Trades & Labor Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Plumber Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median plumber salary in Reading, PA is $52,694 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$52,694
vs State Avg
$-4,791
vs National
$-7,186
Cost of Living
88%

Plumber Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median plumber salary of $52,694, which is $4,791 below the Pennsylvania state average of $57,485. Compared to the national median of $59,880, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $52,694 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $59,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for plumbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for plumbers in Reading spans from $32,032 at the 10th percentile to $87,296 at the 90th percentile — a $55,264 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,920, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Plumber Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level plumber earns around $29,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-11,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $32,032
25th Percentile $40,304
Median (50th) $52,694
75th Percentile $68,816
90th Percentile $87,296

Plumber Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$61,078
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$56,287
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$55,688
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$50,299
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Plumber in Reading

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Reading and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Plumber Jobs in Reading

Browse open plumber positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Reading

How much does a Plumber make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median plumber salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $52,694 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $87,296 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,694, a plumber in Reading earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for plumber pay? ▼
Reading's median plumber salary of $52,694 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $57,485. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a plumber salary of $52,694 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in Reading? ▼
Most plumber positions in Reading require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.