Plumber Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $30.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Norfolk, VA runs $30.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,375 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,627 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the plumber hourly pay sits at $30.95, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate provides both full-time and part-time workers with solid earning potential, especially for those engaging in varied environments like commercial construction sites, residential service calls, and specialized roles such as medical gas installation. The hourly wage ranges from $19.91 for entry-level positions to about $47.97 for experienced plumbers at the top of their game. With this spectrum, those working part-time, say three days a week, can expect to earn a substantial income, while per-diem plumbers—often found on out-of-town projects—have opportunities to earn well beyond the median when factoring in additional travel stipends. These hourly estimates derive their foundation from projected annual salary data, ensuring that they reflect the changing demands of the plumbing sector in Norfolk.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.91 | $159.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.25 | $186.01 |
| Median (P50) | $30.95 | $247.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.61 | $316.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.97 | $383.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $30.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.95/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $64,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,141. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,238.03 | $5,365 | $64,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.82 | $3,219 | $38,627 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.21 | $2,146 | $25,751 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Norfolk) | $30.95 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $64,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 11.10% above the Virginia state average of $57,944.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.95/hr = $38,627/year (purchasing power: $37,429).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,378/year (purchasing power: $62,381).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Norfolk grew 15.7% from $26.10/hr (2019) to $30.19/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.73/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Plumbers in Norfolk, particularly those working part-time at 24 hours a week, can expect to take home around $38,374 annually, which is a commendable figure for those balancing multiple commitments. For those in specialized roles, like travel pipefitters or steamfitters on industrial projects, per diem pay may significantly enhance earnings, with rates between $100-$175 per day atop hourly wages that can range from $40 to $65. It's common for self-employed contractors to command effective hourly rates between $100 and $180, especially in the high cost of living (HCOL) market of Norfolk, where unique plumbing specialties like medical gas or backflow prevention come into play. The earnings landscape varies by employer type; unionized plumbers affiliated with UA can expect premiums of 30-50% over non-union counterparts. Negotiation can be essential, as some plumbers may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits—like health insurance—while others chase higher pay rates devoid of such compensation. Understanding these complexities can help workers make informed choices in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Norfolk?
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Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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