What is the best city for plumbers?

After cost of living, the Champaign–Urbana, IL area: the median of $95,530 a year buys about what $103,050 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays plumbers the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $107,560. After cost of living it ranks 12th of 382.

What is the best big city for plumbers?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most plumbers, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 9th overall: its median of $103,380 buys what $99,790 would nationally.

Where does plumber pay go the least far?

Of the 382 metro areas ranked, the Panama City–Panama City Beach, FL area, where the median of $47,800 buys about what $49,130 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 382 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for plumbers and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's plumber pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for plumbers

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the Champaign–Urbana, IL area is the best-paying metro for plumbers: its median of $95,530 a year buys what $103,050 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. By raw pay, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area leads at $107,560, but its prices drop it to 12th of 382. Among the 20 metros with the most plumbers, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area ranks highest (9th overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	Champaign–UrbanaIL · $95,530 median · prices 92.7	$103,050	$95,530	92.7	390
2	St. CloudMN · $90,230 median · prices 87.6	$102,960	$90,230	87.6	830
3	Terre HauteIN · $90,250 median · prices 87.8	$102,790	$90,250	87.8	420
4	RockfordIL · $94,230 median · prices 92.2	$102,250	$94,230	92.2	440
5	KokomoIN · $91,470 median · prices 89.6	$102,030	$91,470	89.6	400
6	BloomingtonIN · $96,980 median · prices 95.1	$101,990	$96,980	95.1	320
7	SpringfieldIL · $94,370 median · prices 92.7	$101,750	$94,370	92.7	220
8	Eau ClaireWI · $92,720 median · prices 92.8	$99,920	$92,720	92.8	210
9	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $103,380 median · prices 103.6	$99,790	$103,380	103.6	12,750
10	BellinghamWA · $102,750 median · prices 103.3	$99,430	$102,750	103.3	540
11	AppletonWI · $91,750 median · prices 92.4	$99,280	$91,750	92.4	890
12	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $107,560 median · prices 110.4	$97,410	$107,560	110.4	3,830
13	SheboyganWI · $91,530 median · prices 94.0	$97,360	$91,530	94.0	150
14	Green BayWI · $90,570 median · prices 93.1	$97,300	$90,570	93.1	730
15	Kennewick–RichlandWA · $97,130 median · prices 100.1	$97,050	$97,130	100.1	840
16	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $101,630 median · prices 104.8	$96,950	$101,630	104.8	6,730
17	SpringfieldMA · $92,080 median · prices 96.1	$95,860	$92,080	96.1	670
18	DuluthMN-WI · $85,060 median · prices 88.8	$95,820	$85,060	88.8	420
19	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $101,010 median · prices 105.4	$95,820	$101,010	105.4	4,600
20	Kalamazoo–PortageMI · $90,730 median · prices 94.8	$95,670	$90,730	94.8	870
21	PaducahKY-IL · $82,120 median · prices 86.1	$95,400	$82,120	86.1	380
22	BinghamtonNY · $87,990 median · prices 92.9	$94,750	$87,990	92.9	280
23	Fairbanks–CollegeAK · $96,670 median · prices 103.2	$93,670	$96,670	103.2	200
24	WausauWI · $86,750 median · prices 92.7	$93,630	$86,750	92.7	260
25	Cedar RapidsIA · $83,210 median · prices 89.0	$93,530	$83,210	89.0	780
26	RochesterMN · $84,880 median · prices 90.8	$93,460	$84,880	90.8	490
27	PeoriaIL · $85,090 median · prices 91.2	$93,270	$85,090	91.2	560
28	Oshkosh–NeenahWI · $86,320 median · prices 92.9	$92,890	$86,320	92.9	230
29	ColumbusIN · $85,930 median · prices 93.0	$92,390	$85,930	93.0	100
30	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $82,610 median · prices 91.8	$90,020	$82,610	91.8	280
31	Michigan City–La PorteIN · $82,200 median · prices 91.7	$89,660	$82,200	91.7	90
32	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $96,760 median · prices 108.3	$89,370	$96,760	108.3	9,200
33	JacksonMI · $81,930 median · prices 91.8	$89,270	$81,930	91.8	250
34	BendOR · $92,330 median · prices 103.6	$89,120	$92,330	103.6	240
35	AnchorageAK · $93,600 median · prices 105.4	$88,790	$93,600	105.4	640
36	SaginawMI · $80,440 median · prices 90.9	$88,500	$80,440	90.9	260
