Plumber Salary in Reston, VA: $56,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Reston, VA earns a median $56,655/year (≈ $27.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Reston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $54,898 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the average pay for plumbers in Reston, Virginia, is projected at $56,655 annually, a figure that reflects local market conditions following adjustments for the cost of living. The salary range varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $40,572 and the top 90% achieving up to $87,815. These estimates, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, highlight a pay gap commonly seen between unionized pipefitters and their non-union counterparts. In Reston, the influence of union wages is substantial, and many professionals engaged in commercial and industrial work will frequently find their compensation outpacing that of non-union service plumbers, drawing attention to the evolving demands of the local job market.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,572 | $19.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,170 | $21.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,655 | $27.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,518 | $34.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,815 | $42.22 |
Median Salary Position
13.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reston
In Reston, VA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,243 (2026 est.). At $56,655, the local median is 13.38% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reston Plumber Pay Compares
Reston median: $56,655/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $57,929 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -13.38% less |
Plumbers in Reston, VA earn a median of $56,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.38% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $57,929.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reston has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reston, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,655 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,898 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,778
2025 BLS Actual
$55,262
2026 Current Est.
$56,655
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,792 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,048 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,553 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,082 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reston metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $47,778 (2019) to $55,262 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,082 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,304 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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) | $40,572 – $45,170 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,170 – $56,655 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,655 – $72,518 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,518 – $87,815 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Reston
Analyzing the plumber pay in Reston, VA, reveals a competitive job landscape with only 16 plumbers currently employed in the area. This limited workforce is underscored by a cost-of-living index of 103.2, suggesting that while salaries may seem lower compared to the national median of $65,408, local purchasing power is nonetheless impacted. Local employers such as union plumbing contractors and large service companies like Roto-Rooter or ARS/Rescue Rooter often lead in compensation. Notably, the distinction in pay aligns with various factors, including the nature of their work—specializations in medical gas or industrial plumbing typically command higher pay. Those who hold specialty licenses, such as those for backflow prevention or medical gas, or engage in self-employment often enjoy better financial outcomes. For plumbers looking to maximize their earnings, aligning with local unions, pursuing advanced certifications, and taking on roles in high-demand specialties can significantly enhance earning potential in Reston.
More salary data for Reston, 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 $55,262 for plumbersin the Reston 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 Reston 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