Plumber Salary

Harrisburg vs Hazleton: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Hazleton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Harrisburg, PA
$75,414
$36.25/hr
Hazleton, PA
$61,842
$29.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHarrisburg, PAHazleton, PA
Median Salary$75,414$61,842
Hourly Rate$36.25$29.73
Entry Level (P10)$49,292$41,846
25th Percentile$61,830$51,015
75th Percentile$96,830$79,158
Top Earner (P90)$107,267$95,855
Total Employed9507
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Harrisburg ($75,414) and Hazleton ($61,842) plumber salaries.HarrisburgHazletonMedian Salary$75,414$61,842Entry Level (P10)$49,292$41,846Top Earner (P90)$107,267$95,855US Median $65,408

Verdict

Harrisburg, PA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hazleton.

The salary gap between Harrisburg and Hazleton is $13,572 (21.95%). Harrisburg's median is +15.30% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $57,975,Hazleton spans $54,009. Harrisburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Harrisburg
P10 (Entry)$49,292
P25$61,830
Median$75,414
P75$96,830
P90 (Top)$107,267
Hazleton
P10 (Entry)$41,846
P25$51,015
Median$61,842
P75$79,158
P90 (Top)$95,855

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Harrisburg ($76,446 effective) pays 20.40% more than Hazleton ($63,493 effective).

Harrisburg
Nominal: $75,414
CoL Index: 98.65
Adjusted: $76,446
Hazleton
Nominal: $61,842
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $63,493

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Harrisburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,414/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,267)
  • Larger job market (950 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,446)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Hazleton if…

  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Harrisburg grew 45.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.8% growth in Hazleton over the same period.

Harrisburg, PA

+45.7%

$50,470 (2019) → $73,560 (2025)

Hazleton, PA

+-8.8%

$66,164 (2024) → $60,322 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Harrisburg or Hazleton?

Harrisburg has a higher median plumber salary at $75,414/year, compared to Hazleton at $61,842/year — a difference of $13,572 (21.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Hazleton?

Harrisburg plumbers earn $36.25/hr while Hazleton hygienists earn $29.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Hazleton as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Harrisburg and Hazleton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Harrisburg = $76,446, Hazleton = $63,493), job availability (950 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Harrisburg vs Hazleton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $49,292 in Harrisburg and $41,846 in Hazleton. The Harrisburg area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

ST

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