Plumber Salary in Albuquerque, NM: $65,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Albuquerque, NM earns a median $65,510/year (≈ $31.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Albuquerque's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $68,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% above the New Mexico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for plumbing professionals in Albuquerque, NM is set at $65,510, relatively higher than the national median of $65,408. These numbers reflect the salary range of $38,219 at the 10th percentile to $90,136 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust market for those in the field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, emphasizes the premium that specialty skills, such as medical gas expertise and industrial plumbing, can command. As Albuquerque continues to experience infrastructure growth and an aging workforce, demand for skilled plumbers is expected to remain strong, attracting new talent to the industry.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,219 | $18.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,979 | $23.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,510 | $31.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,673 | $38.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,136 | $43.34 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, NM, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,917 (2026 est.). At $65,510, the local median is 0.16% above the national median of $65,408.
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At 40 hours/week in Albuquerque: You'd be above the median
How Albuquerque Plumber Pay Compares
Albuquerque median: $65,510/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albuquerque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $61,744 | +6.10% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +0.16% more |
Plumbers in Albuquerque, NM earn a median of $65,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 6.10% above the New Mexico state average of $61,744.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albuquerque has a cost of living 4.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albuquerque, NM has a cost-of-living index of 95.546 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $65,510 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,564 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,530
2025 BLS Actual
$63,900
2026 Current Est.
$65,510
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Albuquerque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,610 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,161 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albuquerque metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 43.5% from $44,530 (2019) to $63,900 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,161 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,631 (50.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albuquerque 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) | $38,219 – $47,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,979 – $65,510 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,510 – $80,673 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,673 – $90,136 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Albuquerque
With approximately 1,440 plumbers working in the Albuquerque area, the local job market exhibits a competitive landscape influenced by the cost of living index, which stands at 95.546. This means that while salaries might be equitable, the affordability of housing and everyday expenses could enhance take-home purchasing power for plumbers positively. Some of the highest salaries are paid by union plumbing contractors, offering a notable premium compared to their non-union counterparts. Differences in pay often stem from various factors, such as specialization in medical gas or industrial piping, which typically yields higher returns. Additionally, those who hold master and contractor licenses can tap into more lucrative opportunities. To maximize earning potential in Albuquerque, plumbers should consider furthering their credentials and pursuing specialized training, which can open pathways to increased compensation and stability in an evolving market.
More salary data for Albuquerque, NM:
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 $63,900 for plumbersin the Albuquerque 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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