Plumber Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $32.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Independence, MO runs $32.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,772 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The plumber hourly pay in Independence, Missouri, is projected to be $32.58 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate can offer significant financial benefits for both part-time workers and those engaged in per-diem roles, often found on commercial or industrial construction sites, residential jobs in customer homes, and other specialized plumbing environments. For plumbers working three days a week, this means an opportunity to take home approximately $2,500 monthly, which can provide a comfortable income while allowing for flexible work-life balance. Entry-level plumbers in Independence can expect to earn around $23.10, while top earners in the field can achieve rates up to $50.50, statically reflecting the broader dynamics of the plumbing profession and its varying demands across different settings.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.10 | $184.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.90 | $207.17 |
| Median (P50) | $32.58 | $260.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.71 | $333.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.50 | $404.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $32.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.58/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $67,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,097. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,303.23 | $5,647 | $67,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $781.94 | $3,388 | $40,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $521.29 | $2,259 | $27,107 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Independence) | $32.58 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $67,772 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $66,378.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.58/hr = $40,661/year (purchasing power: $45,380).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,768/year (purchasing power: $75,634).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Independence grew 15.7% from $27.48/hr (2019) to $31.78/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.40/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 Independence 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 Independence
Beyond the straightforward hourly rates, interesting nuances influence the income potential for plumbers in Independence. Part-time professionals working 24 hours a week can earn approximately $30,000 annually, while full-time plumbers draw a substantially higher income. The per diem plumber pay in Independence may vary significantly, with those involved in travel assignments often receiving base rates of $40-$65 per hour, plus additional per-diem compensation of $100-$175 daily for out-of-town work. Union plumbing contractors typically command higher wages compared to non-union counterparts due to benefits like health insurance. Employers, including large service companies and municipal water utilities, may offer differing compensation packages that include paid time off and retirement plans, making the choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus lower rates with security a practical consideration. Career advancement in plumbing also lies in gaining credentials in specialty areas, such as medical gas and backflow prevention, where the demand is strong and capable of further enhancing earning potential.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Independence 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 Independence. 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 Independence 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