Plumber in Dallas, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Dallas Stands

As a plumber in Dallas, you're entering a market with solid demand and competitive pay that slightly edges out the national average. The median salary for a plumber here is $63,977/year. On an hourly basis, that translates to $30.76/hour. This places you comfortably above the national average of $63,350/year, a rare and welcome advantage in a growing metro area. Dallas-Fort Worth, with its relentless construction and aging infrastructure, is a reliable engine for skilled trades.

The job market is robust. The metro area supports approximately 2,605 plumber jobs, driven by a constant need for new construction, commercial projects, and a large stock of older homes needing updates or repairs. Over the last decade, the trade has seen a 10% job growth, a trend that aligns with the region's explosive population boom. For a plumber, this means job security and opportunities to specialize or start your own business.

Here's a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience and responsibility. These are industry estimates for the Dallas market, reflecting typical career arcs.

Experience Level	Years in Trade	Typical Responsibilities	Estimated Dallas Salary Range
Entry-Level (Helper)	0-2	Assisting a senior plumber, basic prep work, material handling.	$35,000 - $45,000
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	2-5	Performing installations, repairs, and diagnostics independently.	$50,000 - $68,000
Senior (Lead/Foreman)	5-10	Supervising crews, complex projects, customer interface.	$65,000 - $85,000+
Expert/Owner	10+	Business ownership, specialty work (commercial, medical gas), consulting.	$80,000 - $120,000+

Compared to other major Texas cities, Dallas offers a strong position. Austin's tech boom drives up all wages, but its cost of living is significantly higher. Houston's economy is tied more closely to oil and gas, leading to more volatility. San Antonio has a lower cost of living but also lower average wages. Dallas strikes a balance with a diverse economy (healthcare, finance, logistics) supporting steady demand for trades.

Insider Tip: Your pay isn't just your base rate. In Dallas, union shops (like those affiliated with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 100) often have structured pay scales, pension plans, and strong benefits. Non-union shops might offer more flexibility but require you to negotiate aggressively for health insurance and retirement contributions.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A median salary of $63,977/year is your gross income. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Texas's lack of state income tax, your monthly take-home pay is approximately $4,100 - $4,300 (varies based on filing status and deductions).

Now, factor in Dallas's cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,500/month. The overall Cost of Living Index is 103.3, meaning it's 3.3% more expensive than the national average (100). While not extreme, it's a meaningful curveball.

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

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,200	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,500	Can be lower in suburbs, higher in core areas.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies seasonally (A/C in summer is a major cost).
Groceries	$350
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600	Dallas is car-dependent; insurance is moderate.
Health Insurance (Employer)	$250	If not covered by union or employer.
Retirement Savings	$300	Highly recommended.
Miscellaneous	$500	Entertainment, dining out, personal care.
Total Expenses	$3,650
Remaining Buffer	$550	For unexpected costs or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a challenging but possible goal. The median home price in Dallas is around $400,000. On a $63,977 salary, a lender would typically approve a mortgage of about $280,000 - $320,000 (assuming 20% down and standard debt-to-income ratios). This means a plumber earning the median income would need to look at condos, townhomes, or houses in more affordable suburbs like Mesquite, Garland, or Grand Prairie. Buying in trendy areas like Bishop Arts or Uptown is unrealistic on this salary alone. A dual-income household or a few years of aggressive saving for a down payment would make homeownership in the metro area much more attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Dallas's Major Employers

Dallas's plumbing job market is a mix of large-scale commercial contractors, residential service companies, and municipal work. Here are the key players:

1. Southland Industries: A national mechanical contractor with a massive Dallas presence. They specialize in large commercial and industrial projects (hospitals, data centers, stadiums). They hire plumbers, pipefitters, and sheet metal workers. Hiring is often tied to major project wins, so keep an eye on their project pipeline.
2. Balfour Beatty Construction: A global giant with a significant office in Dallas. They handle large institutional projects like universities (UT Dallas, SMU) and public facilities. They look for experienced plumbers and foremen for their self-perform teams.
3. The City of Dallas: The municipal government is a steady employer for public works projects—water mains, sewer lines, and facility maintenance. Jobs are posted on the City's official website and offer excellent benefits and pensions. Competition is tough; having a Texas Journeyman license is mandatory.
4. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: This world-renowned hospital complex is perpetually expanding and maintaining its massive footprint. It requires specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, high-purity water, and sterile environments. This is a high-wage niche.
5. Residential Service Companies (e.g., Berkeys, Radiant Plumbing): These are the big names in residential repair and replacement. They offer steady work, especially for apprentice and journeyman plumbers. The pace is fast, and customer service skills are as important as technical skill. Commission-based pay structures are common.
6. Hospitals & School Districts: Beyond UT Southwestern, systems like Texas Health Resources and Dallas ISD employ in-house maintenance plumbers. These roles prioritize stability, benefits, and a regular schedule over high-pressure service calls.

Hiring Trend: The commercial sector is hot due to the influx of corporate relocations (Toyota, Charles Schwab, McKesson) into the Dallas area, driving new office and mixed-use construction. The residential service market remains constant due to the aging housing stock in neighborhoods like Lake Highlands and East Dallas.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear but strict path to licensure, governed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It's a non-negotiable step for professional work.

1. Plumber's Apprentice: No license required. You can start working immediately under the supervision of a licensed plumber. This is where you log your hours. Aim for 4,000 hours of on-the-job training.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: The first major license.
   • Requirements: 4,000 hours of on-the-job training as an apprentice, plus 288 hours of classroom instruction (often through a trade school or union program).
   • Exam: You must pass the Texas Journeyman Plumber exam.
   • Cost: Application fee is around $150, with the exam fee separate. Total first-time costs are typically $300-$500.
   • Timeline: 2-3 years from starting as an apprentice.
3. Master Plumber License: The highest license, allowing you to run your own business and pull permits.
   • Requirements: Hold a Journeyman license for at least 4 years. No additional required work hours, but you must pass the Master Plumber exam.
   • Cost: Exam and application fees are higher, around $400-$600 total.
   • Timeline: Minimum 6 years from the start of your apprenticeship (2 as apprentice, 4 as journeyman).

Insider Tip: The United Association Local 100 offers one of the best apprenticeship programs in the state. It combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and you graduate as a journeyman with no student debt. It's competitive to get in, but it's the gold standard. For non-union paths, research reputable trade schools like Lincoln College of Technology or PIMA Medical Institute in the Dallas area.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Dallas impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four areas plumbers often choose, balancing affordability and access to job centers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Grand Prairie	Suburban, family-friendly, central location. Easy access to DFW Airport and major highways (I-30, I-20).	$1,300 - $1,550	Affordable, with a mix of residential and commercial work. Fewer traffic headaches than downtown.
Garland	Diverse, established suburb with a strong middle-class core. Good highway access (I-635, US-75).	$1,200 - $1,450	Lower cost of living, plenty of older homes needing service, and close to the Lake Ray Hubbard area.
Lake Highlands	Northeast Dallas, established 1960s/70s suburban homes. Strong community feel.	$1,400 - $1,700	Prime area for residential service calls. Many homes in this area are at the age where plumbing systems need updating.
East Dallas (Lakewood/White Rock)	Eclectic, more urban, with historic homes and new townhomes. Near White Rock Lake.	$1,500 - $1,800	Higher rent, but great for a journeyman with higher earnings. Close to downtown job sites and offers a vibrant lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Avoid commuting from Frisco or Prosper to Dallas proper unless you have a job lined up in that specific area. The toll roads (NTTA) add up quickly, and the commute on US-75 or the Dallas North Tollway can be brutal, eating into your free time and increasing vehicle wear.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Dallas isn't linear; it's a ladder with rungs leading to specialization and ownership.

• Specialty Premiums: The real wage jumps come with specialization.

  • Medical Gas & High-Purity Systems: Critical for hospitals (UT Southwestern) and biotech labs. This requires additional certification but commands top-tier pay.
  • Commercial Pipefitting/Welding: Working on large-scale projects (data centers, industrial plants) often pays more than residential service.
  • Green Tech/PEX & PEX-A Installation: Expertise in modern materials and water-efficient systems is increasingly valuable.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certified backflow testers are always in demand for commercial properties.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Apprentice → Journeyman: The foundational step.
  2. Journeyman → Foreman/Service Manager: Move into leadership, managing a crew or a service team.
  3. Journeyman → Master Plumber → Business Owner: The entrepreneurial path. Dallas's growth means opportunities for a well-run plumbing business to thrive. You'll need to master not just pipes, but also bidding, marketing, and HR.
  4. Niche Specialist: Become the go-to expert for a specific system (medical gas, industrial steam), allowing you to command high freelance/consulting rates.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a solid indicator. The demand will be driven by new construction (especially in the northern suburbs) and the ongoing need to replace aging infrastructure. Plumbers who adapt to new technologies and codes (like water conservation standards) will be the most secure. The trend toward sustainability (graywater systems, tankless water heaters) creates new service niches.

The Verdict: Is Dallas Right for You?

Pros:

• Strong Pay: Median salary of $63,977 is above the national average.
• High Demand: 2,605 jobs and 10% growth provide job security.
• No State Income Tax: A direct boost to your take-home pay.
• Diverse Economy: Steady work from commercial, residential, and institutional sectors.
• Business Opportunity: A growing city is a great place to start your own plumbing business.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: A 103.3 index and $1,500/month rent can eat into that good salary.
• Car Dependency: You need a reliable truck/van and must budget for gas and insurance.
• Extreme Weather: Summer heat can be brutal for outdoor work, and occasional ice storms (like in 2021) can cause widespread pipe bursts, leading to intense work periods.
• Competition: The market is attractive, so you'll compete with other skilled plumbers for the best jobs.

Final Recommendation:
Dallas is an excellent choice for a plumber who is proactive about career advancement. It's not a city to coast in. If you're willing to get your Texas licenses, specialize, and potentially start your own business, the financial and professional rewards are substantial. It's a better fit for a journeyman or master plumber aiming for higher earnings than for an apprentice seeking the lowest cost of living. If you value a vibrant urban lifestyle and can handle the heat, Dallas's plumbing market is worth the investment.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to become a licensed Journeyman Plumber in Dallas?
It takes a minimum of two years: 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom instruction. Most apprentices take 2-3 years to complete this while working.

2. What's the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Dallas?
The summer heat. Working in attics or on roofs in July and August is grueling. Hydration and heat management are non-negotiable. Also, learning the specific soil conditions (expansive clay) which affect sewer line installations.

3. Are union jobs better than non-union in Dallas?
Union jobs (Local 100) offer structured pay, pensions, and health benefits, which are a huge plus. Non-union shops can be more flexible and may pay more for specialized skills. It depends on your priorities—security vs. potential higher earnings.

4. Do I need my own tools and van as an apprentice?
Usually, the employer provides major tools for apprentices. You'll need basic hand tools. As a journeyman, you'll typically need your own service vehicle and a comprehensive toolkit, which is a major investment.

5. How do I find a reputable apprenticeship program in Dallas?
Start with the United Association Local 100 website. They have a formal application process. For non-union options, contact trade schools directly and ask about their placement rates and partnerships with local contractors. Always check reviews and ask to speak with graduates.