Plumber Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $80,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $80,022/year (≈ $38.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,753 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Chelmsford, Massachusetts, will present plumbers with a median annual salary of $80,022, a notable figure that reflects the city's strong demand for plumbing services. This robust salary range extends from $57,706, representing the 10th percentile, to an impressive $124,034 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the significant premium that union pipefitters often command over their non-union counterparts within this market. Labor union representation, particularly from the United Association (UA), often ensures higher wages, contributing to the notable disparity in pay seen between union and non-union plumbers in Chelmsford. Given these dynamics, it's clear that the job market favors those with specialized credentials or union affiliation.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,706 | $27.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,016 | $30.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,022 | $38.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,428 | $49.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,034 | $59.64 |
Median Salary Position
22.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,328 (2026 est.). At $80,022, the local median is 22.34% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Plumber Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $80,022/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $84,145 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +22.34% more |
Plumbers in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $80,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.34% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $84,145.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,022 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,753 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$67,485
2025 BLS Actual
$78,055
2026 Current Est.
$80,022
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,516 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,055 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,039 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $67,485 (2019) to $78,055 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,039 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,554 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $57,706 – $64,016 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,016 – $80,022 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,022 – $102,428 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,428 – $124,034 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Chelmsford
In light of the local job market, only eight plumbers are currently employed in Chelmsford, which may seem limited; however, the city's cost of living index stands at 108.5, slightly above the national average. This means that while plumbers' wages are competitive, the cost of living can impact overall purchasing power. Employers such as union plumbing contractors usually provide the highest wages, followed by industrial maintenance teams and large service companies like Roto-Rooter, which rely on commission-based structures that can lead to variable income. The salary spread in the region often results from factors such as the specialization in medical gas installations or the need for master licenses for higher-paying roles. To maximize earning potential, plumbers in Chelmsford should consider aligning with union contractors, obtaining additional certifications in specialized fields, and engaging in ongoing training to stay relevant. This strategic approach can significantly enhance their career trajectory and compensation in the area.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Chelmsford, MA in 2026?
Is Chelmsford, MA a good place to work as a plumber?
Can plumbers make $100K in Chelmsford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted plumber salary in Chelmsford?
How much does a plumber make per hour in Chelmsford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $78,055 for plumbersin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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