Plumber in College Station, TX

The Salary Picture: Where College Station Stands

If you're a plumber evaluating a move to College Station, let's start with the numbers that matter. The median salary for a plumber in College Station is $61,582/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.61/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but remember that cost of living is a critical equalizer. With a Cost of Living Index of 90.7 (100 = US average), your dollar stretches further here than in most of the country.

The job market here is tight but stable. There are approximately 250 plumbing jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, driven by a few key factors: the constant churn of student housing, the expansion of Texas A&M University, and a growing population of young professionals and families settling in the area.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are realistic ranges based on local market data from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and local union and contractor surveys.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Typical Role & Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice helper, basic service calls, drain cleaning, assisting on new construction rough-ins.
Mid-Level	$58,000 - $70,000	Licensed Journeyman, running service calls independently, troubleshooting complex residential issues, supervising apprentices.
Senior-Level	$70,000 - $85,000+	Master Plumber, project management, commercial work, estimating, training, and likely a service truck or crew.
Expert/Specialty	$85,000 - $110,000+	Niche expert (e.g., medical gas, industrial process, backflow prevention), business owner, or corporate service manager.

Insider Tip: The College Station market has a unique "seasonal" pulse. The summer months (May-August) are the busiest, coinciding with the university calendar. Students moving out, landlords doing renovations, and the intense heat leading to AC condensate line clogs (which often cause water damage) create a surge in service calls. If you're willing to work overtime during these months, you can significantly boost your annual income.

When compared to other Texas cities, College Station sits in an interesting middle ground. It's not as high-paying as Dallas or Austin, where median salaries can be closer to $67,000, but the cost of living in those metros is substantially higher. For example, Austin's median 1BR rent is over $1,500. In San Antonio, the median plumber salary is around $59,000, with a similar cost of living. College Station offers a balance: a respectable wage without the financial pressure of a major metropolitan area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be practical. A median salary is a nice figure, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break down a take-home pay for a plumber earning $61,582/year.

First, taxes (based on a single filer with the standard deduction, using 2023 brackets):

• Federal Income Tax: ~$6,500
• FICA (7.65%): ~$4,711
• Texas State Income Tax: $0 (a major plus)
• Estimated Total Annual Tax: ~$11,211
• Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$50,371
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,197

Now, let's layer in the rent. The average 1BR rent in College Station is $1,015/month. This is a realistic figure for a decent apartment in areas like Southside or Bryan, but it can be higher in complexes near the university. For this budget, we'll use the city average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber at $61,582/year):

• Monthly Take-Home: $4,197
• Rent (1BR average): -$1,015
• Remaining for All Other Expenses: $3,182

This leaves a healthy buffer for utilities ($150), groceries ($400), transportation (car payment/insurance/gas ~$600), insurance, and savings. The key here is that Texas has no state income tax, which effectively boosts your disposable income compared to states that do.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in College Station/Bryan is approximately $325,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,500), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) around $2,200. For a plumber earning the median, this would be about 52% of their monthly take-home pay, which is too high for a comfortable budget. However, a plumber earning at the senior level ($75,000+) or two-income households can comfortably enter the housing market. Insider Tip: Many plumbers in the area buy homes in the surrounding counties (e.g., Burleson, Washington) where prices are lower, or they buy and rent out rooms to offset the mortgage, a common strategy for young tradespeople here.

Where the Jobs Are: College Station's Major Employers

The plumbing job market here is dominated by a mix of large residential/commercial contractors, specialized service companies, and the university itself. Here are the key players and hiring trends:

1. Texas A&M University Facilities & Utilities: This is the largest single employer in the region. They have an in-house team for campus-wide plumbing and utility maintenance, including the massive systems at the Rec Center, medical school, and dorms. They hire for permanent, full-time positions with excellent benefits. Hiring is steady, with postings often on the A&M HR website. Trend: A focus on sustainability and water conservation projects, requiring plumbers with modern system knowledge.

2. Crawford Mechanical Services: A major local contractor handling large-scale commercial and industrial projects. They are frequently involved in new construction for medical facilities (like Baylor Scott & White) and university buildings. They have a dedicated service division. Trend: Expanding their commercial service team due to growth in healthcare and tech sectors.

