Newport News vs Roanoke: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Newport News, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,385▲ | $53,003 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.07▲ | $25.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,673▲ | $39,234 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,785▲ | $46,647 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,733▲ | $62,958 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,497▲ | $73,681 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Newport News, VA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Newport News and Roanoke is $5,382 (10.15%). Newport News's median is -10.74% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $48,824,Roanoke spans $34,447. Newport News has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($56,616 effective) pays 0.07% more than Newport News ($56,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,385/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,497)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,616)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Newport News grew -8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$62,402 (2024) → $56,950 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$40,620 (2019) → $51,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Newport News or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newport News and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Newport News to Roanoke as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Newport News vs Roanoke?
Related Comparisons
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