Plumber in Denton, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Denton Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. For a plumber working in the Denton metropolitan area, the median salary is $63,977/year. This translates to a solid $30.76/hour. This is slightly above the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. The job market here is stable, with approximately 316 plumbing-related jobs in the metro area.

The 10-year job growth projection for plumbers in this region is 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady and reliable. In an industry often tied to construction and housing markets, steady is a good sign. It means demand for maintenance and repair work remains constant even when new construction slows down.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how that median salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Denton area. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice tasks, assisting senior plumbers, basic pipe fitting, drain cleaning.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Independent service calls, complex installations (water heaters, fixtures), troubleshooting.
Senior (8-15 years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Supervising apprentices, estimating jobs, commercial/industrial systems, code compliance.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$95,000+ (often with profit share)	Business management, specialized licensing (gas, medical gas), large-scale project management.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does Denton stack up? It's a solid mid-market performer.

• Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex: Plumbers in the larger metro area often see a 5-10% premium on the median salary due to higher cost of living and sheer volume of commercial work. You might see a median closer to $67,000 - $70,000 there.
• Austin: Austin's booming tech and construction market drives labor costs up. A plumber's median there can be $68,000 - $72,000, but the cost of living is significantly higher.
• Wichita Falls or Abilene: Smaller markets with less demand often have median salaries closer to the $58,000 - $61,000 range.

Denton offers a sweet spot: a salary that holds its own against larger metros while maintaining a more manageable cost of living and a unique community feel.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base number. In Denton, many service companies offer commission structures or bonuses for upsell and repair work. A motivated mid-level plumber can easily push their effective hourly rate well above the $30.76 median, especially during peak seasons (late spring and fall).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $63,977 is a gross figure. Let's break down what that means for your monthly budget in Denton.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $63,977
• Taxes (Est. 25% for federal, FICA, and state): ~$15,994/year ($1,333/month)
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$47,983/year ($3,999/month)
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,500/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber in Denton

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,999	Based on $63,977 gross salary.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,500	Average across the metro.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash)	$150 - $200	Can be higher in summer with AC.
Groceries & Household	$400	For a single person.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400 - $600	Depends on vehicle and commute.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$200 - $400	Varies widely.
Retirement/Savings (10-15%)	$400 - $600	Crucial for long-term stability.
Discretionary/Other	$499 - $899	Entertainment, dining, hobbies.
Leftover Buffer	$0 - $300	Tight, but manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It's tight but possible, especially with a dual income. Median home price in Denton County is around $340,000. With a $63,977 income, the mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely consume over 35% of your gross income, which is at the upper limit of affordability. A down payment is another hurdle. However, if you're a senior plumber earning closer to $80,000+, or if you have a partner with an income, buying a home becomes very realistic. Many plumbers in the area eventually partner up or start their own business to increase earnings and buy property.

Insider Tip: Look into Texas-specific first-time homebuyer programs and VA loans if applicable. Also, consider renting a room in a house initially to save on the $1,500/month rent, which would free up significant capital for a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Denton's Major Employers

Denton's plumbing job market is a mix of large commercial firms, local service companies, and opportunities in healthcare and education. Here are key employers to target:

1. Denton Independent School District (DISD): A massive employer with constant facility maintenance needs. They hire in-house plumbers for their 30+ schools. The work is stable, with excellent benefits and a pension. They value reliability and knowledge of school-specific systems.
2. University of North Texas (UNT) & Texas Woman's University (TWU): Combined, these two universities have hundreds of buildings. Their facilities and maintenance departments hire plumbers for ongoing campus upkeep and major renovation projects. This is often unionized work with strong benefits.
3. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Denton: Large healthcare facilities have complex plumbing needs, including medical gas systems (requiring special certification). This is a premium niche. The hospital's expansion and ongoing maintenance create steady demand.
4. Commercial General Contractors: Firms like Hensel Phelps or Manhattan Construction often have large projects in the Denton area (think new apartments, retail centers, or institutional buildings). These are project-based jobs but pay well and build a résumé.
5. Local Service Companies: These are the backbone of residential plumbing. Companies like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (a franchise), Roots & Wires, or Cromwell Environmental are always hiring for service techs. They offer commission-based pay and a fast-paced environment.
6. City of Denton Public Works: The city hires plumbers for municipal water and sewer line maintenance. It's public sector work, meaning great job security, good benefits, and a pension. Competition for these roles is high.
7. Arlington Plumbing Co. & Other Regional Firms: Don't limit your search to Denton city limits. Many large plumbing companies based in the DFW metroplex service Denton and offer slightly higher pay due to the larger service area.

Hiring Trends: There's a clear trend toward technicians who are proficient with digital tools (for scheduling and invoicing) and who can communicate clearly with customers. The demand for technicians with backflow prevention certification is also rising due to local ordinances.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a structured but achievable licensing process managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).

1. Registered Plumber (RP): This is the entry-level license for apprentices. It requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed Master Plumber. You must also pass an exam. There's no state-mandated school, but many apprentices attend community college programs (like at North Central Texas College or Tarrant County College) for theory.
2. Journeyman Plumber (JP): After completing 8,000 hours of work as an RP, you can apply for the Journeyman exam. This is the license most service plumbers hold. The exam fee is $175.
3. Master Plumber (MP): This requires 12,000 hours of work as a Journeyman, plus passing a more complex exam. It allows you to pull permits and own a plumbing business. Exam fee is $225.

Timeline and Costs:

• To Journeyman (JP): A typical path takes 4-5 years (apprenticeship + work experience).
• Total Estimated Cost (Training & Exams): $2,000 - $5,000, depending on whether you use a free employer-sponsored apprenticeship or pay for trade school.
• Continuing Education (CE): Texas requires 12 hours of CE every 2 years for JPs and MPs. This costs $100 - $300 annually.

Insider Tip: Start by applying for an apprenticeship with a local company. Many will sponsor your training and help you study for the exams. The hands-on experience is irreplaceable and often more valuable than classroom time alone.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Choosing where to live affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Northeast Denton (e.g., Pecan Creek, Country Club Estates):

   • Commute: Easy access to Highway 380 and I-35E for jobs in Frisco, Plano, or Dallas.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, family-oriented, with good schools. Close to Ray Roberts Lake State Park for weekend outdoors.

2. Downtown Denton:

   • Commute: Best for jobs at UNT/TWU, the hospital, or city jobs. Walkable or bikeable.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,800/month (trendy apartments, older charming units).
   • Lifestyle: Vibrant music and arts scene, great restaurants, younger demographic. Parking can be a challenge.

3. South Denton (e.g., Wrenn, Country Club Road):

   • Commute: Direct route to Lewisville and the DFW airport area for commercial jobs.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month.
   • Lifestyle: More established neighborhoods with larger lots. Close to the Denton Country Club.

4. University Area (near UNT):

   • Commute: Ideal for campus work. Can be busy with student traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month (many older homes converted to rentals).
   • Lifestyle: Energetic, youthful. Look for roommates to split costs.

5. Outlying Areas (e.g., Justin, Krum, Ponder):

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Denton core; longer to DFW.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300/month (often more space for the price).
   • Lifestyle: Small-town feel, lower cost of living, but fewer amenities and longer drives.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The median of $63,977 is a starting point. Here’s how to grow:

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Medical Gas Certification: Add $5-$10/hour to your rate. Essential for hospital work.
  • Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for many commercial clients. Adds value and can lead to inspection roles.
  • Pipefitting/Welding: For industrial or commercial projects, this can push earnings toward $90,000+.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Tech to Service Manager: Oversee a team, manage schedules, and handle complex customer issues. Salary can reach $80,000 - $95,000.
  2. Journeyman to Business Owner: The ultimate step. A successful one-person shop can net $100,000+, but comes with high overhead and risk.
  3. Commercial/Industrial Specialist: Move from residential service to large-scale commercial work (data centers, hospitals, factories). This path often offers the highest earning potential and most stable, long-term projects.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth means the field will remain competitive. Plumbers who adapt to new technologies (like trenchless repair) and stay current with the International Plumbing Code (IPC) will have the best prospects. The demand for eco-friendly and water-efficient installations will also grow.

The Verdict: Is Denton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary Above National Average: $63,977 vs. $63,350 national.	Cost of Living Pressure: Rent at $1,500/month can eat into a single income's budget.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: 316 jobs, mix of residential, commercial, institutional.	Growth is Steady, Not Booming: 6% growth is reliable but not explosive.
Strong Community & Lifestyle: Unique college-town vibe, live music, outdoor activities.	Traffic Congestion: Commutes to DFW can be long, especially on I-35E.
Path to Homeownership: Possible on a plumber's salary with careful budgeting, especially as a senior.	Summer Heat & Storms: HVAC wear leads to plumbing calls, but the weather can be harsh.
Excellent Training Ground: Hands-on experience on diverse systems (old Texas homes to modern hospitals).	Licensing Process Takes Time: 4-5 year path to Journeyman requires dedication.

Final Recommendation: Denton is an excellent choice for plumbers who value a mix of urban amenities and a close-knit community feel. It's ideal for those early in their career who want to gain diverse experience without being drowned in a massive metro like Dallas. For a mid-career plumber with a family, the schools and community are a huge draw, but careful financial planning is essential. The path to $80,000+ is clear through specialization or management, making the long-term outlook positive.

FAQs

1. Can I make a living in Denton as a first-year apprentice?
It will be tight. Entry-level pay starts around $45,000 - $52,000. You'll likely need roommates or to live in a more affordable outlying area to manage the $1,500/month rent. Budget strictly and focus on completing your apprenticeship hours to reach Journeyman status, where the pay bump is significant.

2. Is the plumbing market saturated in Denton?
Not saturated, but competitive. The 316 jobs are steady, but you need to differentiate yourself. Getting licensed quickly, earning specialty certifications (like backflow), and developing strong customer service skills will help you stand out. The growth isn't fast enough for everyone to have their pick, but there's room for quality technicians.

3. Do I need a truck for a plumbing job?
For residential service roles with companies like Benjamin Franklin, they typically provide a fully stocked company van. For commercial or city jobs, you might use a personal vehicle. If you start your own business, a truck/van is a major capital expense. Many companies in Texas offer a vehicle allowance or provide the truck.

4. What's the biggest challenge for plumbers in Denton?
Two things: first, the extreme weather. Summer heat causes pipe expansion/contraction, leading to more leaks. Second, the age of housing stock. Denton has a mix of very old homes (pre-1960) with galvanized pipes and newer construction. You need to be adept at both repairing vintage systems and installing modern PEX or PVC.

5. How do I get started if I'm moving from another state?
Contact the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). If you hold a license from another state, you may be able to apply for reciprocity or take an exam to get a Texas license. If you're unlicensed, you must start as an apprentice. Reach out to local unions (like UA Local 100) or contact the companies listed above directly to inquire about apprenticeship openings.

Sources: Salary data provided by user. Cost of living and population data from public censuses and rental market reports. Licensing information from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).