Plumber in Carrollton, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Carrollton Stands

As a local who's watched the trade evolve in the Metroplex for years, I can tell you straight: plumbing in Carrollton isn't about getting rich overnight, but it's a solid, stable path. The numbers back it up. The median salary for a plumber here is $63,977/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.76/hour. This sits just slightly above the national average of $63,350/year, which is a good sign. It means the local market values the trade competitively. The metro area supports 264 plumbing-related jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. That's not explosive, but it's steady—meaning when you're in, you're likely to stay employed.

To give you a clearer picture of progression, here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect as you gain experience:

Experience Level	Estimated Years	Annual Salary Range	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Assist with installations, basic repairs, drain cleaning, learning code.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$55,000 - $70,000	Lead service calls, rough-in installations, handle complex repairs.
Senior/Expert	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Master plumber duties, project management, commercial work, specialization.
Business Owner	10+ years	Varies (often $100k+)	Running a shop, bidding projects, managing staff, full profit/loss.

When you stack Carrollton up against other North Texas cities, it holds its own. It’s more affordable than Dallas or Frisco but offers similar job density. A plumber in Downtown Dallas might see a slightly higher median salary (closer to $68,000/year), but the cost of living and commute can eat into that gain. In suburbs like Plano or Frisco, you might find more high-end residential work, but competition is fiercer. Carrollton’s sweet spot is its balance—good access to both residential and light industrial work without the extreme cost or competition of the priciest suburbs.

Insider Tip: The $63,977 median is a reliable baseline. Don’t just look at the number—look at the package. Many local companies offer health insurance, retirement contributions (like a 401k), and paid time off, which adds significant value beyond the base salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. On a median salary of $63,977, your take-home pay after federal taxes (assuming Single filing, standard deduction) and Texas's 0% state income tax is approximately $4,300 per month. Now, let’s layer in the local cost of living. The average 1-bedroom rent in Carrollton is $1,291/month, and the city's Cost of Living Index is 103.3 (US avg = 100). This means you're paying about 3.3% more than the national average, but it's far less than the 15-20% you'd face in Austin or Dallas proper.

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

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,300	After taxes, assuming no dependents.
Rent (1BR)	$1,291	Average for a decent apartment in a safe area.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Texas electricity can be high in summer; budget carefully.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Carrollton is car-dependent. A used truck is common for tools.
Groceries & Essentials	$400
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150	Many employers cover part of this.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$533	Critical for long-term stability in a trade job.
Discretionary Spending	$1,326	Covers gas, entertainment, clothes, etc.

So, after essentials and savings, you have a healthy buffer. Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Carrollton is around $380,000. With a $63,977 salary, a lender will typically approve you for a mortgage up to $290,000 (using the 4x rule, which is aggressive). That means buying a home on a single plumber's income in Carrollton is challenging, but not impossible if you have a large down payment (20%+), a partner with a second income, or you look at condos/townhomes in the $250k-$300k range. It’s more realistic as a long-term goal, especially after moving up to a senior level ($70k+).

Where the Jobs Are: Carrollton's Major Employers

Carrollton's job market is a mix of large residential service companies, plumbing supply houses, and light industrial facilities. The major employers aren't always the big names you hear on TV, but they are the backbone of the local trade.

1. Berger Company: A major commercial and residential plumbing contractor based in the DFW area. They frequently have projects in Carrollton, especially in the expanding industrial corridors off I-35E and the North Carrollton Corporate Center. They hire for apprentice, journeyman, and foreman roles.
2. Baker-Carr Plumbing: A long-established local residential and commercial shop. They're known for quality work and often hire from within. They handle everything from leaky faucets in Valley Ranch to full remodels in Historic Downtown Carrollton.
3. Ferguson Enterprises (Dallas Branch): While the main branch is in Dallas, Ferguson has a significant presence and servicing area that includes Carrollton. They are a major distributor and often hire for logistics, sales, and even licensed plumbers for their service divisions.
4. Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD: The school district is a massive employer. Their facilities and maintenance department hires in-house plumbers for the dozens of schools across the area (like Hebron High School, Newman Smith High School). This is a stable, government-job path with great benefits.
5. Medical City Lewisville: Located just south of Carrollton, this hospital complex (and the larger Medical City network) requires a dedicated, 24/7 plumbing and facilities team. These are high-skill, high-pressure jobs, often paying above the median.
6. Local Supply Houses (e.g., Winnelson, NB Handy): These companies need knowledgeable staff who can help contractors and homeowners at the counter. It’s a great entry point for someone with a strong trade background but who wants a less physically demanding role.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for plumbers who can handle commercial service work (for the many office parks and medical facilities) and multifamily housing. The apartment boom in areas like Trinity Mills is creating steady repair and turnover work. The biggest challenge for employers is finding licensed journeyman and master plumbers, not just entry-level apprentices.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas plumbing licensing is handled by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It’s a structured, state-regulated process. Here’s the actionable timeline:

1. Apprenticeship (2-5 years): You must work under a licensed master plumber. There’s no formal classroom requirement, but you can enroll in an approved school (like the North Texas Building Trades Academy in nearby Irving) to learn theory faster. You must document 4,000 hours of on-the-job training per year, for a total of 8 years (or 8,000 hours with formal education).
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After your apprenticeship, you must pass a state exam. The application fee is $110, and the exam fee is $150. You need to provide notarized proof of your training hours from your master plumber.
3. Master Plumber License: To be a master, you need 12 years of experience (or 8 years with a college degree). The exam is more advanced, covering business and law. Exam fee is $150. The master license allows you to own a business and hire apprentices.

Timeline & Cost: If you start as a 18-year-old apprentice, you can realistically get your journeyman license by age 22-23 (assuming 8 years of full-time work with formal education). Total state fees to get licensed (journeyman) will be under $500. The real cost is time and opportunity.

Insider Tip: Get your OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification ($60-$150 online) immediately. Many local employers, especially commercial ones, require it. It shows you’re serious and safety-conscious.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Carrollton isn’t one uniform city. Your lifestyle and commute will vary drastically by neighborhood. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for a Plumber
Valley Ranch / North Carrollton	Master-planned, family-friendly, safe. Easy access to I-35E for quick service calls.	$1,350 - $1,500	Close to major employers like Berger Co. and the North Dallas job corridor. Great for stability.
Historic Downtown Carrollton	Walkable, charming, older homes. More character, but fewer large plumbing projects.	$1,200 - $1,400	Ideal for a self-employed plumber targeting high-end remodels and historic home restoration.
Trinity Mills / West Carrollton	Rapidly growing, new apartment complexes, and retail. More transient population.	$1,250 - $1,400	Hotspot for new construction and multifamily repair work. High demand for service plumbers.
Creekview / South Carrollton	Quiet, suburban, more single-family homes. Good school access.	$1,300 - $1,550	Established neighborhood with older plumbing systems needing updates. Steady residential work.
Farmers Branch (adjacent)	Commercial hub, closer to Dallas but with its own character.	$1,200 - $1,350	Proximity to Medical City Lewisville and many commercial parks. Excellent for commercial service jobs.

Commute Reality: Most plumbing jobs in Carrollton are within a 10-15 minute drive of any neighborhood. The only significant commute would be if you take a job in downtown Dallas, which is about 25-30 minutes without traffic. With the Dallas North Tollway and I-35E, you’re well-connected.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Carrollton, the long game is about specialization and moving up, not just staying employed. The 6% job growth means competition for top-tier jobs will remain steady, so differentiation is key.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding a specialty can bump your pay by $5-$10/hour. The most valuable in the DFW area are:
  • Medical Gas: Certifying to work on gas lines in hospitals (like Medical City). High demand, high risk, high pay.
  • Backflow Prevention: Required for commercial irrigation and fire systems. A short certification course can lead to recurring inspection contracts.
  • Hydronic Heating: Many older homes in Carrollton and the surrounding areas use radiant heat. It’s a dying art, and those who know it can command premium rates.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Service Tech (diagnostic specialist) -> Project Foreman -> Master Plumber -> Business Owner. At the senior level ($70k-$85k), you’re often managing teams or bidding projects.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth aligns with population expansion. The aging housing stock in Carrollton (many homes built 1980-2000) means a coming wave of pipe replacements and system upgrades. The real opportunity isn't just fixing leaks; it's about retrofitting for efficiency—higher SEER HVAC systems, tankless water heaters, and smart plumbing systems. Plumbers who can advise on and install these technologies will be the most valuable in a decade.

The Verdict: Is Carrollton Right for You?

Carrollton is a pragmatic choice for a plumber. It’s not the most glamorous city, but it’s a workhorse market with solid demand and a reasonable cost of living.

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with a median salary ($63,977 that's slightly above national average.	Highly car-dependent city; owning a reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.
Affordable rent ($1,291/month) relative to salary, allowing for savings.	Summers are brutally hot, which can be tough for outdoor work (new construction, sewer line repairs).
Strategic location between Dallas and Frisco for job opportunities.	Competition for top apprentice spots can be fierce among local trade schools.
Diverse work from luxury homes to medical facilities.	Extremely fast growth means traffic congestion, especially on I-35E and 121.
Low state taxes (no income tax) and a lower-cost business environment if you go solo.	Soil conditions (black clay) can be challenging for sewer line work, requiring more expertise.

Final Recommendation: Carrollton is an excellent mid-career move for a licensed journeyman or a motivated apprentice looking for a stable, affordable base to build a career. It’s less ideal for an entry-level apprentice who needs a low-cost start, but the opportunities are here if you hustle. If you value steady work, a balanced lifestyle, and fair pay without big-city costs, sign up. If you’re chasing the high-end, luxury market or want to be in the heart of urban nightlife, look closer to Dallas or Austin.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market saturated in Carrollton?
A: No. While there are many companies, the demand for licensed, experienced plumbers (Journeyman and Master level) constantly outpaces supply. The 264 metro jobs and 6% growth indicate room for expansion, especially in commercial service and new construction.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship in Carrollton?
A: Contact the North Texas Building Trades Academy in Irving or join the local UA (United Association) Local 100. They have union apprenticeship programs. Alternatively, walk into local supply houses (like Ferguson), introduce yourself, and ask for recommendations for licensed master plumbers looking for help. Networking is key.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Texas?
A: The summer heat and storm seasons. From May to September, call volume spikes for A/C unit leaks and emergency repairs from heavy rains. You need to be prepared for long, hot days and the stress of emergency work. Also, understanding the local black clay soil is critical to prevent foundation and sewer line issues.

Q: Can I make more than the median salary?
A: Absolutely. The $63,977 is a median—meaning half earn more. Specializing in commercial, medical, or backflow prevention can push you into the $75k+ range. Owning your own business is the highest-earning path, but it comes with the overhead of licensing, insurance, and marketing.

Q: Is the cost of living really manageable?
A: Yes, especially compared to other major metros. With a Cost of Living Index of 103.3 and rent at $1,291, your money goes further. The key is avoiding excessive debt and budgeting for the non-negotiable: a good truck and tools. Texas has no state income tax, which effectively boosts your take-home pay by about 5-10% compared to states that do.