Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Salina, KS: $43,401 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Salina, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,401 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,746 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,531) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the plumbing profession in Salina, Kansas, the starting salary can be an important factor when considering career options. New graduates can expect to earn around $43,401, which is below the city median salary of $57,531. This range reflects what entry-level positions typically offer and suggests a growth trajectory for those in the field. With experience, wages can rise to approximately $47,257 as skills develop, and eventually approach the median in a few years. Considering the local market's conditions and steady annual growth rate of 2.52%, Salina presents a viable opportunity for new plumbers, providing a conducive environment for career progression.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salina
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 Salina
Entry-level plumbers in Salina, KS typically start between $43,401 and $47,257 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,772 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,531 — 12.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Kansas of $8,000 represents just 18.43% of the starting plumber pay ($43,401/year) in Salina. 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 Salina
- 1Research the Salina market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $43,401 to $47,257, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Salina, 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 Salina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salina'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 Salina is $45,772 ( 105.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,401, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,173.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,345
2025 BLS Actual
$42,334
2026 Current Est.
$43,401
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,084 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,718 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,099 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,401 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,495 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Salina, KS grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,345 in 2019 to $42,334 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,495. New graduates entering the Salina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
A variety of employers in Salina are eager to hire new plumbers, including both union and non-union contractors. For those interested in the union path, the UA Local offers apprenticeship programs that include formal applications and aptitude testing, ensuring a solid foundation in the field through a 4-5 year hands-on training period. Non-union contractors offer on-the-job training for apprentices, while larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS typically hire licensed journeymen, offering commission-based pay structures that can vary widely. Further credentials such as a journeyman's plumbing license or specialization certifications like backflow prevention or medical gas installation can significantly enhance starting pay and career prospects in Kansas. Given the aging infrastructure and a workforce where the median age exceeds 50, the demand for skilled plumbers is expected to remain strong, allowing newcomers to anticipate considerable salary growth in their first few years as they gain experience and refine their skills.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Salina in 2026?
How fast do plumber salaries grow in Salina?
Is plumbing school worth it in Salina?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Salina?
How do I become a plumber in Kansas?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Salina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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