Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Shoreview, MN: $59,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Shoreview, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,113 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shoreview's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,013 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,609) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Plumbing can be a promising career path for new graduates in Shoreview, Minnesota, especially considering the projected entry-level salary for 2026. Fresh entrants can expect to earn around $59,113 annually, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $82,609. However, the earning potential appears to broaden rapidly; over the first several years, new plumbers can progress through the salary range to $63,910 and eventually reach the median. With a reasonable growth rate of 2.52%, Shoreview currently presents a viable market for those embarking on their plumbing careers, fostering opportunities for both immediate employment and long-term financial development.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shoreview
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 Shoreview
Entry-level plumbers in Shoreview, MN typically start between $59,113 and $63,910 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,930 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,609 — 26.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 27.07% of the starting plumber pay ($59,113/year) in Shoreview. 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 Shoreview
- 1Research the Shoreview market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $59,113 to $63,910, 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 Shoreview, 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 Shoreview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shoreview'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 Shoreview is $68,930 ( 116.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,113, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,043.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,693
2025 BLS Actual
$57,660
2026 Current Est.
$59,113
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Shoreview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,693 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,699 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,603 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Shoreview, MN grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,693 in 2019 to $57,660 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,603. New graduates entering the Shoreview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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 Shoreview
Several employers actively recruit recent graduates in the Shoreview area, including UA Local apprenticeship programs, which offer a structured training path through formal application and testing. Non-union contractors frequently hire apprentices to provide on-the-job experience, while larger companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS often prefer licensed journeymen and may offer commission-based pay, leading to variable incomes. Obtaining credentials, such as a journeyman plumbing license or specialized certifications like backflow prevention tester and medical gas installer, can enhance starting remuneration in Minnesota. Aspirants should consider focusing on avenues that may lead to higher-paying positions, such as hospital plumbing and service plumbing, both of which present rising demand due to an aging workforce. Realistic growth expectations during the initial years suggest entry-level plumbers might see meaningful salary increases as they gain experience and further their training in this vital trade.
More salary data for Shoreview, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Shoreview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreview 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