Plumber Hourly Pay in Berkeley, NJ: $35.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Berkeley, NJ runs $35.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,817 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,295 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, NJ, the plumber hourly pay stands at a median rate of $35.49, significantly above the national median of $31.45 per hour. This advantage makes plumbing an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers, especially those considering short-term engagements in various environments, such as residential service calls, commercial construction sites, and industrial facilities. With an hourly range from $24.42 for entry-level positions to $55.01 for those at the top of the pay scale, the prospects for upward mobility are promising. Notably, the hourly rates here are derived from annual salary estimates, indicating a competitive landscape for professionals in this field. For part-timers and per-diem plumbers, working three days a week can provide a solid income, making the plumber hourly rate in Berkeley appealing for many who wish to balance work with personal commitments.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.42 | $195.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.53 | $220.21 |
| Median (P50) | $35.49 | $283.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.43 | $363.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.01 | $440.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $35.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.49/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,824 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,591. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,419.70 | $6,152 | $73,824 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $851.82 | $3,691 | $44,295 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.88 | $2,461 | $29,530 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Berkeley) | $35.49 |
| 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 Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $73,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $75,324.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.49/hr = $44,295/year (purchasing power: $38,450).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,824/year (purchasing power: $64,084).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Berkeley grew 15.7% from $29.93/hr (2019) to $34.62/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.39/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Evaluating the financial reality of part-time plumbing work, a plumber working three days a week can take home over $51,000 annually, a respectable figure compared to full-time roles in the industry. Per diem roles for plumbers, particularly in agency positions or for travel pipefitters on out-of-town projects, can command a base rate of $40-$65 per hour alongside additional per-diem compensation ranging from $100 to $175 a day. This dynamic allows for significant earning potential, particularly in urgent service calls, where companies often charge $150-$300 for initial visits. The pay varies widely based on employer type, with union positions typically offering a higher rate due to benefits like health insurance, contrasting with more flexible but potentially lower rates in self-employed or non-union settings. Plumbers should be prepared to negotiate, considering their credentials, either with specialty skills in medical gas installation or their affiliation with organizations like UA, to maximize their hourly pay based on the nuanced demands of their work environments.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Berkeley in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Berkeley?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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