37	MadisonWI · $85,160 median · prices 97.3	$87,530	$85,160	97.3	1,590
38	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $84,700 median · prices 96.9	$87,380	$84,700	96.9	2,760
39	BillingsMT · $81,690 median · prices 93.5	$87,340	$81,690	93.5	360
40	DecaturIL · $76,750 median · prices 88.4	$86,800	$76,750	88.4	180
41	FlintMI · $80,510 median · prices 93.0	$86,540	$80,510	93.0	790
42	MonroeMI · $80,700 median · prices 93.5	$86,320	$80,700	93.5	250
43	Glens FallsNY · $81,820 median · prices 94.9	$86,250	$81,820	94.9	110
44	PittsfieldMA · $81,970 median · prices 95.1	$86,190	$81,970	95.1	230
45	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $86,370 median · prices 100.3	$86,110	$86,370	100.3	5,520
46	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $95,230 median · prices 111.1	$85,690	$95,230	111.1	6,350
47	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $76,310 median · prices 89.1	$85,670	$76,310	89.1	680
48	KankakeeIL · $81,620 median · prices 96.4	$84,670	$81,620	96.4	110
49	TopekaKS · $75,090 median · prices 88.8	$84,540	$75,090	88.8	420
50	Janesville–BeloitWI · $79,070 median · prices 93.7	$84,380	$79,070	93.7	140

See all 382 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	Fond du LacWI · $77,310 median · prices 91.6	$84,360	$77,310	91.6	280
52	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $80,440 median · prices 95.5	$84,190	$80,440	95.5	2,270
53	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $84,910 median · prices 101.6	$83,600	$84,910	101.6	210
54	Fort WayneIN · $77,110 median · prices 92.6	$83,300	$77,110	92.6	1,160
55	BloomingtonIL · $77,700 median · prices 93.5	$83,070	$77,700	93.5	180
56	AlbanyOR · $84,620 median · prices 102.1	$82,880	$84,620	102.1	130
57	Longview–KelsoWA · $80,710 median · prices 97.5	$82,740	$80,710	97.5	200
58	MissoulaMT · $79,750 median · prices 96.4	$82,690	$79,750	96.4	290
59	Muskegon–Norton ShoresMI · $76,290 median · prices 92.5	$82,460	$76,290	92.5	200
60	Lansing–East LansingMI · $78,190 median · prices 95.0	$82,310	$78,190	95.0	650
61	Kansas CityMO-KS · $76,150 median · prices 92.5	$82,290	$76,150	92.5	3,740
62	MankatoMN · $74,450 median · prices 91.0	$81,850	$74,450	91.0	130
63	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $75,040 median · prices 91.7	$81,830	$75,040	91.7	2,150
64	Baton RougeLA · $74,240 median · prices 90.8	$81,780	$74,240	90.8	2,790
65	Battle CreekMI · $73,900 median · prices 90.5	$81,620	$73,900	90.5	140
66	Bay CityMI · $74,490 median · prices 91.9	$81,040	$74,490	91.9	110
67	St. LouisMO-IL · $77,000 median · prices 95.1	$80,980	$77,000	95.1	4,060
68	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $76,980 median · prices 95.7	$80,440	$76,980	95.7	4,010
69	Racine–Mount PleasantWI · $77,070 median · prices 96.0	$80,310	$77,070	96.0	240
70	VinelandNJ · $77,060 median · prices 96.0	$80,300	$77,060	96.0	270
71	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $74,680 median · prices 93.1	$80,240	$74,680	93.1	2,780
72	WorcesterMA · $82,260 median · prices 102.5	$80,240	$82,260	102.5	1,370
73	EvansvilleIN · $73,190 median · prices 91.5	$79,960	$73,190	91.5	560
74	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $74,190 median · prices 92.9	$79,900	$74,190	92.9	490
75	Great FallsMT · $77,100 median · prices 96.8	$79,610	$77,100	96.8	240
76	BozemanMT · $81,310 median · prices 102.5	$79,320	$81,310	102.5	350
77	Lake CharlesLA · $67,990 median · prices 85.9	$79,190	$67,990	85.9	560
78	St. JosephMO-KS · $68,290 median · prices 86.4	$79,060	$68,290	86.4	200
79	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $82,960 median · prices 105.6	$78,560	$82,960	105.6	1,040
80	Utica–RomeNY · $72,810 median · prices 92.7	$78,560	$72,810	92.7	140
81	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $79,820 median · prices 101.8	$78,430	$79,820	101.8	3,000
82	Amherst Town–NorthamptonMA · $78,570 median · prices 100.2	$78,380	$78,570	100.2	190
83	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $77,460 median · prices 99.6	$77,800	$77,460	99.6	1,470
84	SalemOR · $80,610 median · prices 103.6	$77,770	$80,610	103.6	440
85	Barnstable TownMA · $76,270 median · prices 98.4	$77,550	$76,270	98.4	640
86	Ann ArborMI · $78,210 median · prices 100.9	$77,530	$78,210	100.9	420
87	MedfordOR · $78,440 median · prices 101.4	$77,330	$78,440	101.4	200
88	CorvallisOR · $80,400 median · prices 104.0	$77,300	$80,400	104.0	80
