Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Scranton, PA: $44,791 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,791 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,876 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,701) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into plumbing roles in Scranton can anticipate an entry-level plumber salary of around $44,791, a figure that represents the 10th percentile for the profession. Compared to the projected median annual salary of $62,701 for all plumbers in the city, this starting pay reflects a significant gap that aspiring tradespeople will encounter early in their careers. However, with experience and time, many can progress from this initial pay point to the 25th percentile earnings of $49,158 within just a few years. The local job market appears to offer promising opportunities for new grads, especially given the consistent growth rate of 2.52% projected for the industry over the next several years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
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 Scranton
Entry-level plumbers in Scranton, PA typically start between $44,791 and $49,158 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,832 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,701 — 4.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Pennsylvania of $16,000 represents just 35.72% of the starting plumber pay ($44,791/year) in Scranton. 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 Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $44,791 to $49,158, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, 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 Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Scranton is $55,832 ( 124.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,791, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,623.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,650
2025 BLS Actual
$43,690
2026 Current Est.
$44,791
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,791 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,920 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,650 in 2019 to $43,690 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,920. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
In Scranton, various employers actively seek to hire new plumbing graduates, presenting unique opportunities for career development. For instance, the United Association (UA) offers apprenticeship programs that last 4-5 years, providing structured training and establishing a strong foundation for future earnings. Non-union contractors often recruit apprentices through on-the-job training, while larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS typically focus on licensed journeymen but may offer positions with commission structures that can lead to significant income potential. To boost starting pay in Pennsylvania, obtaining a journeyman plumbing license through the state exam or pursuing additional qualifications like a master plumbing license, backflow prevention tester certification, or OSHA safety credentials can enhance career prospects. Given the aging plumbing workforce and infrastructure in the area, new graduates can realistically expect steady salary growth during their first few years, particularly if they pursue specialized fields like medical gas installation. This combination of credentials and market demand positions new plumbers favorably for a successful start in this field.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
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 Scranton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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