Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $39,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Portsmouth, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,155 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portsmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,941 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,059) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective plumbers entering the workforce in Portsmouth, Virginia, can expect starting salaries to hover around $39,155 in 2026, which is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $56,059. While this initial figure represents the lower end for entry-level positions, there is potential for growth as new graduates gain experience. Over the first few years, it is realistic to anticipate movement towards the first quartile salary of $43,995 and eventually reaching the median within three to five years of employment. Given the city's moderate cost of living index of 103.2 and sustained demand driven by aging infrastructure, Portsmouth remains a viable market for recent plumbing graduates.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
Entry-level plumbers in Portsmouth, VA typically start between $39,155 and $43,995 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,737 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,059 — 14.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Virginia of $10,000 represents just 25.54% of the starting plumber pay ($39,155/year) in Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth
- 1Research the Portsmouth market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $39,155 to $43,995, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth is $47,737 ( 121.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,155, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,892.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,279
2025 BLS Actual
$38,193
2026 Current Est.
$39,155
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,279 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,945 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,224 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,193 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,142 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Portsmouth, VA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,279 in 2019 to $38,193 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,142. New graduates entering the Portsmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
A variety of employers in Portsmouth actively seek to hire new plumbing graduates, providing a robust entry point into the profession. The UA Local offers structured apprenticeship programs requiring candidates to navigate formal applications and aptitude tests; these programs typically extend over four to five years. Non-union contractors also hire apprentices, focusing on on-the-job training, while larger service companies such as Roto-Rooter and ARS tend to prefer licensed journeymen due to their commission-based pay structures. Additionally, credentials such as the journeyman plumbing license and specialty certifications, such as medical gas installer and backflow prevention tester, can significantly affect starting pay in Virginia. In your first few years, aiming for positions that offer continued education and path towards acquiring a master plumbing license can be beneficial, especially as the plumber workforce ages and the demand remains strong. Thus, realistic salary growth expectations for the first three years would align with the city's prevailing industry trends, allowing for steady advancement toward the higher tiers of plumber compensation.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
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 Portsmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portsmouth 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