Plumber Salary in Ferndale, MI: $76,090 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Ferndale, MI earns a median $76,090/year (≈ $36.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Ferndale's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $81,642 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber salary in Ferndale, MI, stands at a median of $76,090, reflecting a notable 16.33% increase over the national median of $65,408. The local salary range reveals significant disparity, with entry-level positions earning around $54,312 while experienced professionals can command up to $117,940. Estimates derived from state-level BLS data suggest that this market is shaped predominantly by unionized pipefitters, who often enjoy higher earnings compared to non-union service plumbers. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone considering a plumbing career in Ferndale, especially given the area's unique blend of residential, industrial, and specialized plumbing work.
About the Ferndale Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,312 | $26.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,913 | $28.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,090 | $36.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,396 | $46.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,940 | $56.70 |
Median Salary Position
16.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ferndale
In Ferndale, MI, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,628 (2026 est.). At $76,090, the local median is 16.33% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ferndale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ferndale Plumber Pay Compares
Ferndale median: $76,090/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ferndale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $80,179 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +16.33% more |
Plumbers in Ferndale, MI earn a median of $76,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.33% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $80,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ferndale has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ferndale, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $76,090 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,642 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,169
2025 BLS Actual
$74,220
2026 Current Est.
$76,090
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Ferndale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,603 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,912 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,090 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,008 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ferndale metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $64,169 (2019) to $74,220 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,008 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,839 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ferndale 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) | $54,312 – $59,913 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,913 – $76,090 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,090 – $97,396 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,396 – $117,940 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Ferndale
Currently, there are five plumbers employed in Ferndale, pointing to a small yet stable market for plumbing services in the area. The cost of living index at 93.2 indicates that the purchasing power for homeowners and plumbers alike may benefit from affordability relative to national averages. Local employers vary widely in compensation structures, with union plumbing contractors typically offering the most lucrative opportunities due to the premium wages associated with UA membership. On the other hand, residential service companies like Roto-Rooter may provide variable income potential through commissions. To maximize earnings in Ferndale, plumbers should consider pursuing additional certifications in high-demand specialties like medical gas or focus on obtaining a master plumber license, which could enhance their marketability and financial prospects in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Ferndale, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Ferndale, MI in 2026?
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Can plumbers make $100K in Ferndale?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted plumber salary in Ferndale?
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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 $74,220 for plumbersin the Ferndale 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 Ferndale 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