Plumber Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $50.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Bellingham, WA runs $50.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,339 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,205 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, the plumber hourly pay stands at $50.64, which is a substantial figure when measured against the national hourly median of $31.45. This elevated rate reflects not only the regional cost of living but also the demand for plumbing services across various settings, such as commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, and hospital mechanical rooms for medical gas applications. For part-time plumbers working three days a week, this means a decent potential income through 24-hour workweeks, while per-diem opportunities can vary significantly, especially for those working in higher-risk or specialized environments. The hourly range for plumbers in this local market stretches from $24.46 for entry-level positions to as much as $71.24 for top earners, a clear indication of robust career advancement possibilities as skills and experiences grow. This information is derived from official BLS hourly data, providing a reliable snapshot of what plumbing professionals can earn in Bellingham as of 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.46 | $195.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.30 | $250.39 |
| Median (P50) | $50.64 | $405.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.24 | $569.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.24 | $569.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $50.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.64/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $105,341 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,774. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,025.80 | $8,778 | $105,341 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,215.48 | $5,267 | $63,205 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $810.32 | $3,511 | $42,137 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Bellingham) | $50.64 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $105,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.05% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 28.40% above the Washington state average of $82,040.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.64/hr = $63,205/year (purchasing power: $61,166).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,341/year (purchasing power: $101,943).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+77.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Bellingham grew 69.0% from $29.23/hr (2019) to $49.40/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.92/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time plumbers reveals an interesting contrast to full-time work. A plumber putting in 24 hours a week at the current rate could expect a gross income of approximately $62,761 annually, underscoring a viable option for those balancing other commitments or pursuing additional education. For those involved in per diem work, particularly on out-of-town industrial projects, daily pay can often reach between $100 and $175 alongside a base hourly rate of $40 to $65. Service plumbing jobs frequently require call-out fees ranging from $150 to $300 as a minimum charge, making the potential for significant earnings realistic. In Bellingham, factors such as whether a plumber is working for union contractors, self-employed, or larger service companies play substantial roles in determining actual wages. Union plumbers typically earn a premium compared to their non-union counterparts, which reflects in a choice between higher hourly pay with no benefits or slightly lower rates that include health insurance. Those negotiating their rates in this thriving market should consider both the immediate compensation and the long-term benefits, understanding the nuances of each employer type in the region.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
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 Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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