Plumber Salary in Cortland, NY: $68,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Cortland, NY earns a median $68,184/year (≈ $32.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Cortland's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $58,830 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual salary for plumbers in Cortland, New York, reaches $68,184, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $65,408. The salary spectrum here ranges from $50,989 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $105,685 at the upper tier (90th percentile). These estimates emerge from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variations, indicating a robust market for skilled plumbing professionals. Specialties such as medical gas installation and industrial plumbing can substantially increase earning potential, making such certifications valuable in Cortland’s specialized job market.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,989 | $24.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,375 | $26.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,184 | $32.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,275 | $41.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,685 | $50.81 |
Median Salary Position
4.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cortland
In Cortland, NY, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,696 (2026 est.). At $68,184, the local median is 4.24% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cortland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cortland Plumber Pay Compares
Cortland median: $68,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cortland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $74,033 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +4.24% more |
Plumbers in Cortland, NY earn a median of $68,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $74,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cortland has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cortland, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,184 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,830 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,501
2025 BLS Actual
$66,508
2026 Current Est.
$68,184
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,501 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,721 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,422 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,162 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,508 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,902 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cortland metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $57,501 (2019) to $66,508 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,902 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,401 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cortland 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) | $50,989 – $55,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,375 – $68,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,184 – $87,275 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,275 – $105,685 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Cortland
When evaluating plumber pay in Cortland, NY, it’s crucial to consider the local employment landscape, which currently includes four plumbers in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 115.9, indicating that while salaries are above the national average, purchasing power may be affected due to higher living expenses. Opportunities with union plumbing contractors typically yield higher compensation due to premium wages for pipefitters, especially for those with additional specialties. Non-union contractors and larger service companies like Roto-Rooter offer variable pay structures influenced by commission and overtime, creating disparities in plumber salaries across the region. For those seeking to maximize their income, obtaining a master license and specializing in high-demand areas like medical gas can significantly enhance earnings in Cortland.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
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 $66,508 for plumbersin the Cortland 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 Cortland 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