Trades & Labor Tennessee (TN) Rank #42 of 50

Plumber Salary in Tennessee

The median plumber salary in Tennessee is $53,293 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $59,880.

Median Salary
$53,293
vs National
$-6,587
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Plumber Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #42 out of 50 states for plumber compensation. Plumber salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,293 per year, plumbers in Tennessee earn $6,587 less than the national median of $59,880.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $53,293 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $59,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: plumbers at the 10th percentile earn $32,396, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,288 — a $55,892 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $59,880.

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for plumbers across the country.

Plumber Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level plumber earns around $30,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,880 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,260
$-3,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,880
$-10,120 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $53,293? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $32,396
25th Percentile $40,762
Median (50th) $53,293
75th Percentile $69,598
90th Percentile $88,288

Plumber Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for plumbers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Plumber in Tennessee

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 499,800 other Plumbers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Plumber Roles in Tennessee?

Get matched with recruiters hiring plumbers in Tennessee at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Plumber make in Tennessee? ▼
The median plumber salary in Tennessee is $53,293 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $32,396 (10th percentile) to $88,288 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,293, a plumber in Tennessee earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for plumbers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #42 out of 50 states for plumber pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level plumbers earn $30,260, while senior professionals earn $81,880.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for plumber salary? ▼
The highest paying state for plumbers is Hawaii at $106,586. Tennessee's median of $53,293 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($53,293) and South Carolina ($53,293).
What is the entry-level plumber salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level plumber in Tennessee earns approximately $30,260 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,880.
What city in Tennessee pays plumbers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for plumbers, with a median salary of $59,880. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.