Plumber in Bryan, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Bryan Stands

As a plumber in Bryan, you're entering a market with a solid middle-ground salary that's competitive for the region, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for plumbers here is $61,582 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.61 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350 per year, but that gap closes—and often reverses—when you look at your purchasing power. With a metro population of 89,606 and only 179 jobs in the metro area, this isn't a sprawling big-city market. It's a tight-knit community where reputation matters, and skilled tradespeople are consistently in demand, evidenced by a 10-year job growth of 6%.

To break it down by experience level, here’s what you can expect locally:

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes for Bryan Market |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level | $45,000 - $52,000 | Often starts as an apprentice or helper with local contractors. Expect more residential service calls. |
| Mid-Career (5-10 yrs) | $58,000 - $65,000 | This is where the median sits. Licensed journeyman plumbers with steady work can hit this range. |
| Senior/Expert | $70,000 - $85,000+ | Specialized roles (medical gas, industrial, or master plumber running a small crew). Top earners often own their business. |

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jumps in Bryan come from specialization. A standard residential plumber might cap out around $65k, but a plumber certified in commercial gas fitting or backflow prevention can add $10k-$15k to their annual income.

How Bryan Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Houston: Median salary is similar (~$62k), but the cost of living is 25% higher. A plumber in Houston needs to earn over $77k to match Bryan's lifestyle.
• Austin: Median salary is higher (~$68k), but the cost of living is nearly 40% higher. Rent alone in Austin is often double what it is in Bryan.
• Waco: Median salary is lower (~$57k), but the cost of living is also slightly lower. Bryan offers a better salary-to-cost ratio than Waco.
• College Station: Right next door, with a similar job market and salary. The primary difference is the influence of Texas A&M University, which can create more residential rental turnover and seasonal work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. On a $61,582 annual salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare is approximately $4,150 per month (assuming single filer, standard deduction). This number can vary with dependents and deductions, but it's a solid baseline.

The biggest win in Bryan is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,015/month. Let's see how that plays out in a monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Bryan Plumber (Median Salary)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,132
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $4,150
• Housing (Rent + Utilities): $1,150 ($1,015 for rent + ~$135 for utilities)
• Transportation (Car/Insurance/Gas): $500 (Assuming a reliable used vehicle; public transit is limited)
• Groceries & Household: $400
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-paid): $300
• Debt/Personal Savings/Retirement (401k): $1,000
• Discretionary Spending: $800

This budget leaves a healthy $1,000+ for savings and debt paydown. With a Cost of Living Index of 90.7 (where the national average is 100), your money stretches significantly further here than in 90% of U.S. cities.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $61,582 salary and conservative savings of $25,000 for a down payment (a significant challenge, but doable over a few years), you could comfortably target a home in the $200,000 - $250,000 range. Current mortgage rates would put your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) around $1,400 - $1,700, which is roughly 25-30% of your gross income—a standard, manageable ratio. Many local lenders work with tradespeople, and programs like the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) can offer down payment assistance.

Where the Jobs Are: Bryan's Major Employers

The Bryan job market for plumbers is anchored by residential service companies, but there's a healthy mix of commercial, industrial, and institutional work. Most jobs are with small to mid-sized local firms. Here are the key players:

1. Bryan-College Station Plumbing & Heating: A large, full-service local contractor. They handle everything from new residential construction in neighborhoods like Pebble Creek to commercial maintenance for Texas A&M facilities. They often post openings for licensed journeyman and apprentices. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring due to steady growth in the Bryan suburbs. They value reliability and a clean driving record.

2. City of Bryan Public Works: The municipality itself is a major employer. Their water utility and facilities maintenance crews handle everything from water main breaks to servicing municipal buildings like the Bryan Civic Center and the new public library. These jobs offer great benefits and stability. Hiring Trend: Positions here are competitive but stable. They typically post openings on the city's official website, and knowledge of local water regulations is a plus.

3. Brazos Valley Medical Center (BVMC): While not a traditional plumber employer, BVMC has a large, in-house facilities team. They need plumbers with certifications in medical gas systems and backflow prevention. This is a high-skill, high-pay niche. Hiring Trend: They hire for specific roles and often promote from within. Getting your medical gas certification is the key here.

4. Local Residential Builders (e.g., Scott Felder Homes, Lennar): Bryan has seen steady residential growth, especially in areas like Bryan South. Major national and regional builders contract with plumbing subcontractors for all their new construction. Getting on the preferred vendor list with one of these builders can provide a steady pipeline of work. Hiring Trend: Fluctuates with the housing market, but the long-term 6% job growth suggests steady demand.

5. Agri-Industrial Companies: Bryan is in the heart of agriculture. Companies like Brazos Valley Farmers Cooperative or Texas A&M AgriLife Research facilities need plumbers for irrigation systems, processing plants, and shop maintenance. This is often overlooked but steady work. Hiring Trend: Less formalized hiring; often word-of-mouth or through local trade groups.

Insider Tip: The best way to find jobs here isn't always online. Join the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association and the Brazos Valley Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. The networking events are where the unadvertised, high-paying contract jobs are found.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear but rigorous system for plumbers, managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It's not a "quick-start" field, but the barriers to entry protect wages and ensure quality.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed master or journeyman plumber. Many apprentices enroll in a formal program at a local community college (like Blinn College in Bryan) or through the Texas Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 60 union, which has a strong presence in the Brazos Valley.
2. Education: You'll need to complete a state-approved plumbing course, typically at an accredited trade school or community college. Blinn College's technical programs are a common path for Bryan residents.
3. Journeyman License: After 2,000 hours and course completion, you can apply to take the journeyman exam. The exam fee is approximately $150.
4. Master License: To work independently or run a crew, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires an additional 12,000 hours of experience (totaling 14,000 as a journeyman and apprentice) and passing a more advanced exam. The fee is around $200.

Timeline & Costs:

• To become a Journeyman: 1-2 years total (apprenticeship + schooling). Total cost for schooling and exams: $3,000 - $6,000, depending on the program.
• To become a Master Plumber: 5-7 years total from starting out. The investment is significant, but the payoff is in the ability to own a business and pull permits.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your bible. Download the current "Plumbing Laws and Rules" book. The state exam is heavily based on it, and local schools like Blinn offer excellent prep courses. In Bryan, a master plumber's license is a golden ticket to business ownership and $85k+ salaries.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Bryan affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. The city isn't huge, but traffic on Texas Avenue and Highway 6 can be a factor during peak times.

1. Downtown Bryan: Historic charm, walkable, with a growing scene of restaurants and shops. Great for a younger plumber without a family who wants to be close to the action. Commute: 5-10 minutes to most job sites in central Bryan. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $950 - $1,100/month.

2. South Bryan (Pebble Creek, Bentwater): This is where a lot of new residential construction is happening. It's suburban, with good schools, larger homes, and easy access to Highway 6. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown Bryan, 20-25 to industrial zones. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,050 - $1,200/month; 2BR: $1,300 - $1,500/month.

3. East Bryan (Near Texas A&M University): This area is dominated by student rentals and older homes. It's a mix of blue-collar and academic. You could find a cheaper apartment, but the neighborhood can be transient. Commute: 10-15 minutes to most of Bryan. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $850 - $950/month (often older stock).

4. North Bryan (Near FM 2818): More rural, with larger lots and lower density. Many plumbers live here for the space and lower property taxes. It's a longer commute to the city center but quieter. Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $900 - $1,000/month; you can also find standalone houses for rent here.

