Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Quincy, MA: $57,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Quincy, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,916 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,379 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,520) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Massachusetts, new grad plumbers can anticipate a starting salary of around $57,916 in 2026. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary, which stands at $83,520. However, there is a pathway for growth as apprentices and early-career plumbers working their way up can expect to see their earnings increase to approximately $65,385 within their first few years, eventually reaching the median. With the current labor market in Quincy showing strong demand for plumbing professionals, particularly due to an aging infrastructure and workforce, fresh graduates have a solid opportunity to establish themselves and advance their careers in this thriving industry.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level plumbers in Quincy, MA typically start between $57,916 and $65,385 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,540 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,520 — 27.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 31.08% of the starting plumber pay ($57,916/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $57,916 to $65,385, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $71,540 ( 123.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,916, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,456.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,828
2025 BLS Actual
$56,492
2026 Current Est.
$57,916
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,828 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,814 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,214 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,492 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,375 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, MA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,828 in 2019 to $56,492 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,375. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
Companies hiring entry-level plumbers in Quincy include local non-union contractors and larger service firms like Roto-Rooter and ARS, which may offer training and commission-based pay structures. Joining the UA Local apprenticeship program can also be an excellent option, providing structured training over 4-5 years that significantly boosts starting pay and long-term career prospects. Credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license, which requires passing a state exam after completing an apprenticeship, can further enhance earning potential. In Quincy, experienced licensed plumbers can command higher wages, with union members typically earning 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts. As demand for skilled trades continues to grow, especially in specialized areas like medical gas systems and backflow prevention testing, new graduates can realistically expect to achieve meaningful salary advancements within the first three years of their careers.
More salary data for Quincy, 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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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