Plumber Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $74,762 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $74,762/year (≈ $35.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,898 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, New Jersey, the projected median annual plumber salary in 2026 is $74,762, surpassing the national average of $65,408 by a notable margin of 14.30%. The salary range within the region illustrates a broad spectrum, with entry-level positions starting at $51,852 and experienced professionals earning up to $115,880. These figures reflect localized estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living, making them particularly relevant for those considering a career in plumbing here. Lakewood’s job market offers advantages for both employed plumbers and self-employed contractors, allowing individuals to decide on their preferred business model based on their skills and goals.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,852 | $24.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,536 | $28.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,762 | $35.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,695 | $46.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,880 | $55.71 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,028 (2026 est.). At $74,762, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Plumber Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $74,762/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,365 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +14.30% more |
Plumbers in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $74,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $75,365.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,762 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,898 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,048
2025 BLS Actual
$72,924
2026 Current Est.
$74,762
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,443 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,352 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,726 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,924 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,762 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,646 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $63,048 (2019) to $72,924 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,646 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,598 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $51,852 – $58,536 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,536 – $74,762 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,762 – $95,695 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,695 – $115,880 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Lakewood
Evaluating the local job market, Lakewood employs 31 plumbers, blending both service and specialty roles. A cost-of-living index of 115.2 indicates that while compensation is higher relative to some areas, purchasing power requires careful management. Employers in Lakewood, particularly union plumbing contractors (like those aligned with the UA) generally provide higher wages compared to non-union and self-employed plumbers. The income potential varies significantly depending on the sector: for instance, medical gas specialists and those holding advanced certifications can command premiums, while commission structures in service companies like Roto-Rooter offer fluctuating earnings. To enhance pay, aspiring plumbers should consider obtaining specialized licenses, focusing on high-demand sectors, and exploring union membership to tap into the premium that union wages provide. Taking these steps can lead to a robust career in Lakewood’s plumbing market.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $72,924 for plumbersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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