Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Andover, MA: $57,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Andover, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,312 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,822 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,708) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level plumber salary in Andover, Massachusetts, stands at approximately $57,312 for newcomers to the field. This starting pay serves as a launching point, with opportunities for upward mobility over the next few years. Gradually, individuals can anticipate reaching around $63,391 within their first few years as they gain experience and skill. The city’s median salary for plumbers is $79,708, indicating a significant gap for new graduates, which highlights the demand for skilled workers in this industry. Given the favorable earnings potential and projected growth rate of 2.52%, Andover presents a promising market for those just starting their plumbing careers.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level plumbers in Andover, MA typically start between $57,312 and $63,391 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,708 — 21.86% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 31.41% of the starting plumber pay ($57,312/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $57,312 to $63,391, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Andover is $66,236 ( 115.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,312, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,548.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,392
2025 BLS Actual
$55,903
2026 Current Est.
$57,312
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,392 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,166 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,756 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,392 in 2019 to $55,903 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,756. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
Several employers in Andover actively seek entry-level plumbers, each with different pathways into the profession. The United Association’s local apprenticeship programs are notable for their structured approach, requiring formal applications and aptitude tests that lead to a 4-5 year training period. Non-union contractors also hire apprentices, often focusing on providing hands-on training. Large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS look for licensed journeymen but may also offer commissions to those in entry-level roles, leading to variable pay potential. To enhance starting salaries in MA, new plumbers should consider credentials such as journeyman and master plumbing licenses, along with specialized certifications like medical gas installer or backflow prevention tester. For those in their first few years, a strategic focus on gaining experience in high-demand areas, such as hospital plumbing or industrial maintenance, can lead to salary growth. Considering the aging infrastructure and the overall profession’s median age, sustainable demand for skilled plumbers underpins strong future earning potential in Andover.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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