Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Wilsonville, OR: $61,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Wilsonville, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,240 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilsonville's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,688 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,218) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new plumbing graduates starting their careers in 2026, Wilsonville, Oregon offers a realistic entry-level salary starting at approximately $61,240. This figure is significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $83,218, highlighting the gap that early-career designers can expect as they build their skills and experience. However, there is a positive trajectory for new plumbers; rising from the starting pay to around $65,630 after gaining some experience is achievable in just a few years. This growth potential makes Wilsonville a favorable market for recent graduates, especially considering the city's steady demand for plumbing services due to aging infrastructure and a workforce that is also approaching retirement age.
About the Wilsonville Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilsonville
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 Wilsonville
Entry-level plumbers in Wilsonville, OR typically start between $61,240 and $65,630 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,748 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,218 — 27.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Oregon of $16,000 represents just 26.13% of the starting plumber pay ($61,240/year) in Wilsonville. 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 Wilsonville
- 1Research the Wilsonville market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $61,240 to $65,630, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilsonville, 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 Wilsonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilsonville'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 Wilsonville is $67,748 ( 110.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,240, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,988.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,230
2025 BLS Actual
$59,735
2026 Current Est.
$61,240
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Wilsonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,399 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,348 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,842 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,784 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Wilsonville, OR grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,230 in 2019 to $59,735 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,784. New graduates entering the Wilsonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilsonville 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 Wilsonville
Employers in Wilsonville hiring new plumbing grads include the UA Local, which offers formal apprenticeships through a rigorous application process, along with various non-union contractors providing hands-on training. Notable larger companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS frequently look for licensed journeymen willing to work on commission-based pay structures. Gaining credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license or additional certifications can significantly enhance entry-level plumber pay in Oregon. For those aiming for higher earnings, specialties like medical gas installation or backflow prevention provide lucrative opportunities. As new plumbers embark on their first three years, aiming for growth is crucial, especially since experienced positions can yield a considerable salary increase, driven by continuous demand in residential and industrial markets alike.
More salary data for Wilsonville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Wilsonville in 2026?
How fast do plumber salaries grow in Wilsonville?
Is plumbing school worth it in Wilsonville?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Wilsonville?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Wilsonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilsonville 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