Plumber in Alexandria, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Alexandria Stands

As a plumber in Alexandria, you're positioned in a robust market with strong earning potential, though it's not the highest in Virginia. The median salary for a plumber here is $64,984/year, which breaks down to about $31.24/hour. This sits comfortably above the national average of $63,350/year, a testament to the high cost of living and strong demand in the D.C. metro area. The metro area supports 310 active plumber jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%, which is steady, if not explosive. This growth is driven by both residential construction in developing areas and the constant need for maintenance in older infrastructure.

To understand where you fit, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the region. These are generalized figures based on local job postings and union scale data (United Association of Plumbers Local 5), but they give a clear picture of the progression.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Alexandria)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$48,000 - $56,000	Apprentice work, basic repairs, trenching, fixture installation under supervision.
Mid-Level	3-7	$60,000 - $72,000	Independent service calls, rough-in for new construction, troubleshooting complex issues.
Senior	8-15	$70,000 - $85,000+	Project lead, specialty work (medical gas, fire protection), mentoring apprentices.
Expert	15+	$85,000 - $110,000+	Business owner, master plumber, code inspector, large-scale commercial project manager.

Compared to other Virginia cities, Alexandria is a premium market. While the median salary is just above the state's average, the real value is in the density of high-paying commercial and government contracts. In contrast, a plumber in Richmond ($62,500 median) or Roanoke ($58,000 median) might see slightly lower base pay but also a significantly lower cost of living. The key differentiator in Alexandria is the prevalence of union work on government and large commercial projects, which often pays above the median, especially for those with security clearances.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local firms, especially those servicing government contracts, offer benefits packages (health, retirement, tool allowances) that can add $10,000-$15,000 in annual value. Always ask about total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $64,984 sounds solid, but in Alexandria, the math gets real fast. After federal, state (Virginia has a progressive income tax), and local taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $48,000-$50,000 annually, or about $4,000 per month.

The biggest expense is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Alexandria is $1,803/month. This represents a significant portion of a single plumber's take-home pay. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate (Based on $4,000 Take-Home)	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,803	The largest fixed cost. Can be lower with roommates or in specific neighborhoods.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$225	Slightly higher in older apartment buildings.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential in Alexandria. Public transit exists but isn't always convenient for trades.
Fuel & Maintenance	$150	Commuting to job sites across the region.
Groceries & Dining	$500	A moderate budget for a single person.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely; many employers cover a large portion.
Tools & Work Expenses	$150	Ongoing investment for self-employed or non-union workers.
Savings & Discretionary	$422	Left for retirement, emergencies, or leisure.
Total	$4,000

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging on a single median plumber's salary without significant savings or a dual-income household. The median home price in Alexandria exceeds $600,000. A 20% down payment would be $120,000. A mortgage on the remaining $480,000 would be roughly $2,800/month (including taxes and insurance), which is far beyond a comfortable housing budget for most mid-career plumbers. However, it becomes more feasible for a senior plumber earning $85,000+ (especially with a partner's income) or for those willing to live in more affordable adjacent areas like parts of Fairfax County.

Where the Jobs Are: Alexandria's Major Employers

Alexandria's plumbing job market is a mix of private residential firms, commercial mechanical contractors, and a handful of large institutional employers. The steady 6% growth over the next decade is supported by ongoing development in the Carlyle/Eisenhower corridor and the constant upkeep of the city's older housing stock.

Here are the major local employers to target:

1. United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 5: This is the powerhouse. Local 5's jurisdiction includes Alexandria. Apprenticeship programs are competitive but offer structured training, union wages (often above the $64,984 median), and excellent benefits. They handle major commercial, industrial, and HVAC projects. Insider Tip: Getting into their 5-year apprenticeship is the gold standard for long-term stability and high earnings.

2. City of Alexandria Government: The city's Department of Transportation & Environmental Services has its own maintenance crews for public buildings, water/sewer lines, and park facilities. These are stable, pension-backed jobs. They also contract with private firms for larger projects.

3. Sullivan Plumbing & Heating: A well-established, full-service local firm serving Northern Virginia for decades. They handle everything from emergency residential repairs to commercial renovations. They're known for training apprentices and have a strong reputation in the community.

