Plumber Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $76,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $76,040/year (≈ $36.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,007 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, NJ, the plumbing profession offers competitive financial prospects, with a median salary projected at $76,040 for 2026. Those in the field can expect a salary ranging from $54,437 at the lower end to $117,862 for high earners, presenting a robust compensation dynamic for skilled plumbers. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The earnings reflect a growing demand for plumbing services in Elizabeth, where the job market is influenced by the balance between self-employed contractors and employed plumbing professionals. This balance can significantly impact individual earnings, showcasing the trade-offs between stable employment and the potential for higher pay through self-employment or specialized skills.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,437 | $26.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,055 | $29.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,040 | $36.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,331 | $46.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,862 | $56.66 |
Median Salary Position
16.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,425 (2026 est.). At $76,040, the local median is 16.25% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Plumber Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $76,040/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,362 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +16.25% more |
Plumbers in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $76,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $75,362.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,040 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,007 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,127
2025 BLS Actual
$74,171
2026 Current Est.
$76,040
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,614 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,858 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,328 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,171 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,956 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $64,127 (2019) to $74,171 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,956 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,829 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $54,437 – $61,055 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,055 – $76,040 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,040 – $97,331 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,331 – $117,862 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Elizabeth
With an active workforce of 25 plumbers in the area, Elizabeth's job market remains robust despite a cost-of-living index of 115.2, indicating a higher cost relative to the national average. This cost dynamics can affect take-home pay for plumbers, making it essential to consider employment options wisely. Among the different employers, union plumbing contractors often offer the most significant compensation benefits, especially for those holding certifications in specialized fields like medical gas. In contrast, non-union and self-employed plumbers may experience greater variability in earnings due to factors like commission structures and the nature of service versus new construction work. To enhance earnings potential in this competitive market, plumbers should pursue additional certifications, consider union affiliation, and be open to working in specialized areas to leverage the demand created by aging infrastructure and a retiring workforce.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Elizabeth, NJ in 2026?
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Can plumbers make $100K in Elizabeth?
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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 $74,171 for plumbersin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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