Plumber Hourly Pay in Rio Rancho, NM: $30.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Rio Rancho, NM runs $30.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,552 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Rio Rancho's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,128 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Rio Rancho, NM, plumbers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.55, which falls slightly below the national median of $31.45. This rate can significantly impact those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a plumber working three days a week would take home considerably less annually than their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the need for careful planning when considering part-time roles. The hourly pay range for plumbers in the area varies widely, starting at $20.43 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $47.35 for the most experienced plumbers. Such figures are derived from annual salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projecting into 2026, highlighting the financial opportunities within local commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing settings.
About the Rio Rancho Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.43 | $163.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.44 | $187.49 |
| Median (P50) | $30.55 | $244.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.11 | $312.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.35 | $378.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rio Rancho
Based on $30.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.55/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rio Rancho, NM can expect to earn approximately $63,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,661. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rio Rancho.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rio Rancho
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,222.04 | $5,295 | $63,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.22 | $3,177 | $38,128 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.82 | $2,118 | $25,418 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Rio Rancho) | $30.55 |
| 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 Rio Rancho, NM earn a median of $63,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.90% above the New Mexico state average of $61,761.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.55/hr = $38,128/year (purchasing power: $40,389).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,546/year (purchasing power: $67,316).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Rio Rancho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Rio Rancho grew 15.7% from $25.76/hr (2019) to $29.80/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.32/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 Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho
Considering the earning potential for those plumbers working part-time, an individual clocking in 24 hours a week would net around $38,018 annually, a substantial reduction compared to full-time wages. For per-diem work in Rio Rancho, opportunities abound, especially for travel pipefitters who may see daily rates between $100 and $175 alongside their hourly wages of $40 to $65. Additionally, self-employed plumbers in high-cost areas often charge between $100 and $180 per hour for their services, particularly for skilled specialties like medical gas or backflow prevention. Hourly rates fluctuate based on company type, with union jobs typically offering a premium compared to non-union contracts and larger service providers. Understanding these dynamics can aid negotiation; for example, plumbers might consider the trade-off between an attractive hourly rate that lacks benefits versus a slightly lower rate that includes health insurance. As such, local plumbers should strategize their work commitments and compensation structures to maximize earnings and personal satisfaction.
More salary data for Rio Rancho, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Rio Rancho in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Rio Rancho?
Are plumbers in Rio Rancho paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Rio Rancho?
Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Rio Rancho?
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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 Rio Rancho. 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 Rio Rancho 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