89	BismarckND · $70,310 median · prices 91.0	$77,240	$70,310	91.0	220
90	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $80,030 median · prices 103.7	$77,200	$80,030	103.7	310
91	Waterbury–SheltonCT · $76,880 median · prices 99.8	$77,050	$76,880	99.8	670
92	Norwich–New London–WillimanticCT · $76,980 median · prices 100.4	$76,640	$76,980	100.4	870
93	KenoshaWI · $77,340 median · prices 101.1	$76,480	$77,340	101.1	150
94	RenoNV · $77,020 median · prices 101.0	$76,250	$77,020	101.0	1,170
95	RochesterNY · $73,580 median · prices 97.0	$75,830	$73,580	97.0	1,460
96	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $65,180 median · prices 86.1	$75,720	$65,180	86.1	120
97	Mount Vernon–AnacortesWA · $77,540 median · prices 102.4	$75,690	$77,540	102.4	230
98	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $72,230 median · prices 95.8	$75,360	$72,230	95.8	1,430
99	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $77,190 median · prices 102.7	$75,130	$77,190	102.7	1,850
100	JoplinMO-KS · $64,370 median · prices 85.7	$75,100	$64,370	85.7	180
101	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $79,700 median · prices 106.9	$74,580	$79,700	106.9	1,000
102	Harrisburg–CarlislePA · $73,560 median · prices 98.7	$74,570	$73,560	98.7	950
103	New HavenCT · $77,620 median · prices 104.6	$74,240	$77,620	104.6	770
104	PittsburghPA · $70,100 median · prices 94.7	$74,050	$70,100	94.7	2,910
105	Trenton–PrincetonNJ · $76,360 median · prices 103.2	$74,010	$76,360	103.2	280
106	SanduskyOH · $65,780 median · prices 89.3	$73,680	$65,780	89.3	110
107	MuncieIN · $64,790 median · prices 88.1	$73,500	$64,790	88.1	50
108	ToledoOH · $66,920 median · prices 91.5	$73,170	$66,920	91.5	1,100
109	Urban HonoluluHI · $81,120 median · prices 111.0	$73,110	$81,120	111.0	1,810
110	EriePA · $66,410 median · prices 91.0	$73,020	$66,410	91.0	280
111	York–HanoverPA · $70,100 median · prices 96.0	$73,020	$70,100	96.0	420
112	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $74,860 median · prices 102.6	$73,000	$74,860	102.6	7,150
113	Grand ForksND-MN · $62,940 median · prices 86.7	$72,630	$62,940	86.7	240
114	OwensboroKY · $64,310 median · prices 88.6	$72,580	$64,310	88.6	180
115	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $72,800 median · prices 100.3	$72,550	$72,800	100.3	810
116	WheelingWV-OH · $64,060 median · prices 88.3	$72,530	$64,060	88.3	150
117	Weirton–SteubenvilleWV-OH · $64,100 median · prices 89.0	$72,000	$64,100	89.0	100
118	AmesIA · $63,820 median · prices 88.8	$71,850	$63,820	88.8	160
119	MinotND · $62,400 median · prices 87.0	$71,700	$62,400	87.0	150
120	Elkhart–GoshenIN · $64,730 median · prices 90.3	$71,660	$64,730	90.3	400
121	Walla WallaWA · $70,390 median · prices 98.5	$71,450	$70,390	98.5	80
122	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $62,200 median · prices 87.1	$71,450	$62,200	87.1	220
123	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $74,200 median · prices 103.9	$71,450	$74,200	103.9	180
124	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $60,590 median · prices 84.8	$71,440	$60,590	84.8	340
125	Bowling GreenKY · $64,260 median · prices 90.2	$71,260	$64,260	90.2	160
126	Kahului–WailukuHI · $77,610 median · prices 109.4	$70,950	$77,610	109.4	310
127	PuebloCO · $64,700 median · prices 91.8	$70,510	$64,700	91.8	150
128	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $59,720 median · prices 84.8	$70,450	$59,720	84.8	680
129	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $60,890 median · prices 86.5	$70,430	$60,890	86.5	240
130	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $62,160 median · prices 88.4	$70,300	$62,160	88.4	460
131	DubuqueIA · $61,380 median · prices 87.3	$70,290	$61,380	87.3	120
132	Watertown–Fort DrumNY · $61,490 median · prices 87.7	$70,120	$61,490	87.7	100
133	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $63,040 median · prices 90.0	$70,040	$63,040	90.0	1,240
134	SyracuseNY · $67,040 median · prices 95.7	$70,020	$67,040	95.7	840
135	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $78,610 median · prices 112.6	$69,840	$78,610	112.6	21,040
136	JohnstownPA · $59,970 median · prices 85.9	$69,790	$59,970	85.9	90
137	FargoND-MN · $63,350 median · prices 90.9	$69,710	$63,350	90.9	670
138	KingstonNY · $70,190 median · prices 100.7	$69,700	$70,190	100.7	180
139	MidlandMI · $63,930 median · prices 91.9	$69,550	$63,930	91.9	130
