Plumber Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $78,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $78,269/year (≈ $37.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $72,876 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, WA, the projected median annual salary for plumbers is $78,269 in 2026, reflecting a significant premium compared to the national median of $65,408. This robust compensation is juxtaposed with a salary range that spans from $56,570 at the 10th percentile to $121,317 at the 90th percentile, indicating a potentially lucrative career path depending on specialization and experience. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, suggest that those entering the plumbing field with expertise in medical gas, industrial applications, or underground utilities could particularly benefit, as such credentials often lead to higher pay. As the demand for skilled workers increases, driven by the aging infrastructure and workforce in Ellensburg, opportunities for well-compensated employment are likely to remain strong.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,570 | $27.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,139 | $29.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,269 | $37.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,185 | $48.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,317 | $58.32 |
Median Salary Position
19.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,747 (2026 est.). At $78,269, the local median is 19.66% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg Plumber Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $78,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,043 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +19.66% more |
Plumbers in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $78,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.66% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $82,043.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,269 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,876 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,006
2025 BLS Actual
$76,345
2026 Current Est.
$78,269
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,006 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,406 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,345 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,241 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $66,006 (2019) to $76,345 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,235 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $56,570 – $62,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,139 – $78,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,269 – $100,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,185 – $121,317 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Ellensburg
The local job market, with six plumbers currently employed in Ellensburg, demonstrates a unique dynamic influenced by the area's cost of living index of 107.4. Though this index indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average, it also underscores the purchasing power potential for plumbers in the region. While both union plumbing contractors affiliated with organizations like the UA (United Association) and non-union service providers operate in Ellensburg, those within the union experience wage premiums that can range from 30% to 50% higher. The disparity in plumber pay in Ellensburg WA can be attributed to factors such as specialty areas, licensing level, and working conditions; for instance, those holding master and contractor licenses or operating independently can better navigate income variability and maximize earnings. For aspiring plumbers, pursuing specialization in high-demand areas and considering union membership are effective strategies to enhance earning potential in this evolving local market.
More salary data for Ellensburg, 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 $76,345 for plumbersin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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