4. Peterson Mechanical, Inc.: A major commercial mechanical contractor based in nearby Springfield, but a primary player in the Alexandria market. They handle large-scale projects for the federal government (often requiring security clearances), data centers, and medical facilities. These jobs pay a premium.

5. George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) & Inova Alexandria Hospital: Large institutions with complex plumbing and medical gas systems. While the specific facilities are in D.C. and Alexandria, they employ or contract with specialized plumbers for 24/7 facilities maintenance. These roles often require additional certifications.

6. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) - Alexandria Campus: NOVA runs a technical workforce program and often has listings for facilities maintenance plumbers for their educational buildings.

7. Residential Service Companies (e.g., Michael & Son, James A. Wheat & Sons): These large, multi-state service companies have a significant presence in Alexandria. They offer high volume of work, commission-based earning potential for service techs, and often provide company vehicles and tools.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing demand for plumbers with specialized certifications in medical gas, fire protection sprinkler systems, and backflow prevention. These niches can push your salary well above the median.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia's licensing process is managed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). It's a clear, step-based system. The key is the Class A, B, or C Contractor License for the business, and the Journeyman/Master Plumber license for the individual.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Apprentice Plumber: Must register with the DPOR. Requires being at least 18 years old and submitting a registration form with a fee of $10. You must work under a licensed Journeyman or Master.
• Journeyman Plumber: Requires:
  • Completion of a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program (like the one from UA Local 5) OR 5 years of full-time experience (10,000 hours) working under a licensed Journeyman/Master.
  • Passing the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) Plumbing Examination (administered by PSI).
  • Exam fee: $100. License fee: $30 annually.
• Master Plumber: Requires:
  • Holding a Journeyman Plumber license for at least 1 year OR having 10 years of full-time experience as a qualified plumbing contractor.
  • Passing the Master Plumber Examination.
  • Exam fee: $100. License fee: $45 annually.
• Contractor License (Class A, B, or C): Needed to operate your own business. Requires a bond, proof of financial responsibility, and passing a business and law exam. Fees vary but can start around $200-$300 for the application.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Month 1: Register as an apprentice. Secure a job with a licensed contractor.
• Years 1-4: Complete apprenticeship/work hours. Study for exams.
• Year 4 or 5: Take and pass the Journeyman exam. Get licensed.
• Additional 1-10 years: Gain experience for Master Plumber license.

Insider Tip: The exam is based on the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which is updated every 2 years. Studying the most recent codebook is essential. The UA Local 5 apprenticeship includes thorough exam prep.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Alexandria means balancing commute time, affordability, and lifestyle. While you might work all over Northern Virginia, basing yourself in a convenient location is key. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Old Town Alexandria: The historic heart. Charming, walkable, with great restaurants and the waterfront. Commute: Excellent, as you're central to the city and near I-95/395. Lifestyle: Urban, touristy, quieter at night. Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,200 - $2,600/month. Verdict: Great for social life but expensive. Best for senior plumbers or couples with dual incomes.

2. Del Ray: Quaint, small-town feel with a strong community vibe. Known for its farmers' market and independent shops. Commute: Very good, just north of Old Town, easily accessible to Route 1 and I-395. Lifestyle: Family-friendly, artsy, local-focused. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,300/month. Verdict: A popular choice for tradespeople who want character without the full Old Town price tag.

3. Carlyle/Eisenhower Valley: The modern, high-rise corridor. Dominated by new apartments, offices (like the new Amazon HQ2 campus in nearby Arlington), and the Metro. Commute: Excellent, especially if your job is in the city or D.C. (via Metro). Lifestyle: Fast-paced, urban, with lots of amenities. Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $2,500/month. Verdict: Ideal for younger plumbers who want a modern, car-optional lifestyle and easy access to D.C. nightlife.

4. West End (Landmark/Duke St): More suburban feel, with larger apartment complexes and shopping centers. Commute: Good, with easy access to I-395, I-495 (Beltway), and the Shirley Highway. Lifestyle: Convenient, practical, less "charming" but functional. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $1,900/month. Verdict: The most affordable option within the city limits. Great for plumbers who prioritize budget and commute efficiency over historic charm.

