Plumber Salary in Lorain, OH: $65,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Lorain, OH earns a median $65,264/year (≈ $31.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Lorain's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $71,956 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for plumbers in 2026 is $65,264, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.22% compared to the national median of $65,408. The salary range for plumbers in the area extends from $43,012 at the lower end (P10) to $101,160 for those at the top of the market (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic factors, reveal how the market is influenced by various employment sectors. Union pipefitters in Lorain, typically associated with the UA (United Association), command a premium over their non-union counterparts, highlighting the impact of collective bargaining on earning potential in the plumbing industry. Understanding the local climate for plumber pay in Lorain reveals strong demand driven by ongoing infrastructure needs and a workforce that is aging—elements that contribute to a competitive job market.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,012 | $20.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,206 | $25.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,264 | $31.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,538 | $40.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,160 | $48.64 |
Median Salary Position
0.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
In Lorain, OH, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,148 (2026 est.). At $65,264, the local median is 0.22% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lorain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lorain Plumber Pay Compares
Lorain median: $65,264/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lorain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $64,554 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | -0.22% less |
Plumbers in Lorain, OH earn a median of $65,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $64,554.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lorain has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lorain, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $65,264 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,956 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,039
2025 BLS Actual
$63,660
2026 Current Est.
$65,264
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,206 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,749 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,508 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,909 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lorain metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $55,039 (2019) to $63,660 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,909 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,870 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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) | $43,012 – $53,206 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,206 – $65,264 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,264 – $83,538 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,538 – $101,160 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Lorain
With only 12 plumbers currently employed in the Lorain area, competition for top positions can be fierce, and job availability is a crucial factor. The cost of living index for Lorain, sitting at 90.7, suggests that salaries must be weighed against local purchasing power. Union contractors, particularly those affiliated with the UA, generally pay higher wages due to collective agreements that ensure competitive rates. On the other hand, non-union plumbing firms and large service companies, like Roto-Rooter, provide variable pay structures based on commission, offering the potential for higher earnings in a busy environment. Factors such as the acquisition of specialty credentials in areas like medical gas installation can also differentiate salary outcomes. Those looking to maximize plumber pay in Lorain, OH, should consider pursuing advanced certifications, gaining experience in higher-paying specialties, and exploring opportunities with union employers to enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
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 $63,660 for plumbersin the Lorain 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 Lorain 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