Plumber Salary

Detroit vs Port Huron: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Detroit, MI and Port Huron, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$88,547
$42.58/hr
Port Huron, MI
$79,216
$38.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIPort Huron, MI
Median Salary$88,547$79,216
Hourly Rate$42.58$38.09
Entry Level (P10)$49,466$55,965
25th Percentile$62,732$62,267
75th Percentile$102,161$101,396
Top Earner (P90)$110,496$122,785
Total Employed5,5206
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($88,547) and Port Huron ($79,216) plumber salaries.DetroitPort HuronMedian Salary$88,547$79,216Entry Level (P10)$49,466$55,965Top Earner (P90)$110,496$122,785US Median $65,408

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Huron.

The salary gap between Detroit and Port Huron is $9,331 (11.78%). Detroit's median is +35.38% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $61,030,Port Huron spans $66,820. Port Huron has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$49,466
P25$62,732
Median$88,547
P75$102,161
P90 (Top)$110,496
Port Huron
P10 (Entry)$55,965
P25$62,267
Median$79,216
P75$101,396
P90 (Top)$122,785

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($88,284 effective) pays 3.87% more than Port Huron ($84,996 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $88,547
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $88,284
Port Huron
Nominal: $79,216
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $84,996

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,547/year)
  • Larger job market (5,520 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,284)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Port Huron if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($122,785)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Detroit grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Port Huron over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+18.7%

$72,740 (2019) → $86,370 (2025)

Port Huron, MI

+19.9%

$64,455 (2024) → $77,269 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Detroit or Port Huron?

Detroit has a higher median plumber salary at $88,547/year, compared to Port Huron at $79,216/year — a difference of $9,331 (11.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Port Huron?

Detroit plumbers earn $42.58/hr while Port Huron hygienists earn $38.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Port Huron as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Port Huron. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $88,284, Port Huron = $84,996), job availability (5,520 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Detroit vs Port Huron?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $49,466 in Detroit and $55,965 in Port Huron. The Port Huron 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