Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Riverton, WY: $45,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Riverton, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,146 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,125 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,516) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Riverton, WY, the entry-level plumber salary is projected to start at around $45,146 in 2026. This figure marks a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $58,516, indicating that new graduates may have to work their way up within a competitive job market. Over the first three to five years in the profession, aspiring plumbers can expect to see their earnings rise steadily, paving the way from the entry-level salary to potentially reaching $48,532 as they gain experience and skills. For those considering a plumbing career in Riverton right now, the potential for growth, combined with a stable workforce demand driven by aging infrastructure, makes this an appealing market for recent graduates ready to kickstart their careers.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level plumbers in Riverton, WY typically start between $45,146 and $48,532 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,554 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,516 — 10.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 22.15% of the starting plumber pay ($45,146/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $45,146 to $48,532, 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 Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $45,554 ( 100.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,146, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,700.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,606
2025 BLS Actual
$44,036
2026 Current Est.
$45,146
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,374 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,283 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, WY grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,606 in 2019 to $44,036 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,283. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
Several employers in Riverton actively recruit new graduates into plumbing roles. The United Association (UA) offers apprenticeship programs where candidates must apply and pass aptitude tests for a comprehensive 4-5 year training. In addition to UA, non-union contractors are often on the lookout for apprentices to provide on-the-job training. Larger service companies, like Roto-Rooter and ARS, typically hire licensed journeymen and may offer commission-based pay structures, which can enhance earnings but also lead to income variability. To boost starting pay in Wyoming, aspiring plumbers should focus on obtaining essential credentials, like completing a 5,000-10,000 hour apprenticeship and acquiring a journeyman plumbing license through the state exam. Specializing in high-demand areas, such as medical gas installation or backflow prevention, may also provide lucrative opportunities in a competitive labor market characterized by an aging workforce. New graduates can realistically anticipate their salaries rising significantly within their first three years as they gain experience and credentials, enhancing their value in an evolving industry.
More salary data for Riverton, WY:
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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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