Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Lewiston, ID: $39,357 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Lewiston, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,357 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lewiston's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,174 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,632) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lewiston, ID, new graduates entering the plumbing field can expect a starting plumber salary of around $39,357 annually in 2026. This initial pay is quite a bit lower than the city’s median annual salary for plumbers, which sits at $56,632, indicating a considerable gap that new entrants should be prepared to bridge over the next few years. As they gain experience and additional certifications, such as pursuing a journeyman's or master plumber license, salaries can rise significantly. Entry-level plumbers can realistically anticipate growth to approximately $47,692 within the first few years, which highlights a steady ascent in earnings potential given the local demand for skilled trades. Considering these figures, Lewiston presents a favorable market for new graduates since the region is experiencing ongoing infrastructure upgrades and an aging workforce, leading to sustainable job opportunities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lewiston
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lewiston
Entry-level plumbers in Lewiston, ID typically start between $39,357 and $47,692 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,820 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,632 — 13.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Idaho of $8,000 represents just 20.33% of the starting plumber pay ($39,357/year) in Lewiston. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Lewiston
- 1Research the Lewiston market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $39,357 to $47,692, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lewiston, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Lewiston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lewiston's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Lewiston is $72,820 ( 185.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,357, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,177.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,720
2025 BLS Actual
$38,390
2026 Current Est.
$39,357
2019–2027 Growth
+16.2%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,357 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,349 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Lewiston, ID grew 10.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,720 in 2019 to $38,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,349. New graduates entering the Lewiston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Lewiston
Various employers in Lewiston are actively seeking new plumbing talent, including the UA Local apprenticeship programs, which typically accept candidates through a formal application and testing process for their extensive 4-5 year training periods. Non-union contractors often provide on-the-job training, while larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS usually hire licensed journeymen offering commission-based pay structures, leading to variable yet potentially lucrative incomes. For those looking to expedite their earning potential, obtaining additional credentials can be a game-changer. Pursuing a journeyman plumbing license after completing 5,000-10,000 hours of apprenticeship training can lead to job offers with higher pay in both service plumbing and specialized fields such as medical gas installation. Given the current construction trends and aging workforce within this sector, entry-level plumbers in their first few years can expect their salaries to gradually increase, reflecting their increasing expertise and the continued high demand for plumbing services across Lewiston.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Lewiston in 2026?
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Is plumbing school worth it in Lewiston?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Lewiston?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Lewiston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov