Plumber in Allen, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Allen Stands

Allen, Texas, isn’t just another Dallas suburb; it’s a distinct economic engine with a cost of living that’s slightly above the national average but well below the hyper-competitive Dallas core. For plumbers, this translates to a solid, stable market where your skills are in consistent demand. The median salary for a plumber in Allen, TX, is $63,977 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.76/hour. This figure is marginally higher than the national average of $63,350/year, a testament to the strong local housing market and the booming commercial sector. The metro area (which includes Allen, Plano, and Frisco) supports 223 jobs for plumbers, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%, aligning with the national outlook but fueled by local expansion.

To understand where you fit into this picture, let’s break down experience levels.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years (Apprentice)	$40,000 - $52,000	Assisting journeymen, tool maintenance, basic trenching, and prep work.
Mid-Level	3-7 years (Journeyman)	$58,000 - $65,000	Installing/repairing pipes, fixtures, water heaters; interpreting codes; leading small jobs.
Senior-Level	8-15 years (Master/Journeyman)	$65,000 - $75,000+	Complex diagnostics, commercial projects, mentoring apprentices, permitting.
Expert/Owner	15+ years (Licensed Master)	$75,000 - $100,000+	Business ownership, specialized systems (medical gas, industrial), consulting.

How Allen Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Salaries are slightly higher ($65,000-$70,000 median), but the cost of living and traffic are significantly more burdensome. The commute from Allen to Dallas proper can be 45+ minutes.
• Houston: A massive, diverse market with salaries similar to or slightly below Allen. The trade-off is higher humidity and more frequent storm-related repair work.
• Austin: Salaries trend higher ($67,000 median), but the cost of living is dramatically higher, especially for housing. The market is fiercely competitive with a rapid influx of new residents.
• Fort Worth: Very similar to Allen in terms of salary and cost of living. It offers a comparable suburban feel with a strong trade base.

Insider Tip: Allen’s proximity to the high-growth corridor of Highway 75 (US-75) means plumbers who can handle both residential new construction in neighborhoods like Watter’s Creek and older home repairs in established areas like Bethany have the broadest client base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. With a median salary of $63,977, your take-home pay after estimated federal and state taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction) will be approximately $48,000 - $50,000 annually, or about $4,000 - $4,150 per month.

The average one-bedroom apartment rent in Allen is $781/month. This is a key advantage over many cities. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,100	After taxes.
Rent (1BR average)	$781	A huge advantage for building savings.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150	Can vary seasonally.
Groceries & Household	$450
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential in a car-dependent city.
Fuel & Maintenance	$200	Commuting to job sites.
Health Insurance	$300	If not provided by employer.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$410	Critical for a trade career.
Discretionary Spending	$1,409	Entertainment, dining, miscellaneous.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is Allen’s biggest draw. The median home price in Allen is roughly $350,000 - $400,000. With the above budget, a plumber earning $63,977 could comfortably save $1,000/month for a down payment. In 2-3 years, a $30,000 down payment (8-10% of a median home) is achievable. This is a stark contrast to Austin or Dallas, where median home prices are $500,000+, requiring a much higher income or longer savings period.

Insider Tip: Many local trade unions and larger employers (like plumbing contractors) offer 401(k) matching. Always prioritize this—it’s free money that significantly boosts your long-term earning potential.

Where the Jobs Are: Allen's Major Employers

Allen’s job market is a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing needs. The city’s rapid residential expansion and established commercial corridors create diverse opportunities.

1. Paul’s Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing, family-owned residential and commercial contractor known for reliability. They frequently hire journeyman plumbers for service calls and new construction projects in the Twin Creeks and StarCreek neighborhoods. They value local knowledge and often offer health benefits from day one.
2. Cannon Plumbing: A larger commercial-focused contractor with projects across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. They handle plumbing for schools, retail centers, and medical facilities. This is a great path for plumbers seeking commercial experience, which often pays a premium. They have a strong presence in North Allen.
3. Allen Independent School District (ISD): A major public employer with its own facilities and maintenance department. They employ plumbers for preventative maintenance and repairs across schools like Allen High School and the Allen Event Center. These jobs are highly coveted for their stability, benefits, and summers off (for maintenance staff).
4. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Allen: This hospital requires specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and high-grade sanitary systems. It’s a niche that requires additional certification but commands higher pay. They hire through their facilities management department.
5. Local Plumbing Supply Houses: Companies like Ferguson Enterprises or Wolseley (with branches in nearby Plano and McKinney) need experienced plumbers for their outside sales and counter staff. This is a great transition for those looking to reduce physical labor while staying in the industry.
6. General Contractors (e.g., David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes): These national builders have a significant presence in Allen’s master-planned communities. They hire subcontractors or direct employees for rough-in and finish plumbing. Hiring trends peak during the spring and fall for new home starts.
7. City of Allen Public Works: The city’s own utilities department hires licensed plumbers for maintaining municipal water lines, sewer systems, and public facilities. These are government jobs with excellent pensions and benefits, but the hiring process is more competitive and slower.

Hiring Trends: The second quarter (April-June) is the busiest, aligning with peak construction. However, service and repair work is steady year-round. The commercial sector, driven by the area around Allen Premium Outlets and ongoing developments along US-75, is showing the most consistent growth.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, regulated path to becoming a licensed plumber, managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It’s a non-negotiable step for legal work.