5. Arlandria (Chirilagua): A diverse, working-class neighborhood with a mix of older homes and new developments. Commute: Good, located between Del Ray and Arlington. Lifestyle: Gritty, authentic, with a strong immigrant community and affordable eats. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $1,700/month. Verdict: The most budget-friendly option in the city. Ideal for an apprentice plumber or someone willing to trade some amenities for significant savings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Alexandria isn't linear; it's a series of specializations that compound your value.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving beyond general service and repair can significantly boost your income.

  • Medical Gas/Backflow Prevention: These certifications can add $5,000-$10,000 to your annual salary. Hospitals, labs, and data centers (common in Northern Virginia) are the primary employers.
  • Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems: A high-demand specialty. Requires additional certification but commands top-tier pay.
  • Green Plumbing/Water Efficiency: As Alexandria pushes for sustainability, expertise in water-saving systems, greywater recycling, and high-efficiency fixtures is a growing niche.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Technician to Lead Tech: You manage a truck, order parts, and handle complex jobs.
  2. Field Supervisor: Oversees a team of plumbers, manages project schedules, and interfaces with clients.
  3. Project Manager (Commercial): For those with strong organizational skills. You'll handle multi-trade projects, budgets, and timelines for large commercial or government builds.
  4. Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Starting a small residential service company or a niche commercial firm can be lucrative, but carries risk. The 10-year outlook for the industry is positive, but owning a business requires marketing, administrative, and financial savvy beyond just technical skill.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The demand will be strongest for plumbers who can adapt to new technologies (touchless fixtures, smart home water systems) and who hold security clearances for the abundant government and defense contractor work in the region. The aging workforce also means many senior plumbers will retire, creating openings for mid-career professionals to step into leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is Alexandria Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High earning potential relative to national average and many state cities.	Very high cost of living, especially for housing.
Stable, diverse job market with residential, commercial, and government sectors.	Competition for the best union and commercial jobs can be fierce.
Proximity to Washington D.C. offers access to even more high-paying, specialized opportunities.	Traffic congestion can be a daily reality for service plumbers.
Structured career path through apprenticeships (Local 5) and clear licensing requirements.	Balancing salary and rent requires careful budgeting; homeownership is a long-term goal.
Rich history and urban amenities in a walkable city (in certain neighborhoods).	Older housing stock means dealing with challenging, outdated plumbing systems.

Final Recommendation:
Alexandria is an excellent choice for a plumber who is career-focused and financially disciplined. It's best suited for:

• An apprentice seeking the prestigious UA Local 5 training.
• A mid-career plumber with a specialty (medical gas, fire protection) looking to maximize income.
• A journeyman willing to live with roommates or in a more affordable neighborhood to build savings.

If you are early in your career and focused on homeownership, you might find a better short-term balance in the nearby suburbs of Prince William or Fairfax County. However, for long-term career growth and access to the highest-tier specialty work, Alexandria's market is hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Is the plumbing job market in Alexandria saturated?
Not at the top end. While there are many general plumbers, the demand for licensed journeymen and masters, especially those with specialties like medical gas or security clearances, is consistently strong. The 310 current jobs and 6% growth indicate a healthy, not overcrowded, market.

2. Do I need to be in the union to make good money in Alexandria?
No, but it helps. Union plumbers with UA Local 5 typically have the highest base wages and best benefits. However, many successful independent contractors and employees at private firms also earn well above the median, especially if they specialize or are willing to work on-call for service companies.

3. How does the cost of living in Alexandria compare to nearby Washington, D.C.?
Alexandria is generally more affordable than D.C. proper, especially for housing. Rent in Alexandria averages $1,803 for a 1BR, compared to over $2,400 in many D.C. neighborhoods. However, D.C. may offer higher wages for certain specialties, so a commute could be worth it.

4. What's the best way to start as a new plumber in Alexandria?
The most direct path is to apply for the UA Local 5 apprenticeship program. Alternatively, look for "helper" or "apprentice" positions with local firms like Sullivan Plumbing or Michael & Son. Register as an apprentice with the DPOR immediately to start logging your hours.

5. Are there opportunities for plumbers to work on historic homes in Old Town?
Absolutely. This is a niche market. Old Town is