Plumber Salary in University Place, WA: $80,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in University Place, WA earns a median $80,461/year (≈ $38.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $74,917 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a plumber salary in University Place is projected to reach a median of $80,461, significantly higher than the national median of $65,408, highlighting a robust local market for plumbing professionals. The salary range for plumbers in this area indicates a wide variance, with earnings varying from $55,846 at the 10th percentile to $124,715 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from analyses based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The predominance of union pipefitters, such as those affiliated with the UA (United Association), contributes to the competitive pay, often surpassing their non-union counterparts, which shapes the plumber pay landscape in University Place, WA.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,846 | $26.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,507 | $30.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,461 | $38.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,990 | $49.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,715 | $59.96 |
Median Salary Position
23.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,869 (2026 est.). At $80,461, the local median is 23.01% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Plumber Pay Compares
University Place median: $80,461/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,019 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +23.01% more |
Plumbers in University Place, WA earn a median of $80,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.01% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $82,019.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,461 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,917 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,855
2025 BLS Actual
$78,483
2026 Current Est.
$80,461
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,294 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,661 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,919 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,715 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,488 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $67,855 (2019) to $78,483 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,488 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,633 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $55,846 – $62,507 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,507 – $80,461 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,461 – $102,990 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,990 – $124,715 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in University Place
Currently, the local job market employs only six plumbers, reflecting a tight sector amidst the increasing demand for skilled labor driven by aging infrastructure. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the economic reality for plumbers means that competitive salaries are crucial for maintaining purchasing power. Union labor, particularly pipefitters who work on specialty systems like medical gas, tends to command higher wages, but non-union service plumbers at companies like Roto-Rooter can also earn significant income through performance-based pay structures. The disparity in earnings stems from various factors such as union affiliation, types of projects (residential, commercial, or industrial), and the availability of overtime. For plumbers seeking to maximize their compensation in University Place, pursuing union opportunities, acquiring specialty certifications, and gaining experience in high-demand areas could greatly enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
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 $78,483 for plumbersin the University Place 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 University Place 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