140	SpringfieldMO · $61,410 median · prices 88.6	$69,320	$61,410	88.6	660
141	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $62,220 median · prices 90.0	$69,100	$62,220	90.0	1,250
142	OmahaNE-IA · $63,400 median · prices 91.9	$68,980	$63,400	91.9	2,430
143	DecaturAL · $59,920 median · prices 87.2	$68,710	$59,920	87.2	210
144	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $59,360 median · prices 86.4	$68,670	$59,360	86.4	290
145	AltoonaPA · $61,430 median · prices 89.5	$68,630	$61,430	89.5	80
146	HammondLA · $57,910 median · prices 84.5	$68,570	$57,910	84.5	110
147	ElmiraNY · $64,680 median · prices 94.4	$68,520	$64,680	94.4	140
148	WichitaKS · $60,940 median · prices 88.9	$68,510	$60,940	88.9	1,060
149	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $65,160 median · prices 95.4	$68,320	$65,160	95.4	3,640
150	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $59,680 median · prices 87.4	$68,290	$59,680	87.4	410
151	LimaOH · $61,160 median · prices 89.7	$68,210	$61,160	89.7	170
152	Brunswick–St. SimonsGA · $59,630 median · prices 87.7	$67,990	$59,630	87.7	70
153	AkronOH · $63,450 median · prices 93.4	$67,960	$63,450	93.4	1,070
154	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $62,940 median · prices 92.7	$67,900	$62,940	92.7	1,130
155	TuscaloosaAL · $59,530 median · prices 87.7	$67,860	$59,530	87.7	370
156	Traverse CityMI · $63,100 median · prices 93.4	$67,580	$63,100	93.4	190
157	EnidOK · $56,860 median · prices 84.3	$67,470	$56,860	84.3	100
158	MobileAL · $59,410 median · prices 88.1	$67,440	$59,410	88.1	960
159	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $62,450 median · prices 92.6	$67,440	$62,450	92.6	1,510
160	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $77,880 median · prices 115.6	$67,360	$77,880	115.6	5,660
161	MansfieldOH · $59,770 median · prices 88.9	$67,250	$59,770	88.9	120
162	LebanonPA · $62,660 median · prices 93.2	$67,220	$62,660	93.2	100
163	ManhattanKS · $60,600 median · prices 90.2	$67,210	$60,600	90.2	200
164	Lafayette–West LafayetteIN · $62,780 median · prices 93.4	$67,190	$62,780	93.4	320
165	VictoriaTX · $60,320 median · prices 89.8	$67,140	$60,320	89.8	120
166	ClevelandOH · $63,020 median · prices 93.9	$67,100	$63,020	93.9	3,040
167	AlexandriaLA · $57,470 median · prices 85.7	$67,070	$57,470	85.7	160
168	Canton–MassillonOH · $59,960 median · prices 89.4	$67,060	$59,960	89.4	460
169	Iowa CityIA · $61,350 median · prices 91.5	$67,040	$61,350	91.5	190
170	AlbuquerqueNM · $63,900 median · prices 95.5	$66,880	$63,900	95.5	1,440
171	Burlington–South BurlingtonVT · $67,450 median · prices 100.9	$66,820	$67,450	100.9	470
172	TulsaOK · $59,440 median · prices 89.2	$66,630	$59,440	89.2	1,950
173	Lexington–FayetteKY · $61,870 median · prices 92.9	$66,610	$61,870	92.9	810
174	MonroeLA · $55,670 median · prices 83.6	$66,590	$55,670	83.6	240
175	CharlestonWV · $58,940 median · prices 88.7	$66,440	$58,940	88.7	260
176	LafayetteLA · $57,930 median · prices 87.2	$66,430	$57,930	87.2	680
177	ColumbusOH · $63,260 median · prices 95.5	$66,260	$63,260	95.5	3,060
178	LincolnNE · $60,670 median · prices 91.6	$66,250	$60,670	91.6	650
179	Anniston–OxfordAL · $56,850 median · prices 85.9	$66,140	$56,850	85.9	130
180	CasperWY · $62,050 median · prices 93.8	$66,130	$62,050	93.8	230
181	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $71,860 median · prices 108.9	$66,000	$71,860	108.9	9,420
182	VallejoCA · $71,560 median · prices 108.5	$65,970	$71,560	108.5	370
183	OdessaTX · $61,870 median · prices 93.9	$65,890	$61,870	93.9	290
184	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $66,450 median · prices 100.9	$65,870	$66,450	100.9	960
185	LawrenceKS · $59,280 median · prices 90.2	$65,690	$59,280	90.2	130
186	Lewiston–AuburnME · $62,140 median · prices 94.7	$65,590	$62,140	94.7	190
187	BirminghamAL · $60,090 median · prices 91.6	$65,570	$60,090	91.6	1,840
188	El CentroCA · $62,390 median · prices 95.2	$65,550	$62,390	95.2	150
189	Oklahoma CityOK · $59,150 median · prices 90.4	$65,430	$59,150	90.4	2,400
190	ElizabethtownKY · $59,250 median · prices 90.6	$65,420	$59,250	90.6	180
191	Scranton––Wilkes–BarrePA · $61,160 median · prices 93.6	$65,370	$61,160	93.6	450
192	Carson CityNV · $64,040 median · prices 98.1	$65,260	$64,040	98.1	60
193	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $64,940 median · prices 100.0	$64,960	$64,940	100.0	730
