Plumber Salary in Shelton, CT: $80,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Shelton, CT earns a median $80,447/year (≈ $38.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Shelton's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $74,557 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelton, Connecticut, plumber salaries reflect both local market dynamics and a notable premium for specialized skills. The projected median annual salary in 2026 is $80,447, significantly higher than the national figure of $65,408, creating a robust compensation framework. Salary estimates indicate a range from $57,121 at the lower end (P10) to $124,694 at the upper end (P90), showcasing the potential for growth, particularly among those with specialized credentials such as medical gas and industrial piping. These figures are derived from refined estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlighting Shelton’s competitive job market for plumbers.
About the Shelton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,121 | $27.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,446 | $30.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,447 | $38.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,973 | $49.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,694 | $59.95 |
Median Salary Position
22.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shelton
In Shelton, CT, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,573 (2026 est.). At $80,447, the local median is 22.99% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shelton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shelton Plumber Pay Compares
Shelton median: $80,447/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shelton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $79,103 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +22.99% more |
Plumbers in Shelton, CT earn a median of $80,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.99% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.70% above the Connecticut state average of $79,103.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shelton has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shelton, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,447 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,557 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,843
2025 BLS Actual
$78,470
2026 Current Est.
$80,447
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Shelton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,843 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,282 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,475 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shelton metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $67,843 (2019) to $78,470 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,475 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,632 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shelton 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) | $57,121 – $63,446 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,446 – $80,447 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,447 – $102,973 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,973 – $124,694 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Shelton
With only 10 plumbers currently employed in the Shelton area, the job market offers limited competition, yet the cost of living index of 107.9 indicates that take-home pay must stretch further than in average U.S. cities. Union contractors, particularly those aligned with the United Association (UA), typically provide the highest wages, driven by the significant premium that union pipefitters enjoy over their non-union counterparts. In contrast, self-employed plumbers and those working for large service firms like Roto-Rooter may access varying income levels based on commission structures. The disparity in salaries can also be attributed to certification levels, specialty areas, and overtime opportunities. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Shelton, pursuing additional certifications and considering union membership may enhance earning potential while meeting the growing demand driven by an aging workforce.
More salary data for Shelton, CT:
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
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 $78,470 for plumbersin the Shelton 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
Salary data for Shelton 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