Plumber Salary

Lansing vs Southfield: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Lansing, MI and Southfield, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$80,160
$38.54/hr
Southfield, MI
$79,967
$38.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MISouthfield, MI
Median Salary$80,160$79,967
Hourly Rate$38.54$38.44
Entry Level (P10)$45,304$53,295
25th Percentile$54,715$60,839
75th Percentile$95,702$102,357
Top Earner (P90)$100,203$123,949
Total Employed65019
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($80,160) and Southfield ($79,967) plumber salaries.LansingSouthfieldMedian Salary$80,160$79,967Entry Level (P10)$45,304$53,295Top Earner (P90)$100,203$123,949US Median $65,408

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Southfield.

The salary gap between Lansing and Southfield is $193 (0.24%). Lansing's median is +22.55% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $54,899,Southfield spans $70,654. Southfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$45,304
P25$54,715
Median$80,160
P75$95,702
P90 (Top)$100,203
Southfield
P10 (Entry)$53,295
P25$60,839
Median$79,967
P75$102,357
P90 (Top)$123,949

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Southfield ($85,802 effective) pays 1.68% more than Lansing ($84,387 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $80,160
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $84,387
Southfield
Nominal: $79,967
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $85,802

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,160/year)
  • Larger job market (650 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Southfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($123,949)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,802)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Lansing grew 12.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Southfield over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+12.3%

$69,610 (2019) → $78,190 (2025)

Southfield, MI

+19.9%

$65,066 (2024) → $78,001 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Lansing or Southfield?

Lansing has a higher median plumber salary at $80,160/year, compared to Southfield at $79,967/year — a difference of $193 (0.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Southfield?

Lansing plumbers earn $38.54/hr while Southfield hygienists earn $38.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Southfield as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Southfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $84,387, Southfield = $85,802), job availability (650 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Lansing vs Southfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $45,304 in Lansing and $53,295 in Southfield. The Southfield 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