Plumber Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $46.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Tacoma, WA runs $46.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,601 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the plumber hourly pay is projected to reach $46.15 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $31.45. This robust hourly rate serves as a strong incentive for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, including residential service calls and large-scale commercial projects. For part-time plumbers working three days a week, the earning potential is substantial, allowing them to maintain a flexible lifestyle while benefiting from competitive wages. The hourly range for plumbers in Tacoma varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $31.11 and experienced professionals earning upwards of $71.54. These figures illustrate the diverse opportunities available within the plumbing industry, which includes roles in medical facilities, manufacturing plants, and self-employed contractor services, thereby enhancing the profession's appeal across multiple work environments.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.11 | $248.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.67 | $285.33 |
| Median (P50) | $46.15 | $369.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.08 | $472.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.54 | $572.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $46.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.15/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $96,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,385. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,846.18 | $8,000 | $96,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,107.71 | $4,800 | $57,601 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $738.47 | $3,200 | $38,401 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Tacoma) | $46.15 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $96,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.77% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 17.00% above the Washington state average of $82,053.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.15/hr = $57,601/year (purchasing power: $53,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,001/year (purchasing power: $89,387).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Tacoma grew 15.7% from $38.92/hr (2019) to $45.02/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.32/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Part-time plumbers operating at a three-day workweek, averaging 24 hours, can take home around $54,496 annually, providing a comfortable living while allowing for other commitments. For those opting for per diem positions, especially in travel-based roles such as pipefitting, the compensation can be lucrative, with daily per diem rates ranging from $100 to $175 on top of base hourly wages that frequently fall between $40 and $65. Service plumbing also offers call-out fees that can charge clients $150 to $300 or more. Hourly rates differ widely based on the employer type, with union positions often commanding higher wages due to the benefits they provide. Plumbers may find that accepting a lower hourly rate in a union job comes with increased job security and health benefits, while those in self-employment or non-union setups might chase higher pay but lack those securities. Negotiating effectively is key in Tacoma’s market, highlighting the need for prospective employees to be aware of their worth and the working conditions associated with various employer types.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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