Plumber Salary in Clearwater, FL: $53,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Clearwater, FL earns a median $53,666/year (≈ $25.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $53,240 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, Florida, plumber salaries are shaped significantly by union representation and the market demand for skilled plumbers. The projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $53,666, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,408, revealing a divergence in local compensation structures. Plumber pay in Clearwater spans a considerable range, with the bottom 10% earning approximately $35,059 and the top 10% making around $83,183. Estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that this data incorporates state-level conditions and regional costs, presenting a realistic picture of what plumbers can expect in this locale. The distinction between union and non-union positions plays a critical role, with union pipefitters typically commanding higher wages compared to their non-union counterparts in the service sector.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,059 | $16.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,382 | $19.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,666 | $25.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,693 | $33.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,183 | $39.99 |
Median Salary Position
17.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,124 (2026 est.). At $53,666, the local median is 17.95% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Plumber Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $53,666/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $52,925 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | -17.95% less |
Plumbers in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $53,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.95% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.40% above the Florida state average of $52,925.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,666 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,240 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,258
2025 BLS Actual
$52,347
2026 Current Est.
$53,666
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,218 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,131 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,501 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,019 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $45,258 (2019) to $52,347 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,761 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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) | $35,059 – $40,382 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,382 – $53,666 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,666 – $68,693 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,693 – $83,183 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Clearwater
The local market for plumbers shows promise, with 19 plumbers working in the Clearwater area, suggesting a focused but active employment scenario. The cost-of-living index in Clearwater stands slightly above average at 100.8, which means that while salaries may be lower than the national median, the purchasing power remains competitive. Among various employers, union plumbing contractors often provide the most lucrative opportunities, as they can offer substantial wage premiums. Conversely, non-union companies, including residential and light commercial firms, usually present lower pay scales. Factors contributing to the diverse earnings include specialization in areas like medical gas piping and industrial maintenance, as well as the presence of master licenses and contractor status that permit higher income potential. For those in Clearwater looking to enhance their plumber pay, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking employment with established union contractors can yield better financial outcomes in the long run.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
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 $52,347 for plumbersin the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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