Plumber Salary in Berkeley, NJ: $73,817 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Berkeley, NJ earns a median $73,817/year (≈ $35.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,077 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Berkeley, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $73,817, surpassing the national average of $65,408 by nearly 13%. The salary range shows considerable variation, from $50,797 at the lower end to $114,417 for those at the upper echelon of the profession. Estimates are based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflecting local economic conditions. In the competitive landscape of Berkeley's plumbing market, a significant pay gap often exists between union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers, which influences the overall earning potential within the area.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,797 | $24.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,253 | $27.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,817 | $35.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,487 | $45.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,417 | $55.01 |
Median Salary Position
12.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, NJ, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,620 (2026 est.). At $73,817, the local median is 12.86% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Plumber Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $73,817/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,324 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +12.86% more |
Plumbers in Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $73,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $75,324.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,817 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,077 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,252
2025 BLS Actual
$72,003
2026 Current Est.
$73,817
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,252 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,003 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,817 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,678 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $62,252 (2019) to $72,003 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,678 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,426 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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) | $50,797 – $57,253 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,253 – $73,817 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,817 – $94,487 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,487 – $114,417 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Berkeley
As of the most recent data, only seven plumbers are employed in Berkeley, indicating a niche job market. With a cost of living index at 115.2, the economic reality implies that although salaries may be higher, the purchasing power may not be as robust. Union employers tend to offer the best compensation packages, particularly for UA signatories, who can demand higher wages compared to non-union contractors. This differential stems largely from specialization; for instance, medical gas and backflow prevention skills can command premiums. The market also exhibits great disparity, with self-employed plumbers and those working for large service companies like Roto-Rooter having the opportunity for higher earnings through commissions and overtime. Plumbers aiming to maximize their pay in Berkeley should consider enhancing their credentials with specialized licenses and actively pursue union membership to benefit from enhanced pay structures and job security.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $72,003 for plumbersin the Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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