194	Atlantic City–HammontonNJ · $64,220 median · prices 98.9	$64,960	$64,220	98.9	530
195	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $55,240 median · prices 85.1	$64,910	$55,240	85.1	460
196	ColumbiaMO · $58,010 median · prices 89.4	$64,860	$58,010	89.4	310
197	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $72,510 median · prices 111.9	$64,810	$72,510	111.9	5,100
198	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $58,930 median · prices 90.9	$64,800	$58,930	90.9	280
199	SalisburyMD · $61,940 median · prices 95.6	$64,780	$61,940	95.6	330
200	NilesMI · $59,810 median · prices 92.4	$64,750	$59,810	92.4	90
201	FlorenceSC · $56,160 median · prices 86.8	$64,720	$56,160	86.8	190
202	KnoxvilleTN · $59,860 median · prices 92.6	$64,670	$59,860	92.6	1,700
203	MontgomeryAL · $57,960 median · prices 89.7	$64,630	$57,960	89.7	340
204	OgdenUT · $64,860 median · prices 100.3	$64,630	$64,860	100.3	1,310
205	GettysburgPA · $61,630 median · prices 95.4	$64,620	$61,630	95.4	50
206	GreenvilleNC · $57,080 median · prices 88.4	$64,570	$57,080	88.4	250
207	Grand IslandNE · $55,850 median · prices 86.7	$64,450	$55,850	86.7	150
208	Grand JunctionCO · $61,430 median · prices 95.5	$64,340	$61,430	95.5	300
209	ReadingPA · $62,370 median · prices 97.1	$64,260	$62,370	97.1	360
210	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $64,800 median · prices 100.9	$64,240	$64,800	100.9	3,190
211	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $58,720 median · prices 91.5	$64,200	$58,720	91.5	860
212	JacksonMS · $57,160 median · prices 89.0	$64,190	$57,160	89.0	550
213	SpringfieldOH · $58,060 median · prices 90.5	$64,170	$58,060	90.5	90
214	Corpus ChristiTX · $59,390 median · prices 92.7	$64,090	$59,390	92.7	1,160
215	Manchester–NashuaNH · $67,690 median · prices 105.7	$64,070	$67,690	105.7	660
216	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $62,810 median · prices 98.1	$64,050	$62,810	98.1	5,260
217	LynchburgVA · $57,210 median · prices 89.4	$64,020	$57,210	89.4	330
218	Rocky MountNC · $56,220 median · prices 88.0	$63,880	$56,220	88.0	140
219	YakimaWA · $60,900 median · prices 95.5	$63,740	$60,900	95.5	240
220	CheyenneWY · $61,470 median · prices 96.5	$63,710	$61,470	96.5	190
221	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $58,690 median · prices 92.2	$63,670	$58,690	92.2	1,920
222	YumaAZ · $58,980 median · prices 92.7	$63,620	$58,980	92.7	170
223	ChambersburgPA · $60,200 median · prices 94.6	$63,610	$60,200	94.6	140
224	WilliamsportPA · $58,730 median · prices 92.3	$63,600	$58,730	92.3	120
225	SavannahGA · $60,530 median · prices 95.2	$63,580	$60,530	95.2	380
226	MidlandTX · $60,700 median · prices 95.8	$63,370	$60,700	95.8	510
227	Slidell–Mandeville–CovingtonLA · $58,750 median · prices 92.7	$63,360	$58,750	92.7	340
228	Portland–South PortlandME · $64,500 median · prices 101.9	$63,320	$64,500	101.9	1,740
229	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $61,870 median · prices 97.9	$63,170	$61,870	97.9	5,100
230	LancasterPA · $61,950 median · prices 98.3	$63,050	$61,950	98.3	820
231	FresnoCA · $64,400 median · prices 102.2	$63,040	$64,400	102.2	970
232	MorgantownWV · $58,780 median · prices 93.3	$62,990	$58,780	93.3	160
233	LoganUT-ID · $60,390 median · prices 95.9	$62,950	$60,390	95.9	170
234	RichmondVA · $61,480 median · prices 97.9	$62,830	$61,480	97.9	2,340
235	Rapid CitySD · $55,850 median · prices 89.2	$62,640	$55,850	89.2	360
236	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $71,110 median · prices 113.6	$62,620	$71,110	113.6	15,690
237	ClevelandTN · $55,130 median · prices 88.1	$62,590	$55,130	88.1	80
238	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $55,690 median · prices 89.2	$62,400	$55,690	89.2	100
239	IthacaNY · $64,460 median · prices 103.3	$62,390	$64,460	103.3	70
240	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $60,100 median · prices 96.3	$62,380	$60,100	96.3	2,760
241	Warner RobinsGA · $58,500 median · prices 93.8	$62,370	$58,500	93.8	130
242	BangorME · $60,140 median · prices 96.5	$62,320	$60,140	96.5	220
243	MorristownTN · $53,780 median · prices 86.4	$62,270	$53,780	86.4	70
244	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $58,520 median · prices 94.1	$62,190	$58,520	94.1	210
245	WacoTX · $57,550 median · prices 92.5	$62,180	$57,550	92.5	490
246	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $61,300 median · prices 98.6	$62,150	$61,300	98.6	10,980
