron, OH
$56,130 (2019) → $63,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Cleveland or Akron?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Akron?
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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