Insider Tip: For a plumber with a work truck and tools, a garage or carport is a non-negotiable. When apartment hunting in Bryan, filter for "attached garage" or "covered parking." Many of the complexes in South Bryan are built with this in mind.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Bryan can plateau at a good wage, but it can also soar with strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: This is the key to breaking the $70k ceiling.
  • Medical Gas Certification: Adds $5k-$10k to your salary. Essential for hospital work at BVMC.
  • Backflow Prevention Certification: A must for commercial work. Many local businesses are required by law to have backflow assemblies tested annually. Offering this service as a side business can be lucrative.
  • Welding (TIG/Stick): For industrial or custom fabrication work. Highly valued in the local agri-industrial sector.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Path 1: Service & Sales: Move from a field plumber to a lead technician or service manager for a company like Bryan-College Station Plumbing & Heating. Salary shifts from pure hourly to a base + commission model, topping out around $75k-$85k.
  • Path 2: Master Plumber & Business Owner: This is the ultimate goal. Start a one-man shop focusing on residential service or specialty niches. With a good reputation, a solo master plumber can gross $100k - $150k+ within 5 years of starting. Overhead is the challenge—truck, tools, insurance, marketing.
  • Path 3: Public Sector (City of Bryan): A path of stability. You can move from a field crew to a foreman, then into a supervisory or management role within the city's water utility. The benefits are excellent (pension, job security), and the salary can reach $70k - $80k at the upper levels.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is promising. Bryan's population is growing steadily, and Texas A&M's expansion creates a constant need for new and upgraded facilities. The push for water conservation and energy-efficient systems (like tankless water heaters) will create more work for plumbers with up-to-date skills. However, the market is small; a major economic downturn could slow new construction quickly. Diversifying your skills—having both residential service and commercial experience—will insulate you from market swings.

The Verdict: Is Bryan Right for You?

Making the move to Bryan is a lifestyle choice as much as a career one. It offers a fantastic quality of life for tradespeople, but it's not for everyone.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $61,582 salary goes much further than in major metros. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited Job Market: Only 179 jobs in the metro. Layoffs or company closures can be a bigger risk than in a large city.
Strong Demand for Skilled Trades: The 6% growth and low unemployment mean plumbers who show up on time and do quality work get steady work.	Smaller Network: You'll run into the same people repeatedly. A bad reputation spreads fast.
Manageable Commutes: Most commutes are under 20 minutes. You can live and work in the same area.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: No major league sports, limited high-end dining/entertainment. You'll drive to Houston or Austin for that.
Community & Stability: Bryan is a tight-knit community. It's a great place to raise a family.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms (hail, tornadoes).
Path to Business Ownership: The market is small enough to dominate. Becoming the go-to plumber is achievable.	Limited Specialization: If you want to work on ultra-high-rise buildings or massive industrial complexes, you need to be in Houston.

Final Recommendation:
Bryan, TX, is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber (5-10 years of experience) who is tired of high costs and long commutes in a big city. It's for someone who values work-life balance, stability, and the opportunity to build a strong local reputation. It's also a great launchpad for an aspiring business owner. The low overhead and supportive community make starting a small shop more feasible here than in Austin or Dallas.

It may be challenging for a brand-new apprentice due to the smaller number of job openings, but with persistence and by getting connected with local trade schools, it's very possible. For a senior plumber, Bryan offers a comfortable lifestyle and a chance to mentor the next generation while enjoying a lower-stress work environment.

FAQs

1. How hard is it to find an apprenticeship in Bryan?
It can be competitive due to the limited number of openings. The best approach is to apply directly to the major contractors (Bryan-College Station Plumbing & Heating, local builders) and also contact the Brazos Valley Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). They often have apprenticeship listings and can connect you with registered programs.

2. Do I need a truck or my own tools to get hired?
For an entry-level apprentice, the employer typically provides tools and a work vehicle. However, once you're a licensed journeyman, especially in service work, having your own reliable truck and a basic set of tools is a major advantage and often expected. Many local companies offer a vehicle allowance for service plumbers.

3. What is the work-life balance like in Bryan?
Generally good. Most residential service jobs are Monday-Friday, 8-5, with occasional on-call rotations. Commercial and construction work can have longer hours. The biggest perk is the short commute—most plumbers are home for dinner, which is a stark contrast to major metros.

4. How do the seasons affect a plumber's work here?
Bryan has distinct seasons. Summer (June-August) is peak season for residential service (A/C units, outdoor irrigation). Winter (Dec-Feb) can be busy with frozen pipe emergencies. Spring and Fall are steady with remodeling and new construction. The mild winters are a huge plus compared to northern states.

5. Is there much union representation?
Yes. **Local 60 (United