Plumber Salary in Needham, MA: $82,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Needham, MA earns a median $82,714/year (≈ $39.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Needham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $76,234 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, achieving a plumber salary in Needham, Massachusetts, can be significantly rewarding, with the median projected annual compensation set at $82,714. This figure represents a notable increase compared to the national average, which stands at $65,408, indicating a local pay premium of approximately 26.46%. Plumbers in the city can expect to earn between $57,584 and $128,207, reflecting the diversity of roles within the profession, from entry-level service positions to specialized contracting work. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, provide a snapshot of the economic opportunities available in Needham, including the trade-off considerations between being self-employed and working for established plumbing services.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,584 | $27.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,451 | $30.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,714 | $39.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,874 | $50.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,207 | $61.64 |
Median Salary Position
26.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Needham
In Needham, MA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,623 (2026 est.). At $82,714, the local median is 26.46% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Needham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Needham Plumber Pay Compares
Needham median: $82,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Needham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $84,145 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +26.46% more |
Plumbers in Needham, MA earn a median of $82,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.46% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $84,145.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Needham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Needham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,714 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,234 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,755
2025 BLS Actual
$80,681
2026 Current Est.
$82,714
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,234 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,989 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,416 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,799 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Needham metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $69,755 (2019) to $80,681 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,799 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,044 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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) | $57,584 – $64,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,451 – $82,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,714 – $105,874 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,874 – $128,207 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Needham
The local job market for plumbers in Needham is relatively specialized, with only six employed in the area. The higher cost of living, represented by a CoL index of 108.5, can impact take-home pay and purchasing power significantly. Union contractors, particularly those associated with the United Association, are generally the highest payers, offering strong benefits and salary premiums compared to non-union services. The spread between lower and higher earnings can be attributed to various factors, including specialization in fields like medical gas fitting or government utilities, which command higher wages. Those pursuing advanced certifications or licenses, like a master plumber or specific medical gas credentials, may find lucrative opportunities. For plumbers looking to maximize their pay in this market, focusing on specialty training, considering union affiliations, and being open to diverse employment avenues, from service companies to self-employment, will be key strategies.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
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 $80,681 for plumbersin the Needham 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 Needham 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