Senior Plumber Salary in Derby, KS: $90,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of plumbers working in Derby, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $90,875/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 47-2152. Strip back Derby's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $99,972 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as a senior plumber in Derby, Kansas, presents a substantial opportunity for professionals with over seven years of experience. The projected salary range in 2026 reveals the potential for top earners, listed at $90,875, while the 75th percentile stands at $75,046. This considerable earnings capacity reflects an experience premium where the median annual salary sits at $58,629, highlighting the disparity between typical earnings and those achieved by seasoned professionals. Reaching this peak requires not only extensive hands-on experience but also advanced certifications, specialized skills, and strategic career positioning within the local plumbing market.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Experienced plumbers at the top of the pay scale in Derby earn between $75,046 and $90,875 per year (2026 est.). This $49,640 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Derby median of $58,629 sits 10.36% below the US median.
Top Plumber Salary Comparison
| Level | Derby | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,629 | $65,408 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,046 | $87,255 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $90,875 | $111,152 |
In Derby, experienced plumbers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Plumber Pay in Derby
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS plumbers with additional specialty certifications within the plumbing field earn significantly above the $58,629 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Derby employers.
Specialty Focus
Plumbers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the plumbing field in Derby command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,046–$90,875 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Derby metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced plumbers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured plumbers in Derby with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Plumbers in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Plumber Career & Wage Growth Path in Derby
Clinical Plumber
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Plumber
5-10 yearsPlumber Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDerby ranks #10 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner plumber salary (90th percentile: $90,875).
Top 10% plumber compensation in Derby ($90,875) is 6.81% below the Kansas average P90 ($97,515).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,443
2025 BLS Actual
$88,641
2026 Current Est.
$90,875
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,443 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,931 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,692 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,805 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,641 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,165 | Projected |
Top-earning plumbers (90th percentile) in Derby saw their compensation grow 11.6% from $79,443 in 2019 to $88,641 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.52% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $93,165 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Maximizing Your Plumber Earnings in Derby
The landscape of senior plumber pay in KS is particularly influenced by the specialization of work and employer types. Advanced roles in areas like medical gas systems, backflow prevention testing, and industrial pipefitting command higher wages, often driven by the technical expertise required and the limited workforce available for such specialties. Compensation varies significantly depending on whether one is employed by union contractors, who typically offer higher pay due to negotiated agreements, or non-union firms that might provide less stable salaries. Self-employed plumbers can enjoy higher margins, particularly with established clientele. Career advancement paths are also clear, with opportunities to become a master plumber or transition into management roles. Attaining advanced credentials, such as the master plumbing license and medical gas installer certification, can further bolster earning potential in a market where the aging plumbing workforce increases demand for highly skilled professionals.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced plumbers make in Derby in 2026?
What drives higher plumber pay in Derby?
What certifications boost plumber salary in Derby?
Can experienced plumbers make six figures in Derby?
How much does plumber salary increase over time in Derby?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Kansas
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $88,641 for plumbers in the Derby metro area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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