Plumber Salary in Paterson, NJ: $75,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Paterson, NJ earns a median $75,297/year (≈ $36.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Paterson's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $65,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber salary in Paterson, NJ, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $75,297, which is notably higher than the national median of $65,408. The full salary range for plumbers in the region spans from $53,054 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $116,710 at the higher end (90th percentile). Local salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that while skilled union pipefitters often command higher wages—typically 30-50% over non-union service plumbers—the overall market maintains a competitive edge. This reflects both the demand for plumbing services and the cost of living in Paterson, setting the stage for a robust job environment for licensed professionals.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,054 | $25.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,585 | $28.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,297 | $36.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,380 | $46.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,710 | $56.11 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paterson
In Paterson, NJ, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,656 (2026 est.). At $75,297, the local median is 15.12% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paterson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paterson Plumber Pay Compares
Paterson median: $75,297/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paterson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,372 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +15.12% more |
Plumbers in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $75,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $75,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paterson has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paterson, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,297 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,362 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,500
2025 BLS Actual
$73,446
2026 Current Est.
$75,297
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,933 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,175 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,856 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paterson metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $63,500 (2019) to $73,446 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,694 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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) | $53,054 – $59,585 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,585 – $75,297 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,297 – $96,380 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,380 – $116,710 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Paterson
With 31 plumbers currently employed in Paterson, the local job market is relatively specialized, particularly considering the area's cost-of-living index of 115.2. This index suggests that while salaries may appear strong, take-home purchasing power can be stretched by living costs. Employers in the region that tend to pay the highest typically include union plumbing contractors, particularly those affiliated with the UA (United Association), as well as industrial maintenance teams and large service companies like Roto-Rooter. The variance in pay can be attributed to several factors, such as the differences between union and non-union work, specialty skills like medical gas installation, and the demand for experienced plumbers. For those looking to maximize their plumber pay in Paterson, pursuing union membership, obtaining diverse certifications, and focusing on high-demand specialties can lead to increased earning potential and job security in this evolving market.
More salary data for Paterson, 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 $73,446 for plumbersin the Paterson 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 Paterson 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