Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Topeka, KS: $46,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,913 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,982) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, new graduates stepping into the plumbing profession can anticipate a starting salary of around $46,913. While this amount may initially appear modest when compared to the citywide median of $76,982, it offers a solid foundation for growth. Entry-level plumbers, after gaining a few years of experience, typically see salaries rise to approximately $50,307, further bridging the gap towards the median pay. With a steady annual growth rate projected at 2.52%, the role offers promising opportunities, making Topeka a favorable market for recent graduates ready to embark on their careers in plumbing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level plumbers in Topeka, KS typically start between $46,913 and $50,307 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,594 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,982 — 17.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Kansas of $8,000 represents just 17.05% of the starting plumber pay ($46,913/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $46,913 to $50,307, 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 Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka'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 Topeka is $50,594 ( 107.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,913, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,507.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,490
2025 BLS Actual
$45,760
2026 Current Est.
$46,913
2019–2027 Growth
+35.5%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,095 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 28.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,490 in 2019 to $45,760 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,095. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
Several employers in Topeka are actively seeking to hire entry-level plumbers, ranging from union apprenticeship programs offered by the United Association (UA) to non-union contractors who provide on-the-job training. Large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS favor applicants who are prepared to work in commission-based roles, where high earnings potential can offset the variability of income. Credentials play a significant part in boosting starting pay; for instance, completing a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship and obtaining a journeyman plumbing license can set a new grad apart in a competitive market. Additionally, pursuing specialties like medical gas installation or acquiring safety certifications can further enhance employability and salary expectations. In the first three years, striving to navigate these pathways allows new plumbers to capitalize on the increasing demand driven by an aging infrastructure and workforce, resulting in realistic salary advancements as experience accumulates.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Topeka. 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