247	Killeen–TempleTX · $56,620 median · prices 91.1	$62,130	$56,620	91.1	340
248	Santa Cruz–WatsonvilleCA · $68,130 median · prices 109.9	$61,990	$68,130	109.9	350
249	Greensboro–High PointNC · $57,510 median · prices 92.9	$61,930	$57,510	92.9	1,110
250	Athens–Clarke CountyGA · $57,750 median · prices 93.3	$61,870	$57,750	93.3	210
251	Hanford–CorcoranCA · $62,860 median · prices 101.6	$61,860	$62,860	101.6	110
252	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $63,750 median · prices 103.3	$61,700	$63,750	103.3	9,270
253	BoulderCO · $64,890 median · prices 105.2	$61,680	$64,890	105.2	420
254	Raleigh–CaryNC · $60,540 median · prices 98.2	$61,680	$60,540	98.2	2,810
255	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $60,110 median · prices 97.6	$61,610	$60,110	97.6	620
256	JacksonTN · $52,620 median · prices 85.5	$61,530	$52,620	85.5	260
257	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $58,180 median · prices 94.7	$61,430	$58,180	94.7	3,190
258	AshevilleNC · $59,200 median · prices 96.5	$61,340	$59,200	96.5	460
259	MercedCA · $60,230 median · prices 98.3	$61,290	$60,230	98.3	160
260	HuntsvilleAL · $57,020 median · prices 93.1	$61,260	$57,020	93.1	790
261	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $65,210 median · prices 106.7	$61,130	$65,210	106.7	3,120
262	BurlingtonNC · $56,890 median · prices 93.2	$61,040	$56,890	93.2	260
263	AmarilloTX · $55,970 median · prices 91.8	$60,960	$55,970	91.8	440
264	TucsonAZ · $59,070 median · prices 96.9	$60,960	$59,070	96.9	1,170
265	ReddingCA · $61,300 median · prices 100.7	$60,880	$61,300	100.7	200
266	VisaliaCA · $60,720 median · prices 99.8	$60,830	$60,720	99.8	460
267	ModestoCA · $63,280 median · prices 104.1	$60,780	$63,280	104.1	470
268	LongviewTX · $54,320 median · prices 89.5	$60,700	$54,320	89.5	420
269	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $55,000 median · prices 90.6	$60,690	$55,000	90.6	810
270	LewistonID-WA · $55,240 median · prices 91.2	$60,600	$55,240	91.2	70
271	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $63,200 median · prices 104.5	$60,490	$63,200	104.5	5,220
272	Las CrucesNM · $54,560 median · prices 90.2	$60,480	$54,560	90.2	180
273	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $63,900 median · prices 105.8	$60,410	$63,900	105.8	5,750
274	LawtonOK · $51,870 median · prices 85.9	$60,360	$51,870	85.9	130
275	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $58,690 median · prices 97.3	$60,290	$58,690	97.3	3,840
276	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $57,080 median · prices 94.7	$60,280	$57,080	94.7	330
277	Colorado SpringsCO · $60,510 median · prices 100.7	$60,090	$60,510	100.7	1,060
278	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $63,920 median · prices 106.4	$60,050	$63,920	106.4	4,510
279	Santa Rosa–PetalumaCA · $64,700 median · prices 107.8	$60,030	$64,700	107.8	560
280	ChicoCA · $60,730 median · prices 101.2	$60,010	$60,730	101.2	180
281	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $60,610 median · prices 101.1	$59,930	$60,610	101.1	800
282	DoverDE · $58,410 median · prices 97.5	$59,900	$58,410	97.5	90
283	WinchesterVA-WV · $57,760 median · prices 96.5	$59,890	$57,760	96.5	160
284	Stockton–LodiCA · $62,900 median · prices 105.1	$59,850	$62,900	105.1	690
285	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $59,780 median · prices 100.0	$59,780	$59,780	100.0	940
286	Prescott Valley–PrescottAZ · $58,670 median · prices 98.3	$59,710	$58,670	98.3	370
287	El PasoTX · $53,560 median · prices 89.9	$59,570	$53,560	89.9	640
288	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $59,700 median · prices 100.2	$59,570	$59,700	100.2	3,800
289	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $54,690 median · prices 91.9	$59,510	$54,690	91.9	540
290	State CollegePA · $57,560 median · prices 96.8	$59,490	$57,560	96.8	130
291	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $61,250 median · prices 103.1	$59,410	$61,250	103.1	11,980
292	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $64,990 median · prices 109.4	$59,390	$64,990	109.4	780
293	GreeleyCO · $59,350 median · prices 100.2	$59,250	$59,350	100.2	520
294	JacksonvilleFL · $58,920 median · prices 99.5	$59,230	$58,920	99.5	2,380
295	SalinasCA · $64,440 median · prices 109.0	$59,100	$64,440	109.0	320