3. American Residential Services (ARS/Rescue Rooter): A national franchise with a strong local presence. They focus heavily on residential service, repairs, and replacements. This is a great entry point for apprentices looking for structured training. Trend: High turnover, so they are almost always hiring for service techs and lead installers.

4. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup: Another national brand with a significant local footprint, specializing in emergency service and drain cleaning. They handle a high volume of calls, especially during the summer and storm seasons. Trend: A push for more certified technicians to handle complex video inspection and trenchless pipe repair jobs.

5. Heath Mechanical Services: A well-regarded local residential and light commercial contractor. They are known for their installation work and maintenance agreements. They offer a more hands-on, family-business feel. Trend: Actively hiring experienced journeymen to handle their growing service and installation client base in the growing southern suburbs.

6. Brazos Valley Medical Center / Baylor Scott & White Hospital Systems: While they have their own facilities staff, the scale of these healthcare projects often requires contracted plumbers who are certified in medical gas and backflow prevention. This is a higher-paying specialty niche. Trend: Steady contract work for certified specialists, not a direct-hire trend, but a key market segment for independent contractors.

Insider Tip: To find jobs, don't just look on Indeed. Check the "Aggies Build" Facebook page (for construction job postings), the Texas A&M Facilities website, and the bulletin boards at the local supply houses like Ferguson Waterworks or Winnelson. Word-of-mouth is huge in this trade.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, tiered licensing system for plumbers, administered by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Here’s the path and costs:

1. Registered Plumber (Entry-Level): You can work under the direct supervision of a Master Plumber. No formal exam is required, but you must register with the TSBPE. Cost: Approx. $50 for registration. Timeline: Immediate, upon securing a job with a Master Plumber.

2. Journeyman Plumber: This is the key license for independent work.

   • Requirements: 4 years of experience (1 year can be replaced by 1 year of approved training/education). You must provide a notarized affidavit from your employer verifying your experience.
   • Exam: Pass the Texas Journeyman Plumber exam (a 200-question test). You must also pass the Texas Water Efficiency and Sanitary Standard (TWEPS) exam.
   • Costs: Exam fees ($200), license application ($150), plus study materials. Total estimated cost: $400 - $600.
   • Timeline: You can apply to take the exam as soon as your experience is verified. Once you pass, the license is issued within a few weeks. A realistic timeline from start to license in hand is 4.5-5 years from your first day of work, assuming you meet the experience requirements.

3. Master Plumber: The highest-level license, allowing you to run your own business and supervise others.

   • Requirements: 5 years as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
   • Exam: Pass the Texas Master Plumber exam (a more complex, 200-question exam).
   • Costs: Exam fees ($200), license application ($200). Total: $400+.
   • Timeline: At least 5 years after obtaining your Journeyman license.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your best friend. Keep meticulous records of your work hours. Many local plumbers recommend taking a prep course for the exams (offered by some supply houses or tech schools) as the pass rate is significantly higher. Also, be aware that some jurisdictions within the metroplex (like certain parts of Bryan or College Station proper) may have additional local permit requirements, so always check with the local building department.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your rent. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown tailored for a plumber.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Why It's Good for a Plumber
Southside / Gabbart Lane	Very close to Texas A&M campus, mix of student housing and family homes. 5-10 min commute to most jobs.	$950 - $1,150	Proximity to campus jobs, relatively affordable, and easy access to major arteries like HWY 6 for service calls.
Bryan (Eastside/Shadow Valley)	More residential, family-oriented, 15-20 min commute to College Station jobs.	$800 - $1,000	Significantly lower rent, more space. A popular choice for tradespeople who want a quieter home life. The trade-off is the commute.
Northgate / Midtown	The historic, walkable area just north of campus. Young professional vibe, older homes. 10-15 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,300	Great for networking with other trades and service professionals. Close to downtown Bryan for off-hours. Older housing stock means constant repair work.
Wellborn / Harvey Road Corridor	Suburban, newer developments, easy access to I-45. 15-20 min commute.	$1,050 - $1,250	Target area for new construction and residential service calls. Very family-friendly with good schools.
College Station (West)	Growing area near the new medical school and research park. 10-15 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	Where the high-end residential and commercial growth is. If you're in commercial service, this is your hub.

