Plumber Salary in Hartford, CT: $79,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Hartford, CT earns a median $79,135/year (≈ $38.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Hartford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.7), that paycheck buys what $77,020 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Hartford, Connecticut, the market for plumbers showcases a median annual salary of $79,135, reflecting a notable 20.99% premium over the national median of $65,408. Salary ranges in the city are diverse, stretching from $44,350 at the lower end (P10) to $104,755 at the upper end (P90). These figures, derived from the official BLS OEWS surveys, highlight the competitive dynamics in the local plumbing sector, particularly influenced by the prevailing union versus non-union pay structures. Union pipefitters, affiliated with the UA (United Association), typically receive significantly higher compensation, establishing a substantial gap with non-union service plumbers who generally earn less. This disparity is indicative of the local job market's structure and reinforces the importance of union affiliation for enhancing earning potential in Hartford.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,350 | $21.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,036 | $28.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,135 | $38.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,672 | $45.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,755 | $50.37 |
Median Salary Position
20.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hartford
In Hartford, CT, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,405 (2026 est.). At $79,135, the local median is 20.99% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hartford: You'd be above the median
How Hartford Plumber Pay Compares
Hartford median: $79,135/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hartford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $65,408 | +20.99% more |
Plumbers in Hartford, CT earn a median of $79,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.99% higher than the national median of $65,408.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hartford has a cost of living 2.75% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hartford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 102.746 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,135 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,020 — a 2.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,560
2025 BLS Actual
$77,190
2026 Current Est.
$79,135
2019–2027 Growth
+10.3%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,129 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hartford metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 4.9% from $73,560 (2019) to $77,190 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,129 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,569 (10.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hartford 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,350 – $60,036 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,036 – $79,135 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,135 – $95,672 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,672 – $104,755 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Hartford
With approximately 1,850 plumbers currently employed in Hartford, the job market remains robust despite a cost-of-living index of 102.746, suggesting that expenses are higher than the national average. Union plumbing contractors and industrial maintenance jobs, particularly in manufacturing and refinery settings, tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often surpassing those in residential and light commercial sectors. The variation in pay among plumbers stems from multiple factors, such as union membership, specialty skills (like medical gas and backflow prevention), and overall credentials, including master licensure. For plumbers aiming to maximize their earnings in Hartford, securing union affiliation, pursuing niche specialties, and considering opportunities with large service companies can be effective strategies. The city’s aging infrastructure and workforce create sustained demand for plumbing services, further emphasizing the value of skilled labor in the local economy.
More salary data for Hartford, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,190 for plumbersin the Hartford metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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