Plumber Salary

Kennewick vs Kent: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Kennewick, WA and Kent, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kennewick, WA
$99,578
$47.88/hr
Kent, WA
$81,902
$39.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKennewick, WAKent, WA
Median Salary$99,578$81,902
Hourly Rate$47.88$39.38
Entry Level (P10)$48,923$57,575
25th Percentile$62,158$64,711
75th Percentile$130,416$104,835
Top Earner (P90)$149,556$126,948
Total Employed84033
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kennewick ($99,578) and Kent ($81,902) plumber salaries.KennewickKentMedian Salary$99,578$81,902Entry Level (P10)$48,923$57,575Top Earner (P90)$149,556$126,948US Median $65,408

Verdict

Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kent.

The salary gap between Kennewick and Kent is $17,676 (21.58%). Kennewick's median is +52.24% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $100,633,Kent spans $69,373. Kennewick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kennewick
P10 (Entry)$48,923
P25$62,158
Median$99,578
P75$130,416
P90 (Top)$149,556
Kent
P10 (Entry)$57,575
P25$64,711
Median$81,902
P75$104,835
P90 (Top)$126,948

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($99,499 effective) pays 30.48% more than Kent ($76,259 effective).

Kennewick
Nominal: $99,578
CoL Index: 100.079
Adjusted: $99,499
Kent
Nominal: $81,902
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $76,259

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kennewick if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,578/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($149,556)
  • Larger job market (840 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,499)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Kent if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Kennewick grew 15.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Kent over the same period.

Kennewick, WA

+15.1%

$84,360 (2019) → $97,130 (2025)

Kent, WA

+-9.1%

$87,913 (2024) → $79,889 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Kennewick or Kent?

Kennewick has a higher median plumber salary at $99,578/year, compared to Kent at $81,902/year — a difference of $17,676 (21.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Kent?

Kennewick plumbers earn $47.88/hr while Kent hygienists earn $39.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kennewick to Kent as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kennewick and Kent. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kennewick = $99,499, Kent = $76,259), job availability (840 vs 33 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Kennewick vs Kent?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $48,923 in Kennewick and $57,575 in Kent. The Kent area offers higher starting salaries.

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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