Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Rawlins, WY: $42,002 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,002 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,843 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,389) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the plumbing profession in Rawlins, Wyoming, starting pay reflects the broader job market dynamics in 2026. The entry-level plumber salary in Rawlins begins at around $42,002, significantly lower than the city median of $59,389, illustrating a common gap for new graduates. This starting rate positions entry-level plumbers near the tenth percentile of the salary range, with a trajectory that may allow for earnings to reach approximately $46,668 as they gain experience, and potentially achieving the median salary within 3-5 years. Rawlins appears to provide a reasonable market for new grads, especially considering the competitive nature of plumbing jobs and the projected 2.52% growth rate in this sector.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level plumbers in Rawlins, WY typically start between $42,002 and $46,668 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,051 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,389 — 9.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 23.81% of the starting plumber pay ($42,002/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $42,002 to $46,668, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $50,051 ( 119.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,002, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,053.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,335
2025 BLS Actual
$40,970
2026 Current Est.
$42,002
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,335 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,057 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,567 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,903 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,051 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,002 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,061 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,335 in 2019 to $40,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,061. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
A variety of employers in Rawlins actively seek to hire new graduates in plumbing. Apprenticeships through the UA Local offer structured training that combines classroom learning with on-the-job experiences, while non-union contractors often provide informal apprenticeships where hands-on learning is emphasized. Larger service companies, such as Roto-Rooter and ARS, typically recruit licensed journeymen but may also welcome apprentices willing to engage in commission-based roles that offer high earning potential, albeit with variable income. To enhance starting plumber pay in Wyoming, credentials like a journeyman plumbing license or specialized certifications, such as medical gas installation and backflow prevention testing, are valuable. Over the first few years in the trade, entry-level plumbers can expect salary growth aligned with gaining experience and certifications, alongside the backdrop of an aging workforce that enhances the demand for skilled plumbers.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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