Plumber Hourly Pay in Bear, DE: $30.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Bear, DE runs $30.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Bear's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,243 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $30.64 in Bear, Delaware, plumbers are slightly trailing the national average, which stands at $31.45. This hourly rate reflects the landscape plumbers encounter, from working in residential settings to tackling large-scale industrial projects. For those engaged in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the earnings can significantly vary. While entry-level positions start around $22.39, experienced plumbers can command rates up to $47.51 per hour, highlighting the potential for lucrative income based on skill level and the complexity of the work undertaken. The figures presented are derived from annual salary estimates, making them particularly relevant for those considering flexible work arrangements in the plumbing field, whether through traditional employment or self-employment.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.39 | $179.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.51 | $196.10 |
| Median (P50) | $30.64 | $245.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.20 | $313.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.51 | $380.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bear
Based on $30.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.64/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bear, DE can expect to earn approximately $63,738 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,772. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bear.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bear
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.73 | $5,311 | $63,738 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.44 | $3,187 | $38,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.29 | $2,125 | $25,495 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Bear) | $30.64 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Bear, DE earn a median of $63,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $66,542.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.64/hr = $38,243/year (purchasing power: $37,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,738/year (purchasing power: $62,672).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Bear grew 15.7% from $25.84/hr (2019) to $29.89/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.42/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bear 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.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Bear
Wages in the plumbing sector can differ considerably based on employment type in Bear. A plumber working part-time at 24 hours per week will see different annual figures compared to full-time colleagues, with reduced hours leading to decreased overall take-home pay. For those in transient roles, such as per-diem plumbers working on out-of-town industrial assignments, compensation packages can include daily allowances ranging from $100-$175, alongside hourly rates that typically fall between $40 and $65. Industries employing plumbers, like healthcare or unions represented by the UA, often highlight wage disparities; union jobs frequently offer a premium of 30-50% over non-union counterparts. For self-employed plumbers operating in high-cost-of-living markets, effective rates can reach $100-$180 per hour. Those assessing their options should weigh the benefits of stability against the potential for higher earnings, particularly in negotiations where unions may offer health insurance and other benefits, contrasting with higher pay rates available in non-union roles.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Bear in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Bear?
Are plumbers in Bear paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Bear?
Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Bear?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Bear. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bear 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