The average hourly salary of plumbers depends on skill level and years of experience.
Traditional plumbing is one of five specialized plumbing trades, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Plumbers are trained in the installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems and appliances in homes and larger commercial and industrial facilities. Plumbers deal with the kinds of pipes that transport water, waste, gas and drainage to and from homes and buildings. The salary for this type of work varies by experience and expertise.
Hourly Wage Trends
National trends indicate that the average hourly rate for a plumber is between $14.89 and $24.26. This assessment is based on an October 2010 PayScale survey of 395 plumbers. The survey also accounts for additional compensation from tips, overtime and bonuses. The national hourly average for tips is $.05 to $.63 cents per hour while overtime paid an hourly rate between $22.35 and 34.15. Bonuses for plumbers ranged from $205.80 to $1,513 annually.
Apprentice Plumber
One of the most important determinants of hourly rates is experience. A new plumber, otherwise called an apprentice plumber, makes an average of $11.78 to $17.07 per hour in salary, according to PayScale as of October 2010. Compensation from tips and overtime increases hourly wages anywhere from $17.73 to $30.77. Plumbers whose employers award bonuses and profit sharing earn an average of $198.70 to $786 in bonuses and $406.95 to $4,815 annually.
Journeyman Plumber
A journeyman plumber is a skill step above an apprentice plumber and requires passing an examination. As a journeyman plumber you have the necessary skills and knowledge of plumbing, systems and the skills needed to install, maintain and repair. The national average hourly rate for a journeyman plumber ranges from $17.59 to $26.49 an hour, according to PayScale as of October 2010. In addition, overtime rates jump to an hourly average between $26.32 and $39.27. National data also indicates that bonuses vary from $482.86 to $1,181 annually. The combined average annual salary of a journeyman plumber ranges from $37,902 to $59,740.
Master Plumber
In terms of skills, a master plumber takes precedence over an apprentice and a journeyman plumber. This designation also requires examination and years of experience. According to a national survey of master plumber hourly salaries conducted in October 2010 by PayScale, the hourly average ranged from $19.56 to $30.14. Overtime work increases the hourly wage to between $27.55 and $43.47. Accounting for salary, bonuses and commissions, PayScale estimates master plumbers make an average salary between $42,850 and $70,555 annually.
Foreman
Foreman positions in plumbing are typically supervisor roles responsible for overseeing a team of p lumbers. According to an October 2010 PayScale survey of 395 Lead Plumbers and Foremen, the average hourly wage is between $19.94 and $30.89. Overtime work increases hourly wages to between $29.94 and $47.81. The survey found that the combined annual value of salary, bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing adds up to anywhere between $44,795 and $72,667 annually.
Tags: journeyman plumber, October 2010, 2010 PayScale, average hourly, hourly average, hourly rate
