Plumber Salary in Radford, VA: $55,640 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Radford, VA earns a median $55,640/year (≈ $26.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $53,915 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a plumber in Radford, VA, is projected to be $55,640, which reflects a notable disparity compared to the national median of $65,408. This local salary, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, encompasses a salary range from $40,222 at the 10th percentile to $86,242 at the 90th percentile. These figures indicate that the compensation landscape for plumbers in Radford presents a significant opportunity for both employed and self-employed professionals. For self-employed contractors, the income potential can be higher, depending on the volume of work and established clientele, whereas those employed by companies may enjoy more consistent pay. Understanding these dynamics is essential for any plumbing professional assessing their options in this market.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,222 | $19.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,542 | $22.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,640 | $26.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,961 | $34.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,242 | $41.46 |
Median Salary Position
14.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,020 (2026 est.). At $55,640, the local median is 14.93% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Radford Plumber Pay Compares
Radford median: $55,640/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $57,958 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -14.93% less |
Plumbers in Radford, VA earn a median of $55,640 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.93% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 4.00% below the Virginia state average of $57,958.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,640 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,915 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,922
2025 BLS Actual
$54,272
2026 Current Est.
$55,640
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,922 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,116 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,358 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,640 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $46,922 (2019) to $54,272 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,120 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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) | $40,222 – $46,542 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,542 – $55,640 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,640 – $70,961 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,961 – $86,242 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Radford
The job market in Radford is relatively small, with only six plumbers currently employed in the area, which may limit competition but also suggests a concentrated demand for skilled labor. The cost of living index of 103.2 indicates that a modestly higher living expense exists compared to the national average. This reality impacts take-home pay significantly, emphasizing the need for plumbers to evaluate opportunities with employers who offer premium compensation packages suited to the local landscape. Unionized contractors often provide better wages, with wages for union pipefitters potentially exceeding those of non-union workers by up to 50%. Specialty roles, such as those dealing with medical gas or industrial piping, typically command higher rates as well. To maximize pay in Radford’s market, pursuing additional certifications, such as a master plumber’s license or focusing on niche specialties, could lead to more lucrative opportunities and increased financial stability.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Radford, VA in 2026?
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Can plumbers make $100K in Radford?
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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 $54,272 for plumbersin the Radford 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 Radford 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