Ponce vs San Juan: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Ponce, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponce, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $30,438 | $33,114▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.63 | $15.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,390 | $25,148▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $24,523 | $29,854▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $33,534 | $37,922▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,115▲ | $50,829 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 800▲ |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between Ponce and San Juan is $2,676 (8.79%). San Juan's median is -49.37% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponce spans $43,725,San Juan spans $25,681. Ponce has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,115)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,114/year)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Ponce grew 55.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 59.0% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Ponce, PR
$19,050 (2019) → $29,690 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$20,320 (2019) → $32,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Ponce or San Juan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ponce and San Juan?
Should I relocate from Ponce to San Juan as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Ponce vs San Juan?
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