Plumber in Clovis, NM

The Salary Picture: Where Clovis Stands

If you're a plumber looking at Clovis, you're looking at a market where the median wage is competitive but comes with a lower cost of living. The median annual salary for a plumber in Clovis is $62,114, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.86. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but the trade-off is substantial when you factor in local expenses.

Let's break down what that looks like by experience level. These figures are based on local job postings and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Clovis metropolitan area.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Approx.)	Hourly Rate (Approx.)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $68,000	$27.88 - $32.69
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $82,000	$33.65 - $39.42
Expert/Foreman (15+ years)	$85,000+	$40.87+

Insider Tip: A senior plumber with a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) certification or specialized medical gas certification can command the higher end of the "Expert" tier, especially if you're bidding on commercial projects for Cannon Air Force Base or local hospitals.

How Clovis Compares to Other NM Cities:
Clovis is a solid mid-tier market in New Mexico. It doesn't pay as much as the lucrative oil and gas hubs in the southeast (like Hobbs or Carlsbad, where salaries can exceed $75,000 for journeyman plumbers), but it also doesn't have the skyrocketing rent of Albuquerque or Santa Fe.

• Albuquerque: Median salary is closer to $65,000, but the average 1BR rent is over $1,200/month (vs. Clovis's $935/month).
• Las Cruces: Similar to Clovis in salary range ($60,000 - $63,000), but with a slightly higher cost of living due to the university and agricultural tech influence.
• Roswell: Salaries are comparable to Clovis, but the job market is smaller, with fewer large-scale commercial contractors.

For a plumber who values stability, a manageable commute, and a lower housing burden, Clovis offers a compelling financial balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the numbers that matter—what you actually keep. For a single filer earning the Clovis median of $62,114, the payroll tax burden (Federal, FICA, and NM State Income Tax) will take roughly 22-25% off the top, depending on your W-4 withholdings. Let's use a conservative 24% for this breakdown.

Monthly Budget for a Plumber Earning $62,114 (Median Salary)

Item	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,176	($62,114 / 12)
Estimated Taxes (24%)	$1,242	Federal, FICA, State
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,934
Rent (1BR Average)	$935	Clovis Metro Average
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220	Can be lower in spring/fall
Groceries	$350	Single person
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Assuming a modest used truck/van
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plan
Fuel (for work commute)	$180	Clovis is spread out; trucks get poor MPG
Miscellaneous	$350	Tools, subscriptions, leisure
Savings	$1,049	This is the key.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The Clovis housing market is one of its biggest draws. The median home price in Clovis is approximately $240,000 (as of late 2023). With $1,049/month in savings, you could build a down payment for a conventional loan in a few years. A 20% down payment ($48,000) would take about 3.5 years of saving at that rate. Even with a 5% down payment ($12,000), you're looking at a manageable timeline of under a year. With a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) likely around $1,400/month on a $240k home, you'd still have over $2,500/month for all other expenses—a very comfortable margin for a tradesperson.

Where the Jobs Are: Clovis's Major Employers

The Clovis job market for plumbers is stable, driven by public institutions, military contracts, and steady residential construction. You won't find the frenetic boom of an oil patch, but you'll find consistent work.

1. Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB): This is the economic engine of the region. The base has a constant need for plumbing contractors for facility maintenance, renovations, and new construction. Getting on a base-approved contractor list is a major career move. These jobs often pay at the Senior to Expert level. Hiring Trend: Steady. Contractors are always looking for reliable, security-clearance-ready tradespeople.

2. Clovis Municipal Government: The city maintains its own water and sewer infrastructure. They hire plumbers and pipefitters directly for public works projects. These are union positions (Local 842) with excellent benefits, a pension, and a salary scale that tops out around $78,000. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady; turnover is low, so openings are competitive.

3. High Plains Medical Center & Plains Regional Medical Center: Hospitals have complex, regulated plumbing systems (medical gas, backflow prevention, specialized ventilation). They employ in-house maintenance plumbers and also contract with specialty firms. This is where you can earn a premium. Hiring Trend: Growing, as healthcare facilities expand to serve the growing retiree population.

4. Home Builders & Residential Contractors: Companies like Legend Homes, Century Homes, and local custom builders are the bread-and-butter for journeyman plumbers. The residential market is strong, fueled by the low cost of living attracting new residents. Hiring Trend: Very active. There's a constant demand for rough-in and finish plumbers for new subdivisions.

5. New Mexico State University (NMSU-Clovis): The campus has its own facilities crew and uses local contractors for upgrades to its buildings. The pace is academic, but the projects are solid. Hiring Trend: Occasional but predictable, tied to the university's budget cycle.

6. Large Property Management Companies: Firms like RPM or Key Property Management maintain portfolios of rental properties. They need plumbers for everything from emergency calls to unit turnovers. This is a great way to build a network and a steady client base for side work. Hiring Trend: Constant. Vacancy rates are low, so maintenance is a priority.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Construction Industries Division handles all contractor and journeyman licenses.

For a Journeyman Plumber:

• Requirements: You must document 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber. You also need to pass a written exam based on the Uniform Plumbing Code.
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150. The license itself is around $100 annually. Apprenticeship program costs vary but are often covered by employers or unions.
• Timeline: The apprenticeship itself takes 4 years. Once you have your documentation, you can schedule the exam. From start to finish for a new apprentice, you're looking at 4-5 years to get your journeyman's card.

