Plumber Salary in Norfolk, VA: $64,375 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Norfolk, VA earns a median $64,375/year (≈ $30.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,379 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.1% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Norfolk, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $64,375, slightly below the national figure of $65,408. Projected earnings vary significantly, with the salary range spanning from $41,411 at the lower end to $99,782 at the upper percentile. These numbers, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, suggest a competitive pay structure in Norfolk’s plumbing sector. Those who attain specialty certifications—particularly in medical gas or industrial plumbing—typically see higher pay rates, reflecting the premium associated with specialized skills in a market where demand is bolstered by aging infrastructure and a skilled labor shortage.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,411 | $19.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,364 | $23.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,375 | $30.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,400 | $39.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,782 | $47.97 |
Median Salary Position
1.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,371 (2026 est.). At $64,375, the local median is 1.58% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Plumber Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $64,375/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $57,944 | +11.10% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | -1.58% less |
Plumbers in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $64,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 11.10% above the Virginia state average of $57,944.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,375 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,379 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,289
2025 BLS Actual
$62,793
2026 Current Est.
$64,375
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,441 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,729 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,375 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,998 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $54,289 (2019) to $62,793 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,998 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,709 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $41,411 – $48,364 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,364 – $64,375 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,375 – $82,400 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,400 – $99,782 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Norfolk
Looking deeper into the local job market, Norfolk employs around 54 plumbers, a figure revealing the potential for job stability in this area. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, take-home pay may be affected, necessitating careful budgeting for those in the profession. Union plumbing contractors generally offer more competitive wages compared to non-union shops, and specializations such as industrial maintenance or medical gas can lead to significant earnings boosts. The disparity in pay among plumbers often hinges on credentials, like master or contractor licenses, and the nature of employment—commission-based roles in large service companies can offer substantial income potential but with inherent variability. For those looking to maximize earnings in Norfolk, focusing on certification, exploring union affiliations, and potentially engaging in high-demand specializations would be prudent strategies in this evolving market.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Norfolk, VA in 2026?
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Can plumbers make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted plumber salary in Norfolk?
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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 $62,793 for plumbersin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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