A Career Guide for Plumbers: Akron, Ohio

Akron’s plumbing industry is a world away from the coastal hubs. It’s less about high-rises and more about the aging housing stock of the Midwest—think 1920s bungalows in Highland Square, mid-century ranches in Fairlawn, and the sprawling commercial and industrial facilities that built this rubber city. For a plumber, this means steady, reliable work with a strong mix of residential service calls and commercial/industrial projects. The cost of living is a major draw; Akron offers a blue-collar lifestyle that’s increasingly hard to find elsewhere. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local players, and the day-to-day reality of being a plumber in Summit County.

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

Akron’s plumbing wages are solid for the Midwest, benefiting from a lower cost of living but facing competition from nearby Cleveland and Columbus. The median salary for a plumber in the Akron metro area sits at $61,981/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.8/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, it goes much further in Akron than it does in most U.S. cities.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 377 employed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the Akron metro. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is 6%, which is steady, if not explosive. This growth is driven by the constant need for maintenance on older homes, new housing developments in suburban townships like Cuyahoga Falls and Stow, and ongoing industrial projects from legacy manufacturers and new sectors like biotech.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Akron
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	Apprentice work, drain cleaning, basic fixture installation under supervision, assisting on commercial rough-ins.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Service calls, diagnosing complex residential issues, managing small projects, green gas line work.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $85,000	Project lead on commercial jobs (e.g., hospital renovations), mentoring apprentices, specialized service (boilers, medical gas).
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$85,000+ (Owner-operator)	Business ownership, large-scale commercial bids, consulting, high-end custom work.

Comparison to Other Ohio Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Akron	$61,981	92.8	High value, steady demand from older housing stock.
Cleveland	$64,200	94.5	Higher salary but also higher competition and slightly higher costs.
Columbus	$62,500	95.0	More transient population, high demand for new construction plumbers.
Cincinnati	$63,000	94.2	Similar to Cleveland, with a strong union presence.
Toledo	$58,500	88.0	Lower salary and costs, but fewer major industrial projects.

Insider Tip: While Columbus and Cleveland offer marginally higher salaries, the travel time and cost for union apprenticeships (Local 55 in Cleveland, Columbus Association of Plumbers) can be significant. Many Akron plumbers live in Akron but do commute to larger union jobs in Cleveland, capitalizing on the higher scale.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A plumber earning the median salary of $61,981 will see their take-home pay reduced by federal and state taxes (Ohio has a progressive income tax). After taxes, the estimated monthly take-home is approximately $3,850. This is where Akron’s affordability shines.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $61,981

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR, Average)	$816	A solid 1BR in a decent neighborhood like Fairlawn or Cuyahoga Falls.
Utilities	$180	Includes gas, electric, water, and internet.
Groceries	$350	For a single person or a couple on a tight budget.
Health Insurance	$250	If not fully covered by employer (common for smaller shops).
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential for commuting to job sites across the county.
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Travel to jobs in Fairlawn, Norton, or Akron proper.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$300	Dining out, hobbies, savings.
Total Expenses	$2,446
Remaining	+$1,404	For savings, debt, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Akron metro is roughly $215,000. With a $1,404 monthly surplus, a plumber could comfortably afford a mortgage on a home in the $180,000-$220,000 range (after a down payment). This is a major advantage—homeownership is a realistic goal for a mid-career plumber in Akron, a scenario that’s becoming elusive in larger metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron’s plumbing job market is a mix of small family-owned service companies, large mechanical contractors, and in-house facilities roles.

1. D.A. Dodd & Sons Mechanical: A staple in Northeast Ohio, this large mechanical contractor handles commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. They are a major employer for pipefitters and plumbers working on new construction and renovations for hospitals, schools, and factories. Hiring Trend: Steady growth in commercial sector projects.
2. Swerdlin & Company: A well-established plumbing and heating contractor focused on residential and light commercial service. They are known for quality work and are a common first stop for apprentices looking for steady, local work. Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring for service technicians to cover Greater Akron area.
3. Akron Children’s Hospital & Cleveland Clinic Akron General: Both hospitals have large in-house facilities and maintenance teams. These roles are highly sought after for their stability, benefits, and regular hours. Hiring Trend: Steady, seasonal (spring/fall) for major project work and constant need for maintenance plumbers.
4. The University of Akron: With a vast campus of older and new buildings, the university’s facilities department employs several plumbers for maintenance and renovation projects. Hiring Trend: Project-based hiring tied to campus construction and renovation cycles.
5. Summit County Government: Manages buildings, parks, and infrastructure. These are union (AFSCME) positions with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady, with openings occurring as older workers retire.
6. Local Mechanical Contractors (NexGen, L.J. Smith, etc.): There are dozens of smaller shops that specialize in residential service, drain cleaning, and new home construction in the outer townships (Hudson, Stow, Twinsburg). Hiring Trend: High demand for reliable service plumbers who can handle everything from clogged drains to water heater installations.

Insider Tip: The highest-paying jobs are often with the large mechanical contractors (D.A. Dodd) or in-house at large institutions. The best work-life balance is frequently found at smaller residential service companies like Swerdlin, where you’re often home for dinner.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

Ohio requires plumbers to be licensed through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). The process is straightforward but requires dedication.

• Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-recognized apprenticeship program (typically 4-5 years, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction). This is often done through a union (UA Local 55) or a non-union program like the Ohio State Plumbing and Heating Contractors Association.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can test for your Journeyman license. This allows you to work independently. The exam fee is approximately $150.
• Master Plumber License: This is required to start your own business or pull permits for plumbing work. You need at least 5 years of journeyman experience and must pass the Master Plumber exam. The fee is roughly $250.
• Total Timeline & Cost: From apprentice to licensed journeyman, expect 4-5 years. Apprenticeship programs are often tuition-free or very low-cost, funded by employers. You’ll pay for your own tools and textbooks (approx. $500-$1,000 over the program).

Ohio State Plumbing Board is the primary regulatory body. All licenses must be renewed annually, with continuing education requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Location matters for commute times and lifestyle. Akron is a car-centric city, but job density varies.

1. Fairlawn: A western suburb with a mix of older homes and new developments. Excellent access to I-77 and I-277. Rent for a 1BR is around $950/month. Proximity to major employers like Swerdlin and easy commutes to most job sites. Safe, quiet, and family-friendly.
2. Cuyahoga Falls: North of Akron, this city has a vibrant, walkable downtown and a large stock of mid-century homes. Commute to Akron is 15-20 minutes. Rent is slightly higher at $1,000/month for a 1BR. Great for plumbers who want a community feel with easy access to both Akron and northern suburbs like Stow and Hudson.
3. Highland Square (Akron): A historic, walkable neighborhood west of downtown. Full of 1920s-1930s homes that require constant upkeep—a plumber’s dream. Rent is affordable at $800/month for a 1BR. Commute to downtown jobs is quick, but you’ll face more traffic for commercial work in the suburbs.
4. Norton: A small, quiet township southwest of Akron. Lower rents ($750/month for a 1BR), minimal traffic, and a strong blue-collar community. Commute to Akron’s west side is easy via I-76. Ideal for those seeking a lower cost of living and shorter commutes to industrial parks in Barberton.
5. Downtown Akron: More for the young and adventurous. Rent for a 1BR in a renovated building can be $1,100-$1,300. The commute to most job sites is quick, but the higher rent eats into savings. Best for plumbers who want to be in the urban core and can walk to local breweries and events.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Akron, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specialization and entrepreneurship.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can significantly increase your earning potential.
  • Medical Gas Certification: Highly valuable for work at Akron Children’s, Cleveland Clinic, and other healthcare facilities. Can add $3-$5/hour.
  • Backflow Prevention Testing: A required service for many commercial and residential properties. A side business testing backflow devices can add $10,000-$20,000/year in income.
  • Green Technology: Expertise in tankless water heaters, hydronic heating, and greywater systems is in demand for new home construction and retrofits.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician to Service Manager: Overseeing a team of plumbers for a residential company.
  2. Journeyman to Project Foreman: Leading small to medium commercial projects for a contractor like D.A. Dodd.
  3. Journeyman to Business Owner: Starting a small service company. Akron’s lower overhead makes this feasible. Many successful local owners started as service plumbers.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The 6% job growth will be driven by retirements of an aging workforce and the need for maintenance on infrastructure. Plumbers who diversify—handling both residential service and light commercial work—will be the most secure. The rise in “smart home” technologies (leak detectors, digital valves) will create a new niche for tech-savvy plumbers.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $61,981 salary stretches much further here than elsewhere.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in major coastal cities.
Steady, Predictable Work: Aging housing stock and industrial base ensure constant demand.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle to get to job sites.
Realistic Homeownership: A plumber can buy a home within a few years of getting licensed.	Slower Pace: If you thrive on the constant buzz of a major metro, Akron can feel quiet.
Diverse Job Market: Mix of residential service, commercial, and institutional work.	Seasonal Slumps: Winter can be slower for new construction; focus shifts to emergency repairs.
Strong Local Community: A tight-knit skilled trades community with good networking.	Ohio Winters: Cold weather means frozen pipes and 24/7 emergency calls.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an exceptional choice for plumbers who value work-life balance, financial stability, and the tangible benefits of homeownership. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to settle down and start a family, or for apprentices seeking a supportive, non-competitive environment to learn the trade. It’s less suitable for those seeking the highest possible salary or a fast-paced, non-stop urban lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Do I need to join a union in Akron?
No, you do not. Ohio is a right-to-work state. Many plumbers work for non-union companies. However, UA Local 55 (Cleveland) covers Akron for union work. Union scale is often higher, but you must travel for union jobs and pay dues. Many local service plumbers are non-union and do very well.

2. How is the job market for apprentices?
Competitive, but manageable. Most apprentices are hired directly by contractors (like Swerdlin or D.A. Dodd) and placed in their training programs. Networking at local supply houses (like Ferguson or W.W. Henry) is a key way to find openings. Expect to start as a helper doing grunt work.

3. What are the most common emergency calls in Akron?
Frozen pipes in winter (January-February) and clogged main sewer lines from old tree roots (especially in older neighborhoods like Highland Square). Water heater failures are a year-round staple.

4. Is it worth getting a Master Plumber license?
Yes, if you want to start your own business or have significant autonomy. In Akron, a Master Plumber can pull permits for their own projects, which is how you transition from a wage earner to a business owner. The exam is challenging but a worthwhile investment.

5. How do I find a reputable employer in Akron?
Ask at local supply houses. Plumbers who buy their materials from the same place for years have a reputation. Also, check the Ohio State Plumbing Board website for licensed contractors. Look for companies that invest in apprentice training programs.

Sources:

• Salary & Job Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023.
• Cost of Living & Rent: BestPlaces.net, U.S. Census Bureau data.
• Licensing: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB).