Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Andover, MN: $62,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Andover, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,829 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,786 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,036) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective plumbers entering the workforce in Andover, MN, can anticipate a starting salary of around $62,829 in 2026, with expectations for growth as they gain experience. While this entry-level pay may seem modest in comparison to the median annual salary of $84,036 for plumbers in the area, it offers a clear pathway for financial advancement over time. Over the first few years, those in the profession can work towards the P25 salary of $68,610 before eventually reaching or exceeding the median. The steady demand for plumbing services in Andover, driven by an aging infrastructure and a workforce that is also aging, makes it an opportune market for new graduates seeking to establish their careers.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($78,000) 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, MN typically start between $62,829 and $68,610 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,427 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,036 — 28.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 25.47% of the starting plumber pay ($62,829/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 $62,829 to $68,610, 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 MN 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 $67,427 ( 107.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,829, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,256.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,377
2025 BLS Actual
$61,285
2026 Current Est.
$62,829
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 | $45,377 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,446 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,706 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,833 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,285 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,413 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MN grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,377 in 2019 to $61,285 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,413. 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
To begin a successful plumbing career in Andover, several employers actively seek new graduates, including UA Local apprenticeship programs and various non-union contractors who provide on-the-job training. Major service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS often recruit experienced plumbers, but apprenticeships offer pathways to gain credentials that boost starting pay. Completing a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship can be essential for obtaining a journeyman plumbing license and later a master plumbing license, enabling specialization in high-demand areas like medical gas installation or backflow prevention testing. In the early years, those starting in service plumbing may see some variance in pay due to commission structures, but the potential for earnings can significantly increase over time. Realistic expectations suggest that with dedication to skill-building and ongoing education, new plumbers can gradually enhance their earnings within the first three years, especially as they navigate the growing need for skilled plumbing professionals in the region.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
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