Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Texarkana, TX: $34,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,990 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 84.0 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,649 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,702) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Texarkana, the entry-level plumber salary for 2026 starts at approximately $34,990, considerably below the city's median annual pay of $49,702. For recent graduates entering the workforce, this means they should be prepared for a gradual salary trajectory as they gain experience. Within the first few years, aspiring plumbers can expect to see pay progress from $34,990 to around $39,983, as they develop their skills and begin to establish themselves in the profession. Given these numbers, Texarkana currently presents a viable market for new plumbers, particularly as projected growth of 2.52% annually indicates the area will likely sustain demand for entry-level positions.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
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 Texarkana
Entry-level plumbers in Texarkana, TX typically start between $34,990 and $39,983 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,525 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,702 — 24.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Texas of $10,000 represents just 28.58% of the starting plumber pay ($34,990/year) in Texarkana. 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 Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $34,990 to $39,983, 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 Texarkana, 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 Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana'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 Texarkana is $42,525 ( 121.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,990, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,515.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,120
2025 BLS Actual
$34,130
2026 Current Est.
$34,990
2019–2027 Growth
+69.8%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,872 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew 61.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,120 in 2019 to $34,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,872. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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 Texarkana
When searching for opportunities as new graduates in plumbing, individuals in Texarkana should consider various employers active in the region, such as UA Local apprenticeship programs and non-union contractors who offer on-the-job training. Large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS often seek licensed journeymen, while industrial maintenance positions may prioritize experienced pipefitters. To enhance entry-level pay in Texas, obtaining credentials like a journeyman plumbing license and specialized certifications can make a significant difference. Moreover, entering high-demand niches such as medical gas installation or backflow prevention can elevate earning potential. Realistically, entry-level plumbers can anticipate salary advancements as they accumulate experience in their first three years, especially since service plumbing positions can offer performance-based pay but generally start lower than union pipefitting roles, which offer a notable wage premium relative to non-union positions.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Texarkana in 2026?
How fast do plumber salaries grow in Texarkana?
Is plumbing school worth it in Texarkana?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Texarkana?
How do I become a plumber in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Texarkana. 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