Plumber Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $33.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Bethesda, MD runs $33.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,051 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, the plumber hourly pay stands at a median of $33.20, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This competitive pay reflects the cost of living in the area and the specialized skills that plumbers bring to a variety of job settings, including residential service calls, commercial construction sites, and industrial piping projects. For those working part-time at three days a week, typically 24 hours, the income can support a reasonable standard of living while offering flexibility. Bethesda plumbers' hourly rates range from $23.00 for entry-level positions to $51.45 for top earners, allowing for substantial earnings potential based on experience and specialization. Data for these figures is derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected to the upcoming year, highlighting the financial viability of plumbing as a profession in this vibrant Maryland community.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.00 | $183.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.99 | $207.91 |
| Median (P50) | $33.20 | $265.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.49 | $339.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.45 | $411.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $33.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.20/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $69,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,835. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,327.84 | $5,754 | $69,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.70 | $3,452 | $41,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.14 | $2,302 | $27,619 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Bethesda) | $33.20 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $69,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $71,482.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.20/hr = $41,429/year (purchasing power: $37,904).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,048/year (purchasing power: $63,173).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Bethesda grew 15.7% from $27.99/hr (2019) to $32.38/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.03/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
Exploring the earning potential for part-time plumbers shows a nuanced picture. A part-time plumber working a 24-hour week can expect to take home around $41,376 annually, significantly less than a full-time peer but still a viable option for many. Per diem plumbers in Bethesda, particularly those on industrial projects, often earn between $40 to $65 per hour, with additional travel stipends of $100 to $175 per day, making this path financially attractive as well. Union plumbers affiliated with the UA typically command substantial premiums over their non-union counterparts, resulting in varying compensation based on employer type. Self-employed plumbers or those in large service companies, like Roto-Rooter or ARS, may charge higher rates but must navigate the trade-off between income stability and benefits. For those negotiating their hourly pay, emphasizing experience and specialization, such as in medical gas or backflow prevention, can be advantageous in securing improved rates.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Bethesda in 2026?
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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
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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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