Plumber Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $35.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Washington, DC runs $35.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,671 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,205 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, professionals within the plumbing industry can expect a median hourly pay of $35.42, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This robust hourly rate reflects the area's high cost of living and demand for skilled labor, making it an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers. For those working three days a week, this translates into substantial earnings, particularly for per-diem roles at construction sites, residential service calls, or commercial plumbing needs. Entry-level plumbers generally start at $23.41 per hour, while top earners can charge as much as $56.39, allowing for a variety of income possibilities depending on experience and the specific sector of plumbing in which they operate.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.41 | $187.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.50 | $219.97 |
| Median (P50) | $35.42 | $283.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.36 | $370.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.39 | $451.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $35.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.42/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $73,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,505. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,416.83 | $6,140 | $73,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.10 | $3,684 | $44,205 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $566.73 | $2,456 | $29,470 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Washington) | $35.42 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $73,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.63% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 3.70% below the District of Columbia state average of $76,501.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.42/hr = $44,205/year (purchasing power: $40,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,675/year (purchasing power: $67,664).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Washington grew 27.8% from $27.04/hr (2019) to $34.55/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.31/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 Washington 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 Washington
Additionally, part-time plumbers working 24 hours a week could see an annual income that represents only a fraction of what full-time plumbers earn, yet they may still benefit from flexible schedules. For those undertaking per-diem work or contracted projects, especially in industrial settings, compensation can range widely, with travel plumbers earning between $40-$65 an hour plus per diem allowances that can reach $175 daily. In Washington, plumbing jobs with union contractors may provide benefits that justify a lower hourly rate, whereas self-employed plumbers or those in service companies might achieve higher hourly rates but without health benefits. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types, from union signatory contractors to residential plumbing outfits, underscores the diverse opportunities in this trade. When negotiating, it's advisable to factor in these benefits versus hourly pay and ensure you understand what each role entails, allowing for informed conversations about compensation.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Washington in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Washington?
Are plumbers in Washington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Washington?
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Related Pages
Career Resources
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 Washington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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