Plumber in Amarillo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

If you're a plumber considering Amarillo, the first question is simple: will the pay support the life you want? Let's look at the numbers. The median salary for a plumber in Amarillo is $61,601/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.62/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but don't let that number scare you off. The lower cost of living in the Panhandle more than makes up for the small pay gap.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages. These are general estimates based on local industry chatter and state data, as specific local breakdowns are harder to pin down.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Amarillo Salary Range (Annual)	What the Work Looks Like
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$45,000 - $52,000	Basic trenching, fixture installation, drain cleaning. You're learning codes and tools.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	2-7	$58,000 - $70,000	Handling service calls, rough-ins, and repairs with less supervision. This is where most land.
Senior / Lead Plumber	7-15	$68,000 - $85,000	Project management, complex commercial work, training apprentices. You're the go-to expert.
Expert / Master / Owner	15+	$80,000 - $110,000+	Running a crew, bidding large projects, business operations. Top earners own their shop.

Compared to other Texas cities, Amarillo is a solid, middle-of-the-pack option. You won't make Dallas or Austin money, but you also won't pay their rent. Houston's median is around $65,000, while San Antonio hovers near $62,000. The key differentiator is the jobs in the metro area: 406. That's a healthy number for a city of its size, indicating steady demand for skilled trades. The 10-year job growth of 6% is also positive, matching national trends and suggesting stable opportunities for the next decade.

Insider Tip: Amarillo's trade unions are present but not as dominant as in larger metros. This means more opportunities for non-union shops, which can be a great path if you're entrepreneurial. Local companies like Canyon Plumbing & Heating and Panhandle Plumbing often hire directly and offer competitive packages for journeyman-level work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $61,601/year, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Texas's lack of state income tax is roughly $3,800/month (this is an estimate; use a calculator for your specific situation).

The biggest local advantage? Housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Amarillo is $879/month. This is a game-changer compared to the national average of over $1,400.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,800	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg)	($879)	Can be lower in some areas
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	($180)	Texas summers can spike A/C bills
Groceries	($350)	Comparable to national average
Car Payment/Insurance	($450)	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	($200)	Varies by employer
Retirement/Other Savings	($300)	Start this early.
Discretionary Spending	$1,441	Food, entertainment, hobbies, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Amarillo is approximately $220,000. With a $61,601 salary, a standard 20% down payment ($44,000) is a stretch for many, but FHA loans require only 3.5% down (~$7,700). A monthly mortgage payment on a $220,000 home with a 3.5% down payment would be roughly $1,500-$1,600, including taxes and insurance. That's about 40% of your take-home pay, which is high but manageable if you're careful with other expenses. Many plumbers I know buy homes within 3-5 years of moving to the area.

Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

Amarillo's economy is built on healthcare, agriculture, and energy. Plumbers find work in commercial construction, residential service, and maintenance for large institutions. Here are the key local employers:

1. Amarillo College & ISD: The city's largest public employers. They have full-time maintenance staff for facilities, HVAC, and plumbing. These jobs offer stability, benefits, and pensions—a rarity in the trades.
2. Northwest Texas Healthcare System & BSA Health System: Major hospitals with constant need for certified plumbers for facility maintenance and compliance. They often hire through third-party contractors, so building relationships with local firms that service them is key.
3. Bell Helicopter (Textron): A major manufacturing facility. They hire for in-house maintenance crews, including specialized industrial plumbers for their complex systems.
4. The City of Amarillo: The public works department hires plumbers for municipal projects, water treatment plants, and infrastructure maintenance. Jobs are posted on the city's website; they're competitive but offer excellent benefits.
5. Local Construction Firms: Companies like Henderson & Associates or Briscoe Mechanical often need licensed plumbers for large-scale residential (like the new developments on the southwest side) and commercial projects. This is where you can earn above the median, especially on prevailing wage jobs.
6. Agricultural Processing Plants: Tyson Foods and Cargill have significant operations in the region. Their facilities require industrial plumbers for process piping and maintenance.
7. Self-Employment/Small Shops: Don't overlook the dozens of local service companies. Canyon Plumbing & Heating, Panhandle Plumbing, and Roto-Rooter are always looking for experienced techs. The low barrier to entry makes it a viable path for entrepreneurs.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for journeyman plumbers with commercial experience. The residential market is steady, but the commercial sector (driven by healthcare and education construction) is where the growth is. The 6% growth rate is a good indicator, but word on the street is that skilled techs are in high demand, and you can often negotiate a starting rate above the median if you have the right certs and experience.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, structured path to licensure, managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a 4,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed master plumber. This can be done through a union program or a direct hire with a company. There's no formal education requirement, but many use programs at Amarillo College.
2. Journeyman License: After your apprenticeship, you can apply for the journeyman exam. The application fee is $55. The exam fee is $115. You need to provide proof of your 4,000 hours. Once licensed, you can work independently.
3. Master License: To open your own business or supervise others, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires 12,000 hours as a journeyman and passing the master exam. The application fee is the same, $55, and the exam fee is $115.

