Plumber Salary in East Orange, NJ: $76,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in East Orange, NJ earns a median $76,390/year (≈ $36.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in East Orange's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,311 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Orange, New Jersey, the 2026 projections for plumber salaries reflect a solid opportunity for those in the trade, with a median annual salary of $76,390. This figure represents a notable 16.79% increase over the national median of $65,408 for plumbers, indicating a healthy local market. The salary range varies widely from $53,023 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $118,404 for top earners (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the dynamic nature of the plumbing industry in East Orange, which is influenced by both employment types and the demand for skilled plumbers in the area.
About the East Orange Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,023 | $25.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,971 | $27.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,390 | $36.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,778 | $47.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,404 | $56.93 |
Median Salary Position
16.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Orange
In East Orange, NJ, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,381 (2026 est.). At $76,390, the local median is 16.79% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Orange: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Orange Plumber Pay Compares
East Orange median: $76,390/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Orange Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,335 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +16.79% more |
Plumbers in East Orange, NJ earn a median of $76,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $75,335.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Orange has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Orange, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,390 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,311 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,421
2025 BLS Actual
$74,512
2026 Current Est.
$76,390
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,788 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,179 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,884 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,512 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Orange metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $64,421 (2019) to $74,512 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,894 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Orange 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) | $53,023 – $57,971 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,971 – $76,390 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,390 – $97,778 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,778 – $118,404 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in East Orange
With only nine plumbers actively employed in East Orange, competition may be limited, yet this scarcity also points to a potential for job security amidst a rising cost of living index of 115.2, making it essential for workers to maximize their take-home earnings. Unionized positions often offer higher compensation compared to their non-union counterparts, with UA signatories frequently commanding higher wages and additional benefits. Specialized skills, such as medical gas certification or backflow prevention expertise, can further elevate earnings, as can roles in industrial maintenance teams or self-employment where margins may vary significantly. To enhance their pay, plumbers should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in higher-paying sectors, or exploring commission-based opportunities with larger service companies. This strategic approach is vital in navigating the contrasts between base salaries and additional income potentials across different employment models in East Orange.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
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 $74,512 for plumbersin the East Orange 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 East Orange 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