Plumber in Edmond, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

As a local career analyst who's watched Edmond's economy evolve from a quiet suburb into a bustling metro in its own right, I can tell you the plumbing trade here is stable, predictable, and surprisingly competitive. Let's get straight to the data.

The median salary for a plumber in Edmond, OK is $61,639/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.63/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, which is typical for the Midwest but means you'll need to be strategic about side work and specialization to maximize your earning potential. The metro area (which includes surrounding communities) supports 196 plumbing jobs, a number that has remained steady with a modest 6% 10-year job growth projection. This isn't a boomtown trade, but it's far from stagnant—new construction in Edmond's western expansions and the steady churn of repairs in older neighborhoods keep the demand consistent.

Here’s how experience breaks down in our local market:

| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Equivalent | Notes for Edmond |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 yrs) | $42,000 - $52,000 | $20 - $25 | Often starts with larger companies doing new construction tract homes. Expect more grunt work. |
| Mid-Level (3-7 yrs) | $58,000 - $68,000 | $28 - $33 | This is the sweet spot. Licensed, can work independently. Most residential service techs fall here. |
| Senior/Lead (8-12 yrs) | $70,000 - $85,000 | $34 - $41 | Often crew leads, commercial specialists, or high-end residential. Bonuses for on-call work. |
| Expert/Specialist (12+ yrs) | $85,000 - $100,000+ | $41 - $48+ | Master plumbers, business owners, or commercial pipefitters. Non-union, so rates vary by company. |

When comparing to other Oklahoma cities, Edmond holds a unique position. It's not a major industrial hub like Tulsa, which sees higher commercial rates, but it's also not a rural market like Lawton. It's a high-growth suburb with a cost of living that's 9.0% below the national average (Index: 91.0). Your dollar stretches further here than in Oklahoma City proper, which is a key advantage for tradespeople. The median salary of $61,639 puts you comfortably above the state's median for all occupations, making it a solid, middle-class career path in this specific geographic footprint.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real numbers. A plumber earning the median $61,639 per year in Edmond isn't just getting a paycheck; they're entering a market where their income goes surprisingly far. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single plumber with no dependents, claiming the standard deduction.

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,136
• Est. Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): ~$1,050
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,086

Now, factor in the housing cost. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Edmond is $773/month. For a plumber earning the median, this is incredibly affordable. A common rule of thumb is that rent should not exceed 30% of your gross income, which would be $1,541. At $773, you're spending only about 19% of your gross income on housing—a financial advantage that's rare in today's market.

Monthly Budget Snapshot:

• Rent: $773
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas): $180
• Groceries & Household: $500
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.): $500
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Savings/Retirement (10%): $408
• Discretionary Spending: $1,425

This budget leaves a significant cushion for discretionary spending, savings, or debt repayment. The real question is home ownership. Can you afford it? With $61,639 and the current Edmond housing market, it's a strong possibility. The median home price in Edmond hovers around $320,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would result in a monthly payment (including taxes/insurance) of roughly $2,100. This is about 41% of your gross income, which is above the traditional 30% guideline but manageable for a dual-income household or a plumber with a side business. As a single income earner at the median, you'd be stretching your budget, but with strategic saving and a few years of experience pushing you to the $70k+ range, it becomes very feasible. The low cost of living is your biggest asset here.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

Edmond's plumbing job market is a mix of large corporate entities, local family-run shops, and commercial contractors serving the metro's rapid growth. Here are the key players to know:

1. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service: This national franchise has a strong local presence. They focus on residential and commercial service and repair. Hiring trends are steady, often bringing on new apprentices. The pay structure is often base + commission, which can push your effective rate above the median. They're a great place to get your feet wet with service work.

2. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmond: Similar to Roto-Rooter, this is a franchised brand (part of Neighborly) with a strong reputation for customer service. They handle everything from clogged drains to full repipes. They often have a more team-oriented culture and are known for investing in their techs' training and certifications.

3. Edmond Public Schools (Maintenance & Operations): A major public sector employer. They hire in-house plumbers for their vast network of schools (there are over 25 in the district). The benefits are excellent (pension, health insurance, union-like protections), and the work is predictable. Pay is public record and typically aligns with the $61,639 median, sometimes with a slight premium for certifications. Jobs are competitive and posted on the district's website.

4. Local Commercial Contractors (e.g., Lingo Construction, D.L. Clark Company): These are the companies building Edmond's new subdivisions (like in the Sequoyah and Mitchusson areas) and commercial plazas (like around I-35 and 2nd Street). They hire plumbers for rough-in and finish work on new builds. Hiring is tied to construction cycles—feast or famine. The pay is often hourly with overtime opportunities, and you'll work with a crew. Networking here is key.

5. Bennett & Sons Plumbing & Heating: A well-established, local family-owned company that's been serving Edmond and the Oklahoma City metro for decades. They handle both residential and light commercial work and have a reputation for quality. Local insider tip: these smaller, reputable shops are often the best places for long-term career growth, as they value skilled, loyal employees and often promote from within.

6. Oklahoma State University Medical Center (OSU-OKC): Located on the south side of Edmond, this is a major healthcare employer with a large, complex facility. They maintain an in-house facilities team that includes licensed plumbers for medical gas, high-pressure systems, and general maintenance. Hiring is sporadic but offers excellent benefits and a stable, professional environment.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma does not have a statewide plumbing license for journeyman or master plumbers. Instead, licensing is handled at the city level, and Edmond follows the standards set by the Oklahoma City metro area. Here’s the step-in-step process and costs:

1. Apprenticeship (1-4 years): You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber. While the state doesn't mandate a formal apprenticeship program, it's the only practical way to get the required experience. You'll need to document your hours (typically 8,000-10,000). Cost: Minimal. You earn while you learn.
2. Journeyman Plumber License (Edmond): After completing your apprenticeship (and meeting the city's hour requirements), you can apply to take the journeyman exam. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local amendments. Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150-$200. You'll need to submit a notarized application, proof of experience, and may need to be bonded.
3. Master Plumber License (Edmond): Typically requires 4-5 years as a licensed journeyman. The master exam is more complex, covering business and law aspects. Cost: Exam fee is around $200-$250. A master license allows you to pull permits and run your own business.
4. Timeline: From day one as an apprentice, expect 4-5 years to become a licensed journeyman and 7-10 years to become a master plumber. The best way to start is to apply directly with the companies listed above for apprentice positions. Check the Oklahoma City Municipal Code (which Edmond adopts) and the Oklahoma State Plumbing Board website for the