Plumber Salary in Abilene, TX: $53,095 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Abilene, TX earns a median $53,095/year (≈ $25.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Abilene's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $58,757 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For those contemplating a plumbing career in Abilene, the projected median salary in 2026 stands at $53,095. This figure falls significantly below the national median of $65,408, reflecting an 18.82% disparity. Plumber salaries in the area span from $36,251 at the 10th percentile to $78,171 at the 90th percentile, as derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Such data highlights the trade-offs between being an employed plumber versus a self-employed contractor. While self-employment offers independence, stability in income may elude those without established clientele. Overall, Abilene’s plumbing market reflects a blend of opportunities and challenges for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,251 | $17.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,167 | $19.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,095 | $25.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,263 | $32.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,171 | $37.58 |
Median Salary Position
18.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Abilene
In Abilene, TX, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,920 (2026 est.). At $53,095, the local median is 18.82% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Abilene: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Abilene Plumber Pay Compares
Abilene median: $53,095/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Abilene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $55,714 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -18.82% less |
Plumbers in Abilene, TX earn a median of $53,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.82% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 4.70% below the Texas state average of $55,714.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Abilene has a cost of living 9.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Abilene, TX has a cost-of-living index of 90.364 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $53,095 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,757 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,610
2025 BLS Actual
$51,790
2026 Current Est.
$53,095
2019–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,095 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,433 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Abilene metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 27.5% from $40,610 (2019) to $51,790 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,433 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,823 (34.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Abilene 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) | $36,251 – $40,167 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,167 – $53,095 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,095 – $67,263 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,263 – $78,171 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Abilene
Considering the local job landscape, Abilene has 320 employed plumbers, a number that underscores the community's demand for these services. The cost of living index sits at 90.364, which translates to higher purchasing power compared to places above the national average. Employers such as UA union contractors typically pay higher wages compared to their non-union counterparts. The gulf between the lowest and highest paid plumbers is influenced by factors such as specialty credentials in areas like medical gas and industrial pipefitting, as well as commission structures at large service companies. To optimize earnings in Abilene, plumbers should consider obtaining additional licenses and certifications, align themselves with union contractors when possible, and stay informed about lucrative specialties and emerging market needs.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
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 $51,790 for plumbersin the Abilene 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