Plumber Salary in Vancouver, WA: $104,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Vancouver, WA earns a median $104,223/year (≈ $50.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Vancouver's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $97,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 27.0% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Vancouver, Washington, the projected plumber salary in 2026 stands at a remarkable $104,223, significantly surpassing the national median of $65,408 by approximately 59.34%. The local salary range reveals diversity in earnings, with the lowest paid plumbers earning around $68,047, while the top earners can reach as high as $161,546. These figures reflect not just local economic conditions but also account for the specialized skills that many plumbers possess, such as medical gas and underground utility expertise. As the job market evolves, Vancouver’s competitive salaries highlight a robust demand for skilled plumbing professionals, driven both by aging infrastructure and a workforce that is becoming increasingly senior.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,047 | $32.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,327 | $39.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,223 | $50.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,405 | $64.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,546 | $77.67 |
Median Salary Position
59.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver
In Vancouver, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,499 (2026 est.). At $104,223, the local median is 59.34% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vancouver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vancouver Plumber Pay Compares
Vancouver median: $104,223/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vancouver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,065 | +27.00% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +59.34% more |
Plumbers in Vancouver, WA earn a median of $104,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 59.34% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 27.00% above the Washington state average of $82,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vancouver has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vancouver, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,223 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,042 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,894
2025 BLS Actual
$101,661
2026 Current Est.
$104,223
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,758 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,749 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,849 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vancouver metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $87,894 (2019) to $101,661 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,849 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,955 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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) | $68,047 – $82,327 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,327 – $104,223 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,223 – $133,405 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,405 – $161,546 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Vancouver
The plumbing job market in Vancouver, which employs 37 plumbers, demonstrates strength and stability despite the cost of living index sitting at 107.4, slightly above the national average. This higher cost of living can affect take-home pay, emphasizing the necessity for local plumbers to maximize their earnings. Among various employers, union plumbing contractors generally pay more than their non-union counterparts due to collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, those with specialty licenses in areas such as medical gas can command even higher wages due to their limited availability. Factors such as commission structures at service companies, overtime availability, and the varying skill sets required for residential versus industrial work contribute to the disparities in plumber pay in Vancouver, WA. For those looking to enhance their income, pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties will be key to unlocking the greater earning potential in this vibrant job market.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Vancouver, WA in 2026?
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Can plumbers make $100K in Vancouver?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted plumber salary in Vancouver?
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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 $101,661 for plumbersin the Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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