Plumber Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $38.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Chelmsford, MA runs $38.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,018 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a plumber hourly pay in Chelmsford projected at $38.48 for 2026, individuals in this profession can enjoy earnings significantly above the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive rate benefits part-time workers, who may operate on a three-day workweek, enabling them to secure a commendable income even with limited hours. In settings ranging from residential service calls to industrial construction sites, entry-level plumbers start around $27.74, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $59.64 per hour. This wide hourly range reflects the diverse nature of plumbing work, which spans across various settings including hospital mechanical rooms and manufacturing plants. For those engaged in self-employment, the earning potential can extend even higher, depending on clientele and demand.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.74 | $221.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.78 | $246.21 |
| Median (P50) | $38.48 | $307.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.24 | $393.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.64 | $477.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $38.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.48/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,171. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,539.03 | $6,669 | $80,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $923.42 | $4,001 | $48,018 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.61 | $2,668 | $32,012 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Chelmsford) | $38.48 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $80,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.34% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $84,145.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.48/hr = $48,018/year (purchasing power: $44,256).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,030/year (purchasing power: $73,760).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Chelmsford grew 15.7% from $32.45/hr (2019) to $37.53/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.45/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
While part-time plumbers working 24 hours a week might earn around $47,998 annually, this is still a solid income compared to many other professions. Per diem plumber pay in Chelmsford varies significantly as well; some contract workers, especially those who travel for industrial projects, can command an hourly rate of $40-$65 while securing $100 to $175 a day for per diem expenses. Moreover, established self-employed plumbers in high-cost-of-living markets can clear $100-$180 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job and their specialized skills. Opportunities also fluctuate across different employer types, with union plumbing contractors often providing higher rates but potentially fewer hours compared to non-union companies. When engaging with potential employers, it is beneficial to negotiate effectively by considering the trade-offs of higher hourly pay for roles that may not offer health benefits, suggesting that careful consideration of both hourly rates and supplementary benefits is critical in this competitive field.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
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
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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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