Total Estimated Cost to Journeyman: $170 for state fees, plus any costs for study materials or prep courses (often $200-$400). Timeline: Expect a 4-5 year journey from starting an apprenticeship to holding a journeyman license.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your best friend. Texas law is strict, and working without a license can result in fines and criminal charges. Amarillo has a strong inspector community; they know the local codes well. Building a good relationship with them is part of the job.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Amarillo is a driving city. Here are neighborhoods to consider:

Neighborhood	Commute to Central Amarillo	Vibe & Why Plumbers Like It	Avg. 1BR Rent
The Medical District	5-10 mins	Proximity to BSA and NWTH hospitals. Great for service plumbers. Walkable to some amenities.	$900 - $1,000
The Original Townsite (Downtown)	5 mins	Urban, lofts, younger scene. Close to shops and restaurants. Can be noisy.	$850 - $1,100
Southwest (Soncy Rd area)	15-20 mins	Newer, master-planned communities. Great for families. Commute is easy via I-40.	$800 - $950
The North Side	10-15 mins	Established, affordable, and close to the Amarillo College campus. Many older homes need plumbing work.	$700 - $850
The East Side	15-25 mins	More rural, lower cost of living. Good for those who want space and don't mind a longer commute.	$650 - $800

Insider Tip: If you're in service work, living near the medical district or north side puts you close to a high density of clients. For commercial new construction, being near I-40 (like the southwest area) gives you easy access to job sites across the metro.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Amarillo offers several paths to grow beyond the median salary.

• Specialties: Moving into medical gas (certified installers earn a premium), backflow prevention testing, or industrial pipefitting can boost your income. Commercial and industrial work generally pays 10-20% more than residential.
• Advancement Paths: The classic route is Apprentice → Journeyman → Lead Technician → Service Manager or Business Owner. Many journeyman plumbers in Amarillo start their own van-based service businesses after gaining a few years of experience. The low cost of living makes it easier to save for a truck and tools.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 6% job growth and a housing market that remains affordable, the outlook is stable. The key will be adapting to new technologies (like PEX systems and smart water sensors) and continuing education. Amarillo's growth is slow and steady, which benefits tradespeople who build a reputation for reliability over time.

Insider Tip: The real growth is in business ownership. A one-person operation servicing residential calls can easily clear $80,000 if managed well. A two-truck shop can push into the low six figures. The local market is loyal to trusted names.

The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,601 salary goes much further here.	Hot, Dry Summers: Triple-digit temperatures are common.
Stable Job Market: 406 jobs and 6% growth mean steady demand.	Isolation: It's a 6-hour drive to the nearest major metro (Dallas).
No State Income Tax: Keeps more money in your pocket.	Limited Nightlife/Shopping: It's a city with a small-town feel.
Strong Trade Culture: Respect for skilled trades is high.	Limited Public Transit: You must have a reliable car.
Clear Career Path: Licensing is straightforward.	Wind: The Panhandle is famous for it. It can be a factor.

Final Recommendation: Amarillo is an excellent choice for a plumber who values job stability, affordability, and a straightforward career path over the high-energy, high-cost lifestyle of a big coastal city. If you're a journeyman plumber looking to buy a home, start a family, or launch your own business, the numbers work in your favor. It's not a place for someone who seeks constant entertainment or cultural diversity, but for a hardworking tradesperson, it's a place where you can build a very solid, comfortable life.

FAQs

Q: What is the cost of living really like?
A: The Cost of Living Index is 90.8 (US avg = 100). This means everything from groceries to healthcare is about 10% cheaper than the national average. The biggest win is housing.

Q: Do I need a truck to be a plumber in Amarillo?
A: For service work, yes. The city is spread out, and you'll drive to jobs. For commercial construction, you might not need your own vehicle, but having one is a major advantage.

Q: How's the weather for outdoor plumbing work?
A: Summers are hot and dry (often 100°F+). Work is usually done early. Winters are cold with occasional ice storms, which can mean emergency call-outs for frozen pipes. Plan for it.

Q: Is there a big union presence?
A: It's present but not overwhelming. Local 146 (United Association) covers the region. Many plumbers work for non-union shops, especially in residential service. It's a mix, so research the companies you're applying to.

Q: Can I get licensed if I'm from out of state?
A: Yes. Texas has reciprocity with some states, but you'll likely need to provide proof of your hours and may need to take the state exam. Contact the TSBPE directly for your specific situation.