Plumber Hourly Pay in Bridgewater, NJ: $35.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Bridgewater, NJ runs $35.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,204 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Bridgewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgewater, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for plumbers is $35.68, reflecting a significant advantage over the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate is particularly beneficial for part-time employees and those working per diem. For instance, plumbers who secure work on a part-time basis, such as three days a week, can still earn a solid income in various settings—including residential service calls, commercial construction sites, and specialized positions in hospital mechanical rooms. Those entering the field can expect to earn at least $24.86 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $55.30 per hour, indicating a healthy earning potential throughout different stages of their careers in this region.
About the Bridgewater 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) | $24.86 | $198.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.90 | $223.17 |
| Median (P50) | $35.68 | $285.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.66 | $365.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.30 | $442.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgewater
Based on $35.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.68/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgewater, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,812. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,427.08 | $6,184 | $74,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $856.25 | $3,710 | $44,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $570.83 | $2,474 | $29,683 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Bridgewater) | $35.68 |
| 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 Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $74,204 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $75,334.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.68/hr = $44,525/year (purchasing power: $38,650).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,208/year (purchasing power: $64,417).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Bridgewater grew 15.7% from $30.09/hr (2019) to $34.80/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.58/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 Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater
Exploring part-time earning potential, a plumber working 24 hours a week could generate an annual income of around $44,429 based on the projected hourly rate without the benefits of full-time employment, which typically increases earnings. Furthermore, per diem opportunities can enhance earnings for plumbers who travel, as they often receive a daily allowance in addition to their hourly wage, which ranges from $100 to $175. Different types of employers influence hourly rates significantly; for instance, union plumbers affiliated with the United Association can earn 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts, especially in roles requiring specialized skills like medical gas installation. Those considering self-employment may find that charge-out rates can reach up to $180 per hour in high cost-of-living areas like Bridgewater. When negotiating pay, it's beneficial for plumbers to consider the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that may include health insurance. Understanding the nuances of employment types and compensation structures is key to maximizing one’s income in the plumbing field.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 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