Plumber Salary in Tukwila, WA: $75,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Tukwila, WA earns a median $75,837/year (≈ $36.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $70,612 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Tukwila, WA, can expect a median annual salary of $75,837, which is notably higher than the national median of $65,408, reflecting a substantial 15.94% premium for local professionals. This figure falls within a broader salary range where entry-level positions start at around $57,198 and top earners can achieve salaries as high as $117,547. Local salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, highlight the strong demand for plumbers in the area. The landscape is heavily influenced by the presence of union-based organizations, particularly among UA pipefitters and steamfitters, whose earning potentials typically exceed those of non-union service plumbers, especially within commercial projects and specialty trades.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,198 | $27.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,232 | $28.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,837 | $36.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,071 | $46.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,547 | $56.51 |
Median Salary Position
15.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,349 (2026 est.). At $75,837, the local median is 15.94% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Plumber Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $75,837/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,075 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +15.94% more |
Plumbers in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $75,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.94% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $82,075.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,837 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,612 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$63,955
2025 BLS Actual
$73,973
2026 Current Est.
$75,837
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,312 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,428 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,403 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,973 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,748 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $63,955 (2019) to $73,973 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,748 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,793 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $57,198 – $60,232 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,232 – $75,837 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,837 – $97,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,071 – $117,547 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Tukwila
Despite a modest count of only four plumbers currently employed in Tukwila, the job market is shaped by the area's cost of living, which sits at an index of 107.4, suggesting that salaries must stretch further to meet everyday expenses. Union plumbing contractors usually provide the highest wages, with non-union contractors tending to offer lower pay, particularly within light residential services. Variances in salary stem from factors like specialty credentials—where medical gas or backflow prevention expertise commands higher rates—and ownership status, as self-employed plumbers can set their income based on client contracts. Emphasizing skills such as residential service, together with pursuing further qualifications, could be key strategies for maximizing earning potential in Tukwila's competitive plumber pay landscape.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
Is Tukwila, WA a good place to work as a plumber?
Can plumbers make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted plumber salary in Tukwila?
How much does a plumber make per hour in Tukwila?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $73,973 for plumbersin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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