Federal Way vs Seattle: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,306 | $97,630▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.09 | $46.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,237▲ | $53,239 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,544 | $63,603▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,071 | $129,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,024 | $157,368▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 6,350▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Seattle is $16,324 (20.08%). Seattle's median is +49.26% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $69,787,Seattle spans $104,129. Seattle 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, Seattle ($87,850 effective) pays 16.04% more than Federal Way ($75,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,630/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,368)
- ✓Larger job market (6,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,850)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Federal Way grew -9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$87,273 (2024) → $79,307 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$79,050 (2019) → $95,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Federal Way or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Seattle as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Federal Way vs Seattle?
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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