Plumber Salary in Nebraska: $63,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Nebraska's 13 metropolitan areas, the average median plumber pay sits at $63,942/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 47-2152. Because Nebraska sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $69,882 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Omaha ($63,400), Lincoln ($60,670), Hastings ($56,954).
In Nebraska, the average median salary for plumbers in 2026 is projected to be $63,942, which is slightly below the national median of $65,408, representing a 2.2% difference. Salaries vary widely within the state; Omaha offers the highest pay at $64,998, while North Platte has the lowest at $55,652, resulting in a salary gap of $9,346 between these two cities. This difference is primarily driven by the population density and demand for plumbing services, with urban areas like Omaha experiencing higher construction and development activity. Nebraska has specific state licensing requirements that plumbers must meet, including passing a competency exam and obtaining hands-on experience. The scope of practice laws in the state dictate the types of plumbing work that licensed professionals can perform, which shapes the job market dynamics. The total number of employed plumbers stands at 3,292, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.52% indicated by the latest BLS data. Additionally, cities such as Lincoln ($62,199), Hastings ($58,389), Fremont ($58,073), and Bellevue ($57,954) illustrate the regional salary variations influenced by local economic conditions and demand for plumbing services. Overall, the job market for plumbers in Nebraska appears steady, with respectable growth expected in the coming years.
Nebraska Plumber Salary Range
Overall salary range in Nebraska: $39,288 (lowest entry-level) to $101,023 (highest top earner)
Nebraska vs National Average
Nebraska plumbers earn 2.24% less than the national median ($-1,466/year difference).
Nebraska Plumber Salary Distribution (2026)
Plumber salaries in Nebraska range from $46,196 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $97,760 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $63,942. The Nebraska median is $1,466 below the US national median of $65,408. The average hourly rate is $30.74/hr. Approximately 3,292 plumbers are employed across 13 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,078
2025 BLS Actual
$62,370
2026 Current Est.
$63,942
2019–2027 Growth
+3.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Nebraska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,078 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,706 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,254 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,553 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nebraska metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew -1.1% from $63,078 (2019) to $62,370 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,553 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,475 (3.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nebraska 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Nebraska
Lowest Paying Cities in Nebraska
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| North Platte | $55,652 |
| Papillion | $55,669 |
| La Vista | $55,729 |
| Norfolk | $55,737 |
| Columbus | $55,886 |
Best Value Cities for Plumbers in Nebraska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Nebraska cities offer the most purchasing power for plumbers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $64,998 | 91.911 | $70,718 |
| Lincoln | $62,199 | 91.581 | $67,917 |
| Grand Island | $57,257 | 86.657 | $66,073 |
| Hastings | $58,389 | 91.5 | $63,813 |
| Fremont | $58,073 | 91.5 | $63,468 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $46,196 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $63,942 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $97,760 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Nebraska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 13 Cities in Nebraska
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omaha | $64,998 |
| 2 | Lincoln | $62,199 |
| 3 | Hastings | $58,389 |
| 4 | Fremont | $58,073 |
| 5 | Bellevue | $57,954 |
| 6 | Kearney | $57,633 |
| 7 | Scottsbluff | $57,434 |
| 8 | Grand Island | $57,257 |
| 9 | Columbus | $55,886 |
| 10 | Norfolk | $55,737 |
| 11 | La Vista | $55,729 |
| 12 | Papillion | $55,669 |
| 13 | North Platte | $55,652 |
More Nebraska Salary Data
Explore More Plumber Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Nebraska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for plumbers in Nebraska?
How does Nebraska plumber pay compare to the national average?
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Which Nebraska city offers the best value for plumbers?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 plumber compensation across Nebraska. State averages are employment-weighted across 13 metro areas — larger metro areas with more plumberscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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