Harrisburg vs Philadelphia: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,414 | $76,746▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.25 | $36.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,292 | $49,620▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,830 | $62,435▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,830 | $106,385▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,267 | $145,794▲ |
| Total Employed | 950 | 7,150▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Philadelphia is $1,332 (1.77%). Philadelphia's median is +17.33% 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,Philadelphia spans $96,174. Philadelphia 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, Harrisburg ($76,446 effective) pays 2.15% more than Philadelphia ($74,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,446)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,746/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,794)
- ✓Larger job market (7,150 employed)
- ✓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 28.8% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$50,470 (2019) → $73,560 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$58,110 (2019) → $74,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Harrisburg or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Philadelphia as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Harrisburg vs Philadelphia?
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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