Plumber Salary

Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Concord, NH: $48,773 (2026)

Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Concord, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,773 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 107.37% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,455 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,876) within a few years of clinical practice.

$48,773
Starting Salary
$23.45/hr
Starting Hourly
$48,773
Entry Level
$66,876
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Plumber Entry Level Salary in Concord, NH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Concord, NH plumber entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, new graduates entering the plumbing field in Concord, NH can anticipate a starting salary around $48,773. While this may seem modest compared to the median salary of $66,876 for seasoned plumbers, it represents a solid entry point into a skilled trade. Entry-level positions often provide a pathway to growth, with the entry-level pay increasing through the years as individuals gain experience and credentials. In just three to five years, it’s realistic for new plumbers to see their earnings climb closer to the P25 salary of $53,694 or even reach the city median, benefiting from the steady demand in a market characterized by both an aging infrastructure and a retiring workforce.

About the Concord Market

Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Concord

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$48,773/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$53,694/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$66,876/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$85,601/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for plumbers in Concord. The median salary is $66,876, compared to the national median of $65,408.$43.9K$60.1K$76.4K$92.6K$108.8K$48.8K10th Pctl$53.7K25th Pctl$66.9KMedian$85.6K75th Pctl$103.7K90th PctlUS Median$65.4K

Entry-level plumbers in Concord, NH typically start between $48,773 and $53,694 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,885 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,8762.24% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of plumber pay in the Concord metro area.

Return on Investment

$12,000
Avg NH Program Cost
$48,773
Starting Salary
24.60%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average plumbing program cost in New Hampshire of $12,000 represents just 24.60% of the starting plumber pay ($48,773/year) in Concord. 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 Concord

  • 1Research the Concord market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $48,773 to $53,694, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Concord'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 Concord is $54,885 ( 112.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,773, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,658.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$35,225

2025 BLS Actual

$47,574

2026 Current Est.

$48,773

2019–2027 Growth

+42.0%

Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Concord (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for plumbers in Concord. Baseline $35,225 in 2025, projected to $50,002 by 2027.$32.3K$37.4K$42.6K$47.8K$53.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$35.2K$36.1K$39.5K$40.1K$41.7K$44.6K$47.6K$48.8K$50.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$35,225Actual
2020$36,055Actual
2021$39,546Actual
2022$40,139Actual
2023$41,691Actual
2024$44,611Actual
2025$47,574Actual
2026(current)$48,773Estimated
2027$50,002Projected

Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NH grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,225 in 2019 to $47,574 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,002. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Concord

For those looking to establish a career in plumbing, various employers in Concord actively recruit entry-level talent. UA Local apprenticeship programs offer structured training with a formal application process, often taking four to five years to complete. Non-union contractors also provide opportunities, focusing on on-the-job training for apprentices. Prominent service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS often prefer licensed journeymen but can offer commission-based roles for those starting out. Credentials significantly enhance starting pay; pursuing a journeyman plumbing license, completing required apprenticeship hours, and obtaining certifications like backflow prevention tester or medical gas installer can elevate a new grad plumber’s prospects. In the first one to three years, salary growth potentials align favorably with industry needs, suggesting that dedicated individuals can expect to see significant increases as they establish their skills and capitalize on the high-demand areas of service plumbing and industrial maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for plumbers in Concord in 2026?

Entry-level plumbers in Concord start at approximately $48,773/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.52% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $23.45/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do plumber salaries grow in Concord?

Most plumbers in Concord progress from the entry-level salary of $48,773 to the area median of $66,876 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $103,658 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is plumbing school worth it in Concord?

With a starting salary of $48,773/year in Concord and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new plumbers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new plumbers make right out of school in Concord?

New plumbing graduates in Concord typically start near the 10th percentile at $48,773/year, or approximately $23.45/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a plumber in New Hampshire?

To become a licensed plumber in New Hampshire, you typically need apprenticeship (4-5 years) state license, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including New Hampshire, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some plumbers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New Hampshire

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Concord is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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