Plumber Salary in Des Moines, WA: $81,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Des Moines, WA earns a median $81,288/year (≈ $39.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $75,687 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, the estimated annual plumber salary for 2026 is projected to reach $81,288, reflecting a robust demand for plumbing services in the region. With salaries ranging from $57,472 at the 10th percentile to $125,997 at the 90th percentile, this annual compensation showcases the differences in experience, specialization, and types of employment within the field. Data derived from state-level projections and local cost assessments indicate that contractors may have more variable incomes compared to employed plumbers, particularly as self-employed plumbers often navigate the challenges of inconsistent workloads and market competition. This balance creates a noteworthy dynamic in the job market, encouraging plumbers in Des Moines to consider their options carefully to maximize their earning potential.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,472 | $27.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,180 | $30.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,288 | $39.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,049 | $50.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,997 | $60.58 |
Median Salary Position
24.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,525 (2026 est.). At $81,288, the local median is 24.28% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Plumber Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $81,288/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,026 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +24.28% more |
Plumbers in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $81,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.28% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $82,026.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,288 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,687 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,552
2025 BLS Actual
$79,290
2026 Current Est.
$81,288
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,552 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,006 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,418 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,494 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,254 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,337 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $68,552 (2019) to $79,290 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,337 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,785 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $57,472 – $64,180 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,180 – $81,288 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,288 – $104,049 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,049 – $125,997 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Des Moines
The local plumbing job market, with only seven plumbers currently employed in the area, signifies a tightly-knit community that may influence job availability and pay scales. The cost of living index in Des Moines is measured at 107.4, which suggests that while salaries may appear competitive, the actual purchasing power can be impacted by local living expenses. Among employers, union plumbing contractors affiliated with the UA can offer significantly higher pay compared to their non-union counterparts, particularly for specialized skills such as medical gas installation or industrial maintenance work. This disparity highlights the advantages of pursuing additional licensure and credentials, such as a master or contractor license, which can elevate a plumber’s income. To maximize earning potential in Des Moines, plumbers should explore opportunities for specialized training, overtime work, and positions within larger service companies that may provide commission structures, enhancing overall income through performance incentives.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 $79,290 for plumbersin the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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