The U.S. plumbing industry is made up of many specialized roles. While most people think of plumbers as the ones fixing leaks in kitchens and bathrooms, the industry spans far beyond that — from apprentices to inspectors, designers, estimators, and instructors. Each title has its own responsibilities, training requirements, and earning potential.
Below is a breakdown of the key job titles, their duties, and typical salary ranges.
Apprentices are entry-level plumbers in training, usually enrolled in 4–5 year programs combining classroom learning with on-the-job experience under supervision.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $35,000–$55,000 annually (median around $39,000).
Journeymen are fully licensed to work independently after completing apprenticeship and exams.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $40,700–$105,000 annually (median about $63,000).
Master plumbers hold the highest level of certification. They can design systems, run businesses, and oversee major projects.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $80,000–$120,000+ annually (contractors and business owners often earn more).
Residential plumbers specialize in household systems and fixtures.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $45,000–$90,000 annually, with higher earnings in metro areas.
Commercial plumbers work in offices, hospitals, schools, and other large facilities.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $50,000–$95,000 annually, sometimes exceeding $100,000.Industrial Plumber
Industrial plumbers handle systems in factories, refineries, and power plants.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $55,000–$100,000+ annually, depending on facility and certifications.
Pipefitters and steamfitters specialize in high-pressure piping for gases, chemicals, and steam.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $40,700–$105,000+ annually (median about $63,000).
Gasfitters work on natural gas and propane lines for heating and appliances.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $21–$31 per hour (roughly $45,000–$65,000 annually).
Sprinkler fitters specialize in fire protection systems.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $20.90–$35.30 per hour (about $43,000–$73,000 annually).
Plumbing foremen supervise crews on construction projects.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $49,000–$122,000 annually (median about $76,760).
A plumbing contractor is often a master plumber who runs a business.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $80,000–$150,000+ annually, with top owners earning more.
Inspectors ensure work meets safety and building codes.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $46,600–$112,000 annually (median about $72,120).
Estimators calculate costs and prepare bids for projects.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $46,300–$128,600 annually (median about $77,070).
Designers plan and draft plumbing system layouts, usually with CAD or BIM software.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $46,500–$107,600 annually (median about $68,510).
Instructors train future plumbers at schools or apprenticeship programs.
Key Duties:
Salary Range: $45,100–$101,500 annually (median about $62,910).
The U.S. plumbing industry covers much more than household pipe repair. From entry-level apprentices to high-level inspectors, estimators, designers, and contractors, each role plays a critical part in keeping water and waste systems safe and functional. Salaries span from $35,000 for beginners to well over $120,000 for experienced masters, foremen, and estimators.
Whether you want a hands-on trade, a design role, or a teaching career, plumbing offers strong earning potential and career growth.
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range (Annual) | Median / Average Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | $35,000 – $55,000 | ~$39,000 |
| Journeyman Plumber | $40,700 – $105,000+ | ~$62,970 |
| Master Plumber | $80,000 – $120,000+ | Often $100k+ (owners vary) |
| Residential Plumber | $45,000 – $90,000 | ~$60,000 |
| Commercial Plumber | $50,000 – $95,000+ | ~$70,000 |
| Industrial Plumber | $55,000 – $100,000+ | ~$75,000 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter | $40,700 – $105,000+ | ~$62,970 |
| Gasfitter | $45,000 – $65,000 | ~$29/hr ($60k annualized) |
| Sprinkler Fitter | $43,000 – $73,000 | ~$28/hr ($58k annualized) |
| Plumbing Foreman | $49,000 – $122,000 | ~$76,760 |
| Plumbing Contractor | $80,000 – $150,000+ | Varies widely |
| Plumbing Inspector | $46,600 – $112,000 | ~$72,120 |
| Plumbing Estimator | $46,300 – $128,600 | ~$77,070 |
| Plumbing Designer | $46,500 – $107,600 | ~$68,510 |
| Plumbing Instructor | $45,100 – $101,500 | ~$62,910 |