Plumber Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $32.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Salem, NH runs $32.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Salem, New Hampshire, the plumber hourly pay is projected to be $32.93 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This pay scale reflects the demand for plumbing services across various settings, including residential service calls and commercial construction sites. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the earnings can average around $25,000 to $35,000 annually, particularly as entry-level plumbers typically start at $22.55. On the other end of the scale, highly experienced plumbers or specialized contractors can earn up to $51.03 per hour, indicating a robust earning potential in the industry. These hourly rates are derived from the anticipated annual salaries, showcasing a range that caters to both new entrants and seasoned professionals in the field.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.55 | $180.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.38 | $203.07 |
| Median (P50) | $32.93 | $263.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.15 | $337.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.03 | $408.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $32.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.93/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $68,493 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,515. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,317.18 | $5,708 | $68,493 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $790.31 | $3,425 | $41,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.87 | $2,283 | $27,397 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Salem) | $32.93 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $68,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $70,172.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.93/hr = $41,096/year (purchasing power: $38,300).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,493/year (purchasing power: $63,833).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Salem grew 15.7% from $27.77/hr (2019) to $32.12/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.76/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 Salem 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 Salem
Plumbers considering part-time work in Salem may find that their annual earnings, even for just 24 hours of work per week, can range from $26,564 to $40,368, depending on hourly rates and number of weeks worked. For those working on a per-diem basis, often involved in out-of-town construction projects, the pay can include additional day rates of $100 to $175, alongside a base rate of $40 to $65 per hour. Service plumbing contractors frequently charge minimum call-out fees between $150 and $300, enhancing income opportunities. Plumbing rates can fluctuate considerably based on the employer type; union contractors often offer a premium wage compared to non-union shops. Self-employed plumbers might find themselves charging between $100 and $180 per hour in high-cost-of-living areas. Clarifying compensation structures, such as overall pay versus benefits, is essential for potential workers—many choose lower hourly rates for more stable healthcare options, while others pursue the higher rates offered by private contracts, all of which reflects the diverse choices within the plumbing sector in Salem, NH.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Salem in 2026?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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