296	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $50,140 median · prices 85.4	$58,700	$50,140	85.4	230
297	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $51,570 median · prices 87.9	$58,650	$51,570	87.9	200
298	Yuba CityCA · $61,120 median · prices 104.2	$58,640	$61,120	104.2	100
299	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $55,130 median · prices 94.2	$58,540	$55,130	94.2	250
300	DothanAL · $49,070 median · prices 83.8	$58,530	$49,070	83.8	130
301	WilmingtonNC · $56,390 median · prices 96.4	$58,480	$56,390	96.4	690
302	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $58,380 median · prices 100.1	$58,350	$58,380	100.1	5,470
303	FlagstaffAZ · $58,520 median · prices 100.3	$58,330	$58,520	100.3	90
304	St. GeorgeUT · $56,730 median · prices 97.3	$58,290	$56,730	97.3	370
305	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $57,130 median · prices 98.2	$58,160	$57,130	98.2	1,450
306	NapaCA · $65,420 median · prices 112.6	$58,120	$65,420	112.6	150
307	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $63,090 median · prices 108.6	$58,100	$63,090	108.6	320
308	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $51,330 median · prices 88.5	$58,010	$51,330	88.5	330
309	GoldsboroNC · $51,260 median · prices 88.5	$57,950	$51,260	88.5	160
310	Sherman–DenisonTX · $54,320 median · prices 93.8	$57,930	$54,320	93.8	200
311	Boise CityID · $56,940 median · prices 98.4	$57,870	$56,940	98.4	1,760
312	JacksonvilleNC · $53,230 median · prices 92.1	$57,810	$53,230	92.1	270
313	SpartanburgSC · $52,640 median · prices 91.1	$57,810	$52,640	91.1	310
314	SumterSC · $50,840 median · prices 88.0	$57,760	$50,840	88.0	80
315	TexarkanaTX-AR · $48,480 median · prices 84.0	$57,710	$48,480	84.0	150
316	AbileneTX · $51,790 median · prices 90.4	$57,310	$51,790	90.4	320
317	Lexington ParkMD · $57,700 median · prices 100.8	$57,260	$57,700	100.8	260
318	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $52,100 median · prices 91.4	$57,030	$52,100	91.4	830
319	CharlottesvilleVA · $56,510 median · prices 99.1	$57,000	$56,510	99.1	240
320	HattiesburgMS · $49,940 median · prices 87.6	$56,990	$49,940	87.6	80
321	Parkersburg–ViennaWV · $49,580 median · prices 87.1	$56,950	$49,580	87.1	50
322	Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero CorridorFL · $55,900 median · prices 98.3	$56,860	$55,900	98.3	210
323	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $57,360 median · prices 101.0	$56,810	$57,360	101.0	960
324	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $58,150 median · prices 102.4	$56,780	$58,150	102.4	1,390
325	BeckleyWV · $50,140 median · prices 88.4	$56,740	$50,140	88.4	60
326	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $62,300 median · prices 110.5	$56,360	$62,300	110.5	1,230
327	Jefferson CityMO · $49,560 median · prices 88.0	$56,330	$49,560	88.0	290
328	Fort SmithAR-OK · $48,350 median · prices 85.9	$56,290	$48,350	85.9	250
329	PocatelloID · $50,020 median · prices 88.9	$56,260	$50,020	88.9	100
330	FayettevilleNC · $51,740 median · prices 92.0	$56,250	$51,740	92.0	390
331	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $51,250 median · prices 91.1	$56,240	$51,250	91.1	110
332	Santa Maria–Santa BarbaraCA · $61,000 median · prices 108.8	$56,070	$61,000	108.8	740
333	Naples–Marco IslandFL · $57,830 median · prices 103.2	$56,040	$57,830	103.2	810
334	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $54,870 median · prices 98.0	$55,980	$54,870	98.0	210
335	FarmingtonNM · $48,970 median · prices 87.7	$55,830	$48,970	87.7	230
336	ColumbiaSC · $52,070 median · prices 93.7	$55,590	$52,070	93.7	1,060
337	GadsdenAL · $47,350 median · prices 85.7	$55,280	$47,350	85.7	100
338	RoanokeVA · $51,700 median · prices 93.6	$55,220	$51,700	93.6	560
339	Punta GordaFL · $55,490 median · prices 100.5	$55,200	$55,490	100.5	260
340	Johnson CityTN · $48,480 median · prices 87.9	$55,140	$48,480	87.9	210
341	HarrisonburgVA · $52,290 median · prices 94.9	$55,100	$52,290	94.9	240
342	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $49,190 median · prices 89.4	$55,040	$49,190	89.4	890
343	Twin FallsID · $50,700 median · prices 92.1	$55,040	$50,700	92.1	180
344	Wichita FallsTX · $49,210 median · prices 89.5	$54,980	$49,210	89.5	130
345	Pinehurst–Southern PinesNC · $48,440 median · prices 88.3	$54,840	$48,440	88.3	130
346	JonesboroAR · $47,030 median · prices 85.9	$54,770	$47,030	85.9	160
347	SebringFL · $50,650 median · prices 92.5	$54,770	$50,650	92.5	70
