Trades & Labor Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Plumber Salary in Virginia

The median plumber salary in Virginia is $62,275 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $59,880.

Median Salary
$62,275
vs National
+$2,395
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Plumber Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for plumber compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for plumber pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $62,275 per year, plumbers in Virginia earn $2,395 more than the national median of $59,880.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning plumber salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: plumbers at the 10th percentile earn $37,856, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $103,168 — a $65,312 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $79,042.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level plumber earns around $35,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,680 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,360
+$1,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
+$2,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,680
+$3,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $37,856
25th Percentile $47,632
Median (50th) $62,275
75th Percentile $81,328
90th Percentile $103,168

Plumber Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for plumbers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Plumber in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Virginia

How much does a Plumber make in Virginia? ▼
The median plumber salary in Virginia is $62,275 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $37,856 (10th percentile) to $103,168 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,275, a plumber in Virginia earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for plumbers? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for plumber pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level plumbers earn $35,360, while senior professionals earn $95,680.
How does Virginia compare to other states for plumber salary? ▼
The highest paying state for plumbers is Hawaii at $106,586. Virginia's median of $62,275 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($62,874) and Rhode Island ($62,874).
What is the entry-level plumber salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level plumber in Virginia earns approximately $35,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,680.
What city in Virginia pays plumbers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for plumbers, with a median salary of $79,042. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.