For a Master Plumber:

• Requirements: Requires holding a journeyman license for a minimum of 2 years and passing a more comprehensive exam. You must also provide proof of liability insurance.
• Cost: Exam fee is about $250. License fee is $200 annually. Insurance can be a significant cost, often $1,500 - $3,000/year.
• Timeline: A minimum of 2 years post-journeyman, but most take 5+ years to gain the necessary business and field experience.

Insider Tip: The exam is based on the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with New Mexico amendments. Buy the study guide directly from the RLD website. Many local unions (like Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 842) offer prep classes.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Clovis is a car-dependent city. Your commute will be a factor, but traffic is minimal. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods, balancing commute to major job sites with lifestyle and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent
South Clovis (Airport Area)	This is the heart of trades work. Close to CAFB, industrial parks, and the airport. Mostly single-family homes built from the 1970s-90s. A 5-10 minute commute to most job sites.	$850 - $950
Northeast Clovis (near NMSU-Clovis)	Quieter, more residential. Good for families. A 10-15 minute commute to the base or downtown. More rentals near the college.	$900 - $1,000
Downtown/West Clovis	Historic homes, walkable to local restaurants and bars. Closer to the hospital. Commute to the base can be 15-20 minutes. Rent is slightly higher for renovated lofts.	$950 - $1,100
Clovis Industrial Park Area	If you can find a rental here, you're practically at work. It's not residential, so options are limited to older apartments or mobile home parks.	$700 - $850

Personal Insight: For a single plumber or a couple, South Clovis is the practical choice. You're close to the jobs, your rent is at or below the city average, and you can save aggressively. If you have a family and want a quieter street, Northeast Clovis is worth the slight drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for plumbers in the Clovis metro is projected at 6%, which is in line with the national average. Growth won't be explosive, but it will be steady. The real growth for your income will come from specialization and moving up the ladder.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: Can add $5-10/hour to your rate. Essential for hospital work.
• Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester: A weekend course and test. Allows you to perform annual tests for commercial clients, a steady side income.
• Commercial/Industrial Focus: Shift from residential service calls to large-scale commercial installs. This can move you from the Mid-Level to Senior pay bracket faster.
• Estimating/Project Management: The natural path for a senior plumber who wants off the tools. Many local contractors are family-run and looking for a successor.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Office: Journeyman -> Senior Plumber -> Estimator/Project Manager.
2. Union Path: Apprentice -> Journeyman (Union) -> Foreman -> Business Manager.
3. Entrepreneurial Path: Journeyman -> Master Plumber -> Start your own one-man shop (focus on service calls) -> Grow to a small crew.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will be stable. The aging infrastructure of Clovis (much of the city was built in the 60s and 70s) guarantees a constant need for repair and replacement. The push for water conservation will also drive demand for modern, efficient plumbing systems. A plumber who masters both old-school repairs and new-tech installations will be recession-proof in this market.

The Verdict: Is Clovis Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $62,114 salary goes much further here.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It's a quiet, family-oriented town.
Stable Job Market: Driven by a military base and healthcare.	Isolation: 2+ hours to Amarillo or Lubbock for a major city experience.
Short Commutes: 10-15 minutes to most job sites.	Weather: Hot, dry summers; can be windy and dusty.
Home Ownership is Attainable: A realistic goal within a few years.	Wage Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in booming energy markets.
Tight-Knit Trade Community: Easy to network and find side work.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable truck or van.

Final Recommendation:
Clovis is an excellent choice for a plumber who prioritizes financial stability and quality of life over rapid career ascent or urban excitement. If you're a journeyman plumber looking to buy a home, start a family, and build a solid career with a good work-life balance, Clovis is a hidden gem. It's less ideal for a young, single plumber who craves a vibrant social scene or for a master plumber aiming to build a multi-million dollar commercial empire. For the vast majority in the trade, however, Clovis offers a rare combination of solid pay, low costs, and steady demand.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find side work or "moonlighting" as a plumber in Clovis?
A: Yes, very easy. Many plumbers in Clovis run a side business doing service calls, water heater installations, and small remodels. The low cost of living means people are more willing to spend on home improvements, and your reputation will spread quickly in the tight-knit community. Just be sure to have the proper business license and insurance.

Q: What's the union presence like?
A: Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 842 has a strong presence in the region, covering Clovis, Portales, and the surrounding area. Union jobs, especially at CAFB and in municipal work, offer superior benefits and pensions. Apprenticeship is competitive but a great path. Non-union private shops are also very common and can pay competitively.

Q: Do I need to be fluent in Spanish?
A: While not an absolute requirement, Spanish proficiency is a significant advantage. A good portion of the clientele, especially in residential service work, are Spanish-speaking. Being able to communicate directly with homeowners and understand their concerns can set you apart. Many job postings list "bilingual" as a preferred skill.

Q: How is the work-life balance?
A: Generally good. It's not the 24/7 service call grind of a bigger city. Most contractors follow a standard 40-50 hour work week. On-call rotations exist but are manageable. The short commutes mean you get more of your day back. However, summers can be busy with construction, and emergency calls (especially with the older housing stock) are part of the job.

Q: What's the most common career mistake for a plumber in Clovis?
A: Getting too comfortable. The market is stable, which can lead to stagnation. The biggest mistake is not pursuing specialty certifications or not looking to move from residential to commercial work. The plumbers earning the top $85,000+ are the ones who adapted and specialized. Use the low cost of living to invest in your skills and credentials.