Plumber in Dearborn, MI

The Salary Picture: Where Dearborn Stands

As a plumber in Dearborn, your earning potential is solid, anchored by the region's strong industrial base and stable housing market. The median salary for a plumber here is $62,969/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.27/hour. This figure sits just below the national average of $63,350/year, a common scenario for cost-of-living-indexed locales. The metro area, which includes Dearborn, has 211 active plumbing jobs, indicating a steady, competitive market rather than a boom-or-bust cycle. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is moderate and aligns with national trends, suggesting consistent demand without explosive growth.

To get a clearer picture of your earning trajectory, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local union scales and non-union shop rates, with senior roles often including overtime and emergency call pay.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities & Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice work, basic repairs, assisting journeymen. Union apprentices start near the lower end; non-union may be lower.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $70,000	Independent service calls, rough-ins for new construction, troubleshooting. The median $62,969 sits here.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Project lead, specialized systems (medical gas, fire suppression), mentoring apprentices. Overtime can push this higher.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$90,000 - $120,000+	Business ownership, master license holder, consulting for large commercial projects (e.g., Ford facilities).

Insider Tip: The $62,969 median is a strong baseline, but many local plumbers exceed it through overtime, on-call shifts (common in hospitals and manufacturing plants), and specialization. The Dearborn-Fordson area, with its concentration of auto plants and older homes, creates demand for both industrial and residential services, allowing for diverse income streams.

How Dearborn Compares to Other Michigan Cities:

• Detroit: Median salary is slightly higher at ~$65,000, but the cost of living and crime rates are also higher. Commuting from Dearborn to Detroit is common and short.
• Ann Arbor: Salaries are comparable or slightly higher ($64,000), but the cost of living is significantly higher (rent is 20-30% more). The market is more niche, focusing on university and high-end residential work.
• Grand Rapids: Median salary is lower (~$58,000), but the cost of living is also lower. The market is strong in commercial and new residential construction.
• Dearborn's Niche: Dearborn offers a "sweet spot" with strong union wages (Local 98, UA) and a lower cost of living than Ann Arbor or Detroit's core, making your paycheck go further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. For a single filer earning the median $62,969/year, after federal, state (Michigan has a 4.25% flat tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is approximately $4,200 - $4,400/month. This is a conservative estimate; union members often have better benefits (lower healthcare premiums, pension contributions) that affect net pay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber earning $62,969/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$5,247
• Estimated Taxes (25-28%): ~$1,350
• Net Take-Home: ~$3,900
• Average 1BR Rent in Dearborn: $1,029/month
• Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water): $150 - $200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Metro Detroit): $300 - $500
• Groceries & Essentials: $400 - $500
• Retirement/Health Savings (401k/HSA): $200 - $400
• Discretionary/Misc: $300 - $500

The math is tight but manageable. With rent at $1,029, you’re spending about 26% of your net income on housing, which is within the recommended 30% threshold. The Cost of Living Index of 98.0 (US avg = 100) means Dearborn is slightly below the national average, giving you a slight financial edge. However, a car is non-negotiable; public transit (DDOT and SMART buses) is functional but not reliable for a tradesperson's schedule.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Dearborn is around $230,000. With a 10% down payment ($23,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (6-7%) would result in a monthly payment of ~$1,500 (including taxes and insurance). That’s ~38% of your net income, which is high. To afford a home comfortably, you’d likely need a dual income, a larger down payment, or to target homes in the $180,000-$200,000 range (which exist in areas like South Dearborn). Insider Tip: Many plumbers here buy older homes (1950s-70s) in neighborhoods like Warren or Ford Field, where they can use their skills for renovations, increasing equity over time.

Where the Jobs Are: Dearborn's Major Employers

Dearborn’s economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and public institutions, all of which have consistent plumbing needs. Here are the key players:

1. Ford Motor Company (Dearborn Stamping & Dearborn Truck Plant): The city’s largest employer. Ford facilities require industrial plumbers for process water, compressed air systems, and facility maintenance. Hiring is steady, often through union halls (UA Local 98). Trend: Increasing focus on water efficiency and industrial wastewater systems.
2. Beaumont Hospital - Dearborn: A major 500+ bed hospital complex. They employ in-house facilities teams and contract with specialized medical gas plumbers. Jobs are stable, often with union benefits. Trend: Ongoing renovations and expansions create project-based work.
3. City of Dearborn - Department of Public Works: Responsible for municipal water mains, sewer lines, and public buildings. They hire plumbers directly for maintenance and construction. Trend: Aging infrastructure (some pipes are 70+ years old) is driving replacement projects, ensuring long-term job security.
4. Henry Ford College: The campus has extensive plumbing needs across academic buildings, dorms, and athletic facilities. They often hire for maintenance roles or contract with local firms. Trend: Green building initiatives (low-flow fixtures, solar thermal) are creating specialized work.
5. Local Union (UA Local 98 - Plumbers & Pipefitters): Not an employer, but the gateway to the best jobs. Local 98 covers the Dearborn area, placing members in commercial, industrial, and residential service. Insider Tip: Getting into the union apprenticeship is competitive; having a pre-apprenticeship certificate (from a community college) or military plumbing experience can give you an edge.
6. Mackenzie & Co. (Residential/Commercial): A well-known local plumbing and HVAC contractor serving Dearborn and surrounding areas. They represent the "non-union" side of the market, often hiring for service techs and installers. A good alternative for those not in the union.
7. Ford Land Company: Manages Ford’s real estate portfolio, including commercial properties and some residential rentals in the Ford Field area. They contract for maintenance and capital improvement projects.

Hiring Trends: The post-2020 market is stable. There’s a slight skills gap as older journeymen retire, opening opportunities for mid-level plumbers. Specializations in PEX piping, trenchless sewer repair, and HVAC integration are increasingly valued. The best time to look for jobs is spring, ahead of the construction season.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan’s licensing is handled by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Professional Licensing. It’s a structured path but can be accelerated.

Requirements:

1. Apprentice Plumber: Must register with LARA. No experience required, but you must be employed by a licensed plumber or contractor.
2. Journeyman Plumber: Requires 6,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master plumber and 288 hours of classroom instruction (typically through an approved apprenticeship program). You must pass the state journeyman exam.
3. Master Plumber: Requires 2 years as a licensed journeyman (or 1 year with a bachelor’s degree in a related field) and passing the master exam. This is needed to start your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Tuition is often covered or subsidized by the employer (especially in union programs). Out-of-pocket costs may be $500 - $1,500 for books and fees.
• Exam Fees: Journeyman exam fee is $150; Master exam is $250.
• Licensing Fees (Initial): Journeyman license is $100; Master is $200.
• Total Estimated Cost to Journeyman: $1,000 - $2,500 (excluding lost wages if not working).
• Timeline: An apprenticeship takes 4-5 years to complete. If you have prior experience (e.g., military, out-of-state), you can petition LARA for credit, potentially reducing the time.

Insider Tip: Michigan has reciprocity with Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. If you’re licensed in one of those states, the process is simpler. Always verify with LARA before moving. The state exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Michigan amendments, so study materials specific to Michigan are critical.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Dearborn is a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute. Here’s a plumber-focused breakdown:

1. South Dearborn (Ford Field / Fairlane):

   • Vibe: Quiet, suburban, tree-lined streets. Home to many Ford executives and professionals. Very safe.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Ford Stamping Plant, Beaumont Hospital. Easy access to I-94.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. Home prices are higher.
   • Why for Plumbers: Proximity to major employers. Older homes (1920s-50s) mean frequent repair and renovation work for local contractors.

2. Warren / Northeast Dearborn:

   • Vibe: Working-class, diverse, tight-knit community. Mix of older bungalows and modest ranches.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most job sites. Close to the Ford Rouge Plant complex.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month for a 1BR. More affordable homeownership opportunities.
   • Why for Plumbers: High density of older homes needing service. Strong community word-of-mouth for independent plumbers.

3. West Dearborn (Dearborn Heights border):

   • Vibe: Family-oriented, with parks and schools. Slightly more spread out.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to central Dearborn. Access to I-96.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month.
   • Why for Plumbers: Good balance of residential and commercial (near Henry Ford College). Lower traffic congestion.

