Plumber Salary in Harlingen, TX: $48,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Harlingen, TX earns a median $48,886/year (≈ $23.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Harlingen's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $50,923 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.2% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, Texas, the plumber salary landscape showcases a notable disparity between union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers, shaping local wage standards. The projected median salary for plumbers in 2026 is $48,886, which falls significantly below the national median of $65,408. Compensation in Harlingen ranges from a lower threshold of $33,444 to a high of $75,773, illustrating both the diversity of roles within the profession and the varying skill levels demanded. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, highlight the competitive elements of the job market, particularly as union roles often command a premium that non-union positions typically do not match.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,444 | $16.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,666 | $19.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,886 | $23.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,574 | $30.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,773 | $36.43 |
Median Salary Position
25.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harlingen
In Harlingen, TX, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,329 (2026 est.). At $48,886, the local median is 25.26% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harlingen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harlingen Plumber Pay Compares
Harlingen median: $48,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harlingen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $55,678 | -12.20% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -25.26% less |
Plumbers in Harlingen, TX earn a median of $48,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.26% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 12.20% below the Texas state average of $55,678.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harlingen has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Harlingen, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $48,886 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,923 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,226
2025 BLS Actual
$47,684
2026 Current Est.
$48,886
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,226 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,002 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,104 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harlingen metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $41,226 (2019) to $47,684 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,892 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harlingen 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) | $33,444 – $39,666 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,666 – $48,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,886 – $62,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,574 – $75,773 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Harlingen
The local job market consists of 14 plumbers, an indication of the relatively tight employment pool in Harlingen, further contextualized by a cost-of-living index of 96, which is below the national average. This lower index enhances the purchasing power for plumbers, making it crucial for professionals to understand their earning potential. The highest salaries generally come from union plumbing contractors, as unionized pipefitters can earn up to 50% more than their non-union counterparts, particularly in specialized fields such as medical gas installation. The salary range experienced by plumbers is driven by various factors, including the type of work—whether in residential service or industrial maintenance—and the potential for overtime and commission from larger service companies. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Harlingen, obtaining additional credentials, specializing in high-demand areas, or moving into union roles are effective strategies to elevate their plumber pay in Harlingen, TX.
More salary data for Harlingen, 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 $47,684 for plumbersin the Harlingen 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 Harlingen 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