Process & Costs:

1. Apprentice Registration: You start as a registered apprentice. This requires no prior experience but must be done through the TSBPE. You’ll work under a licensed Master Plumber. Cost: ~$25 for registration.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: Requires 4,000 hours of documented, supervised work and 24 hours of approved classroom training. You must pass the state journeyman exam. Exam Fee: ~$125. Total Time: 2-3 years for full-time apprentices.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires an additional 12,000 hours as a journeyman (total of 10 years experience) and passing the master exam. Exam Fee: ~$125. This allows you to own a business and pull permits.

Insider Tip: Many local community colleges, like Collin College (with campuses in nearby Plano and McKinney), offer accredited plumbing technology programs that combine classroom hours with apprenticeship credits, speeding up the process. The North Texas Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (NTPHCCA) is also a key resource for finding apprenticeship opportunities and study groups.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute to job sites and your lifestyle. Allen is a city of distinct neighborhoods.

1. West Allen (Twin Creeks, StarCreek):

   • Vibe: Master-planned communities with newer homes (1990s-2010s), great schools, and family-oriented amenities. This is where much of the new construction and renovation work is.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month for a 1BR/2BR.
   • Commute: Minimal. You’re central to most residential job sites.

2. Central Allen (Bethany, Allen Heights):

   • Vibe: Established neighborhoods with older homes (1970s-1980s), mature trees, and a quieter, more affordable feel. High demand for repair and repiping work.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month for a 1BR/2BR.
   • Commute: Easy access to downtown Allen and the medical center.

3. East Allen (The Farm, Watter’s Creek):

   • Vibe: A mix of high-end new construction and upscale retail/dining. More commercial and service jobs are located here.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month for a 1BR/2BR.
   • Commute: Good access to US-75 for jobs in Frisco or McKinney.

4. South Allen (near 75 & 121):

   • Vibe: Transitional area with older apartments and commercial buildings. Close to major highways for easy commuting to the broader metroplex.
   • Rent Estimate: $780 - $950/month (closer to the city average).
   • Commute: Excellent for plumbers who service multiple cities, with quick access to Dallas, Plano, and Richardson.

Insider Tip: If you’re an apprentice or journeyman, living in South Allen or East Allen puts you in a prime spot to catch service calls from the commercial corridors and the airport area (DFW), which often have emergency jobs that pay overtime.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Allen isn’t a dead-end; it’s a ladder. The 10-year job growth of 6% indicates stability, but specialization is where you break the median salary ceiling.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas Certification: Adds $5,000 - $10,000 to your annual salary, especially for hospital work at Baylor Scott & White.
  • Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for commercial and irrigation systems, adds a $3-$5/hour premium.
  • Commercial/Industrial Focus: Generally pays 10-15% more than residential due to complexity and project size.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Supervisor: Oversee crews for a contractor. Salary: $70,000 - $85,000.
  2. Project Manager: For commercial firms. Requires estimating and blueprint skills. Salary: $80,000 - $95,000.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. A successful small shop in Allen can earn $100,000+, but comes with overhead and responsibility.

• 10-Year Outlook: The need for skilled tradespeople will remain strong. The aging of the existing housing stock in central Allen guarantees demand for repair and replacement work. The commercial sector will grow with the city’s expansion. The key to longevity is keeping up with code changes (especially for water conservation) and technology (like tankless water heaters and smart home integration).

The Verdict: Is Allen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Housing: Median home price is within reach for a plumber’s salary.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable truck/van and will drive a lot.
Stable Job Market: 223 jobs and 6% growth with diverse employers.	Summertimes: The heat can be brutal for outdoor work (June-August).
Strong Take-Home Pay: $63,977 median goes far with $781 average rent.	Competition: Skilled journeymen are common, so specialization helps.
Good Schools & Amenities: Ideal if you have or plan a family.	Rapid Growth: Can lead to traffic and construction delays.
Proximity to Dallas: Easy access to a massive metro market for niche jobs.	Limited Public Transit: Not an issue if you have a work vehicle.

Final Recommendation: Allen is an excellent choice for plumbers in the mid-to-senior level who value homeownership and a stable, family-friendly environment. It’s less ideal for those seeking a vibrant urban nightlife or who want to rely on public transit. For an apprentice or journeyman willing to work hard and specialize, Allen offers a clear path to a six-figure income and a paid-off home within a decade.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really as low as the data suggests?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. The Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (slightly above the US average of 100) is driven mainly by housing and healthcare. However, the $781 average rent is a massive advantage, making daily expenses (like groceries and utilities) feel very reasonable compared to national cities.

Q: How competitive is the job market for journeymen plumbers?
A: It’s competitive but not cutthroat. With 223 jobs in the metro, employers are looking for reliable, licensed plumbers who are drug-free and have a clean driving record. The key differentiator is often soft skills—communication, punctuality, and a professional demeanor with customers.

Q: Do I need my own truck to get hired?
A: For service and repair roles, yes, a reliable vehicle is a must. Many residential contractors and self-employed plumbers use their own trucks, often with a gas card or mileage reimbursement. For commercial roles (like with Cannon Plumbing or a hospital), you may be assigned a fleet vehicle.

Q: What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in Allen?
A: The NTPHCCA is your best first stop. Also, directly contacting local companies like Paul’s Plumbing or Cannon Plumbing to ask about apprenticeship programs. Networking with local plumbers at supply houses is also highly effective.

Q: Is the 6% job growth rate good enough?
A: Yes. A 6% growth over 10 years is solid and sustainable. It means the field isn’t oversaturated, but there’s steady demand for new workers to replace retirees and fill new positions. It’s a sign of a healthy, non-boom-bust market.