Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Braintree, MA: $60,608 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Braintree, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,608 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Braintree's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,860 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,250) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the plumbing field in Braintree, Massachusetts can anticipate starting salaries around $60,608, which is on the lower end of the salary range for the profession. This amount represents a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $81,250 for all plumbers in the city. However, entry-level plumbers can expect a growth trajectory as they gain experience; within their first three to five years, salaries may rise to approximately $66,486 (the 25th percentile). For those considering a career in plumbing, Braintree presents a favorable market with opportunities to move up in pay relatively quickly, aided by the projected annual growth rate of 2.52%.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Braintree
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 Braintree
Entry-level plumbers in Braintree, MA typically start between $60,608 and $66,486 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,330 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,250 — 24.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 29.70% of the starting plumber pay ($60,608/year) in Braintree. 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 Braintree
- 1Research the Braintree market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $60,608 to $66,486, 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 Braintree, 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 Braintree for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Braintree'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 Braintree is $65,330 ( 107.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,608, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,938.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,773
2025 BLS Actual
$59,118
2026 Current Est.
$60,608
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,773 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,142 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,879 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,118 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,608 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,135 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Braintree, MA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,773 in 2019 to $59,118 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,135. New graduates entering the Braintree job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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 Braintree
Several employers in Braintree actively seek to hire new graduates in plumbing, including the United Association (UA) apprenticeship programs, which provide structured training through formal application processes and aptitude testing. Non-union contractors also offer on-the-job training for new apprentices, while large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS often prefer hiring licensed journeymen, though they may have commission-based pay structures for entry-level roles. Investing in credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license or specialized certifications can significantly enhance starting pay potential in Massachusetts. With the aging plumbing workforce, there is a consistent demand for skilled workers. New grads can realistically expect their salaries to rise within the first three years, especially if they engage in specialized sectors like medical gas installation, which requires high skill levels and certifications, making themselves highly marketable.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Braintree. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Braintree 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