Trades & Labor Washington (WA) Rank #6 of 50

Plumber Salary in Washington

The median plumber salary in Washington is $71,257 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $59,880.

Median Salary
$71,257
vs National
+$11,377
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Plumber Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #6 out of 50 states for plumber compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for plumbers seeking high pay. At $71,257 per year, plumbers in Washington earn $11,377 more than the national median of $59,880.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $71,257 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $61,963.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: plumbers at the 10th percentile earn $43,316, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $118,048 — a $74,732 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $93,413.

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 Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level plumber earns around $40,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,480 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,460
+$6,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
+$11,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,480
+$17,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $43,316
25th Percentile $54,502
Median (50th) $71,257
75th Percentile $93,058
90th Percentile $118,048

Plumber Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for plumbers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Plumber in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Washington

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Washington

How much does a Plumber make in Washington? ▼
The median plumber salary in Washington is $71,257 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $43,316 (10th percentile) to $118,048 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,257, a plumber in Washington earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for plumbers? ▼
Washington ranks #6 out of 50 states for plumber pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level plumbers earn $40,460, while senior professionals earn $109,480.
How does Washington compare to other states for plumber salary? ▼
The highest paying state for plumbers is Hawaii at $106,586. Washington's median of $71,257 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($80,239) and New York ($73,054).
What is the entry-level plumber salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level plumber in Washington earns approximately $40,460 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,480.
What city in Washington pays plumbers the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for plumbers, with a median salary of $93,413. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.