Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Plymouth, MA: $57,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,879 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,345 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,759) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Plymouth presents a promising landscape for newly graduated plumbers, with an entry-level plumber salary projected to start at $57,879 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $84,759, suggesting that new hires can expect an upward trajectory in earnings as they gain experience. Within the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can realistically aim to reach the 25th percentile salary of $65,462 as they build skillsets and credentials. Given its growing demand for plumbing services—driven by aging infrastructure and a workforce that is predominantly in their 50s—Plymouth is positioning itself as an encouraging market for new grads keen to establish their careers in plumbing.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level plumbers in Plymouth, MA typically start between $57,879 and $65,462 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $73,498 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,759 — 29.59% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 31.10% of the starting plumber pay ($57,879/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $57,879 to $65,462, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $73,498 ( 126.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,879, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,377.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,802
2025 BLS Actual
$56,456
2026 Current Est.
$57,879
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,786 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,929 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,474 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,456 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,337 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,802 in 2019 to $56,456 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,337. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Apprenticeship opportunities abound for new graduates in Plymouth, particularly through programs affiliated with UA (United Association), which provide structured training that can boost initial earnings. Firms such as Roto-Rooter and ARS actively recruit plumbers who may start in service roles but have the potential to earn higher incomes through commission-based structures. Additionally, specialized certifications—such as medical gas installation or backflow prevention testing—can further enhance starting pay in MA. Within the first three years, new plumbers may anticipate steady growth influenced by their training path and specialty choices, while realizing that jobs in medical gas sectors and industrial environments typically offer higher wages compared to residential service plumbing. Such strategic career planning, combined with a background in union training or non-union apprenticeships, prepares new grads for a successful launch into this essential field.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Plymouth in 2026?
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Is plumbing school worth it in Plymouth?
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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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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