Plumber Hourly Pay in Indianapolis, IN: $37.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Indianapolis, IN runs $37.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Indianapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,352 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Indianapolis, the plumber hourly pay sits at a competitive median rate of $37.94, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45 per hour. This elevated rate is advantageous for both full-time professionals and those working part-time or per-diem, particularly in settings that range from residential service calls to complex hospital mechanical rooms. For a part-time plumber working three days a week, the earnings can vary greatly based on experience and the specific niche. Entry-level plumbers may start at approximately $23.04, while experienced professionals and specialized contractors can earn up to $50.46. With the city’s cost of living index at 95.696, plumbers in Indianapolis can find lucrative opportunities across various sectors, making it an attractive market for both established workers and those entering the field.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.04 | $184.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.48 | $235.88 |
| Median (P50) | $37.94 | $303.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.05 | $384.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.46 | $403.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indianapolis
Based on $37.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.94/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indianapolis, IN can expect to earn approximately $78,921 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,531. With a cost-of-living index of 95.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Indianapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indianapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,517.71 | $6,577 | $78,921 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.62 | $3,946 | $47,352 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.08 | $2,631 | $31,568 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Indianapolis) | $37.94 |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $78,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.66% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.10% below the Indiana state average of $78,999.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.94/hr = $47,352/year (purchasing power: $49,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,921/year (purchasing power: $82,470).
CoL index: 95.696 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Indianapolis grew 44.8% from $25.56/hr (2019) to $37.01/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.90/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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
The potential for earnings varies widely depending on whether a plumber opts for part-time work or positions that offer per-diem pay for travel. For example, a plumber working 24 hours per week could realistically expect to earn around $44,298 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still a viable income. Per diem roles, particularly on industrial projects, can bring in substantial supplemental income; traveling plumbers typically earn $100-$175 per day on top of a base hourly rate of $40-$65. This agility allows professionals to side with high-paying employers like UA union contractors, who often offer a significant premium, or opt for self-employment, where rates for specialized services can climb even higher. However, prospective plumbing employees may face a trade-off between immediate hourly rates and job benefits, such as health insurance. Negotiation is key—plumbers should recognize their value both hourly and in terms of specific skills, including medical gas experience, which can help bolster their bargaining position in the diverse Indianapolis job market.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
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
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 Indianapolis. 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