348	College Station–BryanTX · $49,780 median · prices 91.0	$54,730	$49,780	91.0	400
349	Hot SpringsAR · $46,820 median · prices 85.7	$54,610	$46,820	85.7	140
350	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $55,380 median · prices 101.4	$54,610	$55,380	101.4	4,040
351	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $50,890 median · prices 93.3	$54,570	$50,890	93.3	960
352	Brownsville–HarlingenTX · $46,850 median · prices 86.0	$54,490	$46,850	86.0	250
353	Idaho FallsID · $51,420 median · prices 94.4	$54,460	$51,420	94.4	260
354	AlbanyGA · $47,700 median · prices 87.7	$54,410	$47,700	87.7	140
355	Macon–Bibb CountyGA · $48,110 median · prices 88.5	$54,340	$48,110	88.5	170
356	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $46,110 median · prices 85.9	$53,680	$46,110	85.9	360
357	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $52,020 median · prices 97.0	$53,610	$52,020	97.0	370
358	LubbockTX · $48,950 median · prices 91.3	$53,600	$48,950	91.3	550
359	Winston–SalemNC · $49,240 median · prices 92.0	$53,500	$49,240	92.0	860
360	GainesvilleFL · $51,600 median · prices 96.7	$53,340	$51,600	96.7	490
361	LaredoTX · $46,350 median · prices 87.0	$53,300	$46,350	87.0	120
362	TylerTX · $49,060 median · prices 92.2	$53,240	$49,060	92.2	280
363	ColumbusGA-AL · $47,410 median · prices 89.3	$53,090	$47,410	89.3	200
364	GainesvilleGA · $51,170 median · prices 96.8	$52,880	$51,170	96.8	210
365	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $51,220 median · prices 97.1	$52,730	$51,220	97.1	740
366	DaltonGA · $47,370 median · prices 89.8	$52,720	$47,370	89.8	90
367	OcalaFL · $49,910 median · prices 95.2	$52,410	$49,910	95.2	420
368	ValdostaGA · $46,070 median · prices 88.3	$52,190	$46,070	88.3	80
369	San AngeloTX · $48,050 median · prices 92.5	$51,970	$48,050	92.5	160
370	TallahasseeFL · $48,540 median · prices 93.9	$51,680	$48,540	93.9	480
371	Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle BeachSC · $48,340 median · prices 93.6	$51,620	$48,340	93.6	460
372	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $52,000 median · prices 100.9	$51,540	$52,000	100.9	4,180
373	Homosassa SpringsFL · $48,140 median · prices 93.5	$51,500	$48,140	93.5	150
374	Coeur d'AleneID · $50,270 median · prices 98.3	$51,140	$50,270	98.3	260
375	Port St. LucieFL · $50,990 median · prices 100.2	$50,870	$50,990	100.2	730
376	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $49,670 median · prices 97.7	$50,830	$49,670	97.7	650
377	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $50,490 median · prices 99.4	$50,810	$50,490	99.4	710
378	Santa FeNM · $50,180 median · prices 98.8	$50,810	$50,180	98.8	160
379	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $57,760 median · prices 114.2	$50,600	$57,760	114.2	5,930
380	HinesvilleGA · $47,520 median · prices 93.9	$50,590	$47,520	93.9	50
381	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $51,690 median · prices 102.3	$50,500	$51,690	102.3	1,950
382	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $47,800 median · prices 97.3	$49,130	$47,800	97.3	510

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full plumber pay page. By state: best states for plumbers.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 47-2152) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 plumbers work there. Wages exclude self-employed plumbers. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for plumbers?: After cost of living, the Champaign–Urbana, IL area: the median of $95,530 a year buys about what $103,050 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays plumbers the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $107,560. After cost of living it ranks 12th of 382.
What is the best big city for plumbers?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most plumbers, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 9th overall: its median of $103,380 buys what $99,790 would nationally.
Where does plumber pay go the least far?: Of the 382 metro areas ranked, the Panama City–Panama City Beach, FL area, where the median of $47,800 buys about what $49,130 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 382 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for plumbers and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's plumber pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.