Plumber Salary in Newport News, VA: $58,385 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Newport News, VA earns a median $58,385/year (≈ $28.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Newport News's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $56,575 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for plumbers in Newport News, Virginia, stands at $58,385, reflecting a notable disparity compared to the national median of $65,408. This local salary range showcases a low end of $41,673 (P10) and a high of $90,497 (P90), providing a comprehensive view of compensation trends within the area. The figures are derived from state-level BLS data, adjusted for local cost variances, revealing an interesting dynamic in the plumbing job market. As Newport News continues to grow, those pursuing specialized skills, such as medical gas certifications, can elevate their earning potential significantly, distinguishing themselves in a competitive field.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,673 | $20.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,785 | $22.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,385 | $28.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,733 | $35.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,497 | $43.51 |
Median Salary Position
10.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport News
In Newport News, VA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,824 (2026 est.). At $58,385, the local median is 10.74% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport News: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport News Plumber Pay Compares
Newport News median: $58,385/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport News Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $57,922 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | -10.74% less |
Plumbers in Newport News, VA earn a median of $58,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.74% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $57,922.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport News has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport News, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,385 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,575 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,238
2025 BLS Actual
$56,950
2026 Current Est.
$58,385
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,238 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,282 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,402 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,385 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,856 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport News metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $49,238 (2019) to $56,950 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,856 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,618 (21.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News 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) | $41,673 – $46,785 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,785 – $58,385 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,385 – $74,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,733 – $90,497 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Newport News
Having 39 plumbers currently employed in Newport News, the local market's strength is notable, but the cost of living index of 103.2 indicates that take-home pay must stretch slightly further than the national average. This environment fosters competition among different employer types, with union plumbing contractors typically offering higher wages compared to non-union or independent contractors. Self-employed plumbers can also see varied income based on project volume and specialization in high-demand areas, such as underground utilities or industrial maintenance. However, the significant wage spread seen between low and high earners hinges on skill level and market position, with union wages often commanding a 30-50% premium over their non-union counterparts. For those in Newport News looking to maximize their plumber pay, continually enhancing skills and credentials while targeting sectors with high demand can yield substantial returns.
More salary data for Newport News, VA:
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 $56,950 for plumbersin the Newport News 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 Newport News 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