Insider Tip: If you're looking to buy a house to live in and rent out rooms, the Bryan neighborhoods are your best bet. A 3BR house in Bryan can cost $250k-$280k, allowing you to live with roommates and build equity faster.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in College Station has several potential trajectories beyond just doing service calls.

Specialty Premiums: Certifications directly translate to higher pay. In this market, the most valuable are:

• Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester: Required for many commercial and irrigation systems. Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
• Medical Gas Certification: Essential for hospital and medical facility work. This is a high-demand, high-pay niche.
• Trenchless Pipe Repair (Pipe Bursting/Lining): A growing field that saves on excavation costs. Plumbers with this skill can command premium rates.
• Water Treatment/Softening Specialist: With the area's hard water, there's a steady market for treatment system installation and maintenance.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service to Management: Move from a service truck to a service manager role at a company like ARS or Crawford, overseeing a team, scheduling, and inventory.
2. Field to Office: Transition into an estimating or project management role. This requires learning software (like Procore or PlanSwift) and understanding blueprints.
3. The Business Owner Path: The ultimate goal for many. Start a side business with a truck and tools, and build it into a full-time operation. College Station is a great market for this, with a steady stream of new residents and businesses. The startup costs are moderate, and local marketing (Nextdoor, Facebook groups) is highly effective.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The key drivers will be:

• Aging Infrastructure: Much of the housing stock built in the 1980s and 90s in areas like Bryan and East College Station is now due for major repipes and fixture updates.
• University & Hospital Expansion: The ongoing projects at Texas A&M and the Brazos Valley health system will create demand for skilled commercial plumbers.
• Water Scarcity & Regulation: Texas, and the Brazos Valley specifically, faces water challenges. This will lead to more regulations and demand for plumbers who specialize in greywater systems, rainwater harvesting, and high-efficiency fixtures.

The Verdict: Is College Station Right for You?

Pros and Cons of the College Station Plumbing Market:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,582 salary goes much further than in Austin or Dallas. No state income tax.	Limited Job Volume: Only 250 jobs in the metro. Competition can be fierce for the best positions.
Stable, Predictable Demand: Constant flow from student housing, university needs, and a growing population.	Lower Ceiling: The top-end salaries don't reach the peaks of major metros, unless you own a business.
Diverse Work Opportunities: From emergency drain calls to installing complex medical gas systems.	Seasonal Work Peaks: Summers can be brutally busy, while winter may see a slowdown for residential service.
Strong Community for Trades: Tight-knit network of plumbers, suppliers, and contractors.	College Town Dynamics: Dealing with transient student clients can be challenging.
Gateway to Outdoor Recreation: Close to Lake Bryan, the Brazos River, and state parks. Great for work-life balance.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you're looking for a big-city cultural scene, this isn't it.

Final Recommendation:

College Station is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, a manageable cost of living, and a strong sense of community. It's particularly well-suited for:

• Journeymen looking to buy a first home: The math works here, unlike in higher-cost metros.
• Plumbers who want to start their own business: The market is big enough to support it but not so saturated that you'll drown in competition.
• Those who prefer a less frantic pace: While summers are intense, the overall lifestyle is less stressful than in a major traffic-choked city.

If your primary goal is to maximize your salary at all costs and you're willing to hustle in a high-density market, Austin or Dallas might offer a higher potential. But if you're looking for a balanced career where you can build equity, enjoy your free time, and be part of a community, College Station is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

Q: Is the demand for plumbers affected by the student population?
A: Absolutely. The constant turnover in rental housing creates a massive, year-round demand for maintenance, repairs, and renovations. However, be prepared for a different kind of client relationship—property managers are your best friend, and dealing with sometimes-negligent students can be frustrating. Focus on building relationships with property management companies for steady, predictable work.

Q: Do I need to know Spanish to work as a plumber here?
A: It is not required, but it is a significant asset. A substantial portion of the construction and labor workforce in the Brazos Valley is Hispanic. Being able to communicate directly with site foremen or crew members can improve efficiency, safety, and team cohesion. Many successful plumbers in the area speak conversational Spanish.

Q: What's the competition like for apprenticeship positions?
A: It can be competitive for