4. East Dearborn (near Ford Rd & Greenfield):

   • Vibe: Commercial corridor with residential pockets. Bustling, diverse.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to Beaumont, 15 to Ford plants. Heavy traffic on main roads.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month.
   • Why for Plumbers: High concentration of small businesses and retail, which need plumbing maintenance contracts. Good for building a client base.

Insider Tip: Avoid the area immediately surrounding the Ford Rouge Plant if you have respiratory issues; it’s industrial. For the best commute-to-rent ratio, Warren is unbeatable. If you want to buy a home to flip, South Dearborn has the highest appreciation potential, but the entry cost is steep.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in Dearborn isn’t just about hitting the median. Specialization is where the real money is. Here’s how to level up:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified in medical gas systems (NFPA 99) can earn $5-$10/hour more. Beaumont Hospital and other healthcare facilities are the primary employers.
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems: This requires a separate certification but is in high demand for commercial new construction. Premium is $4-$8/hour.
  • Industrial Pipefitting: Working on process piping (chemical, steam) in manufacturing plants like Ford can pay $40+/hour with overtime.
  • Backflow Prevention Testing: A simple certification that allows you to perform annual tests for businesses and apartments. Can be a lucrative side hustle ($75-$150 per test).

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech to Lead: Move from solo calls to managing a truck and apprentice.
  2. Estimator/Project Manager: For those with strong math and communication skills. Work for a contractor like Mackenzie & Co.
  3. Master Plumber / Business Owner: Starting a small shop focusing on a niche (e.g., drain cleaning, water heater installs). The Dearborn market has room for specialized competitors.
  4. Inspector: City of Dearborn or state (LARA) plumbing inspectors. Requires master license and experience.

• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This growth is steady, not explosive. It means plenty of jobs, but competition for the best roles (union, industrial, medical) will remain. The key trends are water conservation (low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting) and energy efficiency (solar thermal, high-efficiency boilers). Plumbers who adapt to these technologies will command higher wages. The aging infrastructure in the metro area guarantees work for decades.

The Verdict: Is Dearborn Right for You?

Pros & Cons Table:

Pros	Cons
Strong Median Salary ($62,969) with overtime potential.	Competitive Market: 211 jobs is solid, but not a shortage.
Lower Cost of Living (Index 98.0) than national average.	Car Dependency: A reliable vehicle is essential.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Auto, healthcare, public sector.	Traffic: Commute times can be long during rush hour.
Union Presence (UA Local 98): Path to excellent benefits.	Older Housing Stock: While a source of work, it can mean dealing with hazardous materials (lead, asbestos).
Proximity to Detroit & Ann Arbor: Wider job market if needed.	Industrial Air Quality: Some areas have pollution from plants.
Path to Homeownership: Possible with discipline.	Limited Nightlife/Scenery: More of a residential/industrial city.

Final Recommendation:
Dearborn is an excellent choice for a plumber seeking stability and a good quality of life. If you’re a journeyman (or close to it) with a clean driving record, you’ll find ample work. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value a union career with benefits, as the UA Local 98 is influential. The city offers a realistic path to homeownership and a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. However, if you’re looking for high-energy urban living or dramatic natural beauty, you may find it lacking. For a hands-on professional who wants to be where the work is, Dearborn is a pragmatic and rewarding destination.

FAQs

1. I’m a licensed plumber from Ohio. How hard is it to get licensed in Michigan?
Michigan has reciprocity with Ohio. You’ll need to submit an application to LARA with proof of your Ohio license and work history. You may need to take the state-specific portion of the exam (covering Michigan amendments to the IPC). The process typically takes 60-90 days and costs around $250 in fees.

2. Is the union the only way to make good money in Dearborn?
No, but it’s the most reliable path to top wages and benefits. Non-union shops like Mackenzie & Co. or independent contractors can also pay well, especially if you specialize or build your own client base. However, union benefits (pension, health insurance, training) are hard to beat. The trade-off is union dues and stricter work rules.

3. What’s the demand for residential vs. commercial work?
It’s balanced. Residential service is constant (repairs, water heaters, remodels). Commercial and industrial work is tied to the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, offering larger project work but potentially less consistent daily income. Many plumbers do both