Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Richardson, TX: $36,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Richardson, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,449 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richardson's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,968 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,379) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the plumbing workforce in Richardson, Texas, the projected 2026 entry-level plumber salary offers a starting pay of approximately $36,449. This figure reflects the realistic expectations for new graduates, particularly when juxtaposed against the city's median salary of $56,379. While just beginning their careers, aspiring plumbers can anticipate a progressive salary trajectory from entry-level rates toward the P25 earning $45,482, which is achievable within the first few years of employment. With annual growth projected at 2.52%, Richardson appears to be a favorable market for new plumbing graduates keen on establishing their careers in a field that continues to show sustained demand due to aging infrastructure and a maturing workforce.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richardson
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 Richardson
Entry-level plumbers in Richardson, TX typically start between $36,449 and $45,482 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,938 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,379 — 13.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Texas of $10,000 represents just 27.44% of the starting plumber pay ($36,449/year) in Richardson. 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 Richardson
- 1Research the Richardson market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $36,449 to $45,482, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Richardson, 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 Richardson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richardson'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 Richardson is $50,938 ( 139.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,449, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,387.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,325
2025 BLS Actual
$35,553
2026 Current Est.
$36,449
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,325 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,945 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,554 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,997 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,156 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,893 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,367 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Richardson, TX grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,325 in 2019 to $35,553 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,367. New graduates entering the Richardson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson 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 Richardson
When considering employment opportunities, various local companies hire entry-level plumbers. Organizations such as UA Local offer apprenticeship programs that encompass several years of rigorous training through formal applications and aptitude testing. Several non-union contractors also provide on-the-job training for apprentices, while large service firms like Roto-Rooter and ARS focus on recruiting licensed journeymen, often featuring commission-based structures that can lead to variable income but potentially higher earnings. For new graduates looking to boost their starting pay in Texas, acquiring a journeyman plumbing license following a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship can be a valuable step. Specialized certifications, such as for medical gas installation or backflow prevention testing, can further enhance earning potential. With strategic choices in career pathways and continuous education, newly minted plumbers in Richardson can realistically aim for significant salary increases within their first few years in the industry.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
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 Richardson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richardson 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