Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Taunton, MA: $60,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Taunton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,334 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Taunton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,607 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,959) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective plumbers entering the workforce in Taunton, Massachusetts can expect their starting plumber salary to be around $60,334 in 2026, which positions them far below the city’s median of $82,959. However, for new graduates, there's a clear growth trajectory over the first few years in the field. By the time they reach the 25th percentile, salaries can increase to approximately $66,898, indicating that with additional experience and skill development, entry-level plumbers have the potential to narrow the gap with the median earnings. The job market in Taunton remains favorable for new graduates, reflecting a robust demand for plumbing services amidst aging infrastructure, making it an opportune moment to enter this profession.
About the Taunton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Taunton
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 Taunton
Entry-level plumbers in Taunton, MA typically start between $60,334 and $66,898 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,253 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,959 — 26.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 29.83% of the starting plumber pay ($60,334/year) in Taunton. 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 Taunton
- 1Research the Taunton market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $60,334 to $66,898, 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Taunton'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 Taunton is $68,253 ( 113.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,334, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,587.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,575
2025 BLS Actual
$58,851
2026 Current Est.
$60,334
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Taunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,601 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,653 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,854 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Taunton, MA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,575 in 2019 to $58,851 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,854. New graduates entering the Taunton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taunton 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 Taunton
In Taunton, various employers are on the lookout for newly minted plumbers, with opportunities available through UA Local apprenticeship programs that combine theoretical training with hands-on experience. Non-union contractors often hire apprentices and provide on-the-job training, while larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS tend to recruit experienced journeymen, often offering commission-based salary structures. To boost starting plumber pay in MA, achieving certifications such as a journeyman plumbing license and completing the requisite apprenticeship (usually 5,000-10,000 hours) is vital. Aspiring plumbers should also consider obtaining specialized credentials like backflow prevention tester certification or medical gas installer credentials, as these can significantly elevate their earning potential. It’s wise for new grads to align their career strategy with the local market, aiming for the service sector initially, as commissioned roles present a unique chance for high earnings, while also keeping an eye on hospital plumbing opportunities, which require higher skills and are increasingly relevant due to the ongoing shortages in the workforce.
More salary data for Taunton, 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 Taunton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Taunton 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