Plumber Salary in Tacoma, WA: $96,002 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Tacoma, WA earns a median $96,002/year (≈ $46.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $89,387 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.0% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Tacoma, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $96,002, significantly higher than the national median of $65,408. This competitive compensation reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, with salaries ranging from $64,727 at the 10th percentile to $148,803 at the 90th percentile. The robust pay structure is further enriched for those who attain specialized credentials in areas such as medical gas and underground utility services, enhancing earning potential in an economy where skilled plumbers are increasingly sought after. The demand for these specialists is driven by the aging infrastructure in Tacoma and the ongoing need for effective maintenance and installation services.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,727 | $31.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,193 | $35.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,002 | $46.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,883 | $59.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,803 | $71.54 |
Median Salary Position
46.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,076 (2026 est.). At $96,002, the local median is 46.77% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Plumber Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $96,002/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,053 | +17.00% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +46.77% more |
Plumbers in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $96,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.77% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 17.00% above the Washington state average of $82,053.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,002 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,387 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,961
2025 BLS Actual
$93,642
2026 Current Est.
$96,002
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,961 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,678 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,197 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,197 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,642 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,002 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,421 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $80,961 (2019) to $93,642 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,421 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,460 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $64,727 – $74,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,193 – $96,002 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,002 – $122,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,883 – $148,803 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Tacoma
On the ground in Tacoma, the job market for plumbers is solid, with 56 employed in the area. The cost of living index sits at 107.4, indicating that while salaries may be above national averages, daily expenses can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, union plumbing contractors affiliated with the UA typically offer the highest wages, leveraging the premium associated with pipefitter and steamfitter skills. Non-union service companies, such as Roto-Rooter and ARS, provide commission-driven pay structures that may result in variable income but can be lucrative for high performers. Understanding the factors that contribute to the pay disparities in Tacoma — such as the trade-offs between union and non-union positions, specialty skills, master licensing, and self-employment opportunities — can provide plumbers with strategies to maximize their earnings in a competitive local market.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $93,642 for plumbersin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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