Plumber Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $63,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $63,675/year (≈ $30.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,701 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.9% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Chesapeake, Virginia are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,675, reflecting local market conditions that are slightly lower than the national median of $65,408. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $40,138 and experienced plumbers potentially earning up to $98,697. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, highlight the choice between employed service plumber roles and self-employed contractor opportunities. The unique plumbing market in Chesapeake illustrates the economic dynamics of the region, influenced by demand for both residential and industrial plumbing services.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,138 | $19.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,743 | $24.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,675 | $30.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,504 | $39.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,697 | $47.45 |
Median Salary Position
2.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,559 (2026 est.). At $63,675, the local median is 2.65% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Plumber Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $63,675/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $57,939 | +9.90% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | -2.65% less |
Plumbers in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $63,675 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.65% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 9.90% above the Virginia state average of $57,939.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,675 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,701 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,699
2025 BLS Actual
$62,110
2026 Current Est.
$63,675
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,498 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,025 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,280 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $53,699 (2019) to $62,110 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,280 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,581 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $40,138 – $50,743 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,743 – $63,675 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,675 – $81,504 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,504 – $98,697 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Chesapeake
Examining the local job market, there are currently 63 plumbers employed in Chesapeake, reflecting a stable demand in a city with a cost-of-living index of 103.2. This slightly elevated index indicates a need for higher compensation to maintain purchasing power. Among the various employer types, union contractors like the UA (United Association) offer some of the highest salaries due to their premium pay for pipefitters and steamfitters. In addition to these union positions, self-employed plumbers, large service companies, and industrial maintenance teams also provide competitive pay, but variation comes from factors such as specialization. Credentials in medical gas installation and backflow prevention can command higher wages, while commission structures in service roles create income variability. To maximize earnings in Chesapeake's plumbing industry, pursuing specialized certifications, considering union affiliation, and actively seeking contracts with established companies are key strategies for professionals looking to enhance their plumber pay in Chesapeake VA.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
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 $62,110 for plumbersin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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