Plumber Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $38.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Newark, NJ runs $38.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,427 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, the plumber hourly pay is notably higher than the national average, with a median rate of $38.80 per hour. This figure stands in contrast to the national hourly median of $31.45, reflecting the region's higher cost of living and demand for skilled tradespeople. For part-time plumbers, commonly working around three days a week, this hourly wage translates to significant earning potential, especially when considering various work settings such as commercial sites, residential service calls, and industrial applications. The hourly range varies as well, with entry-level plumbers starting at approximately $24.32 hourly, while seasoned professionals and those in specialized roles earn up to $60.15 hourly. These figures are based on estimated annual salaries, allowing for a clear understanding of what plumbers can expect in the vibrant market of Newark.
About the Newark 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) | $24.32 | $194.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.82 | $246.54 |
| Median (P50) | $38.80 | $310.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.67 | $397.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.15 | $481.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $38.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.80/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $80,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,565. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,552.15 | $6,726 | $80,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $931.29 | $4,036 | $48,427 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $620.86 | $2,690 | $32,285 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Newark) | $38.80 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $80,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.39% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 7.10% above the New Jersey state average of $75,359.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.80/hr = $48,427/year (purchasing power: $42,037).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,712/year (purchasing power: $70,062).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Newark grew 15.7% from $32.72/hr (2019) to $37.85/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.78/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 Newark 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 Newark
Considering part-time earnings, a plumber working 24 hours each week at the median rate could gross over $45,000 annually, compared to those working full-time who typically enjoy higher cumulative earnings. Per diem roles are also common within the trade, particularly for travel pipefitters and steamfitters engaged in out-of-state projects, earning daily allowances ranging from $100 to $175 in addition to a base hourly pay of $40 to $65. Plumbers who operate as self-employed contractors in Newark might see effective hourly rates between $100 and $180, albeit at the cost of variable income and reduced benefits. Union contractors often offer better compensation and additional benefits compared to non-union setups. Understanding the dynamics of employer types—like large service companies or municipal utilities—can significantly affect negotiation outcomes. Plumbers should be prepared to discuss their skills and benefits during contract negotiations to ensure they secure a rate that reflects their expertise and market conditions.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Newark?
Are plumbers in Newark paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Newark?
Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Newark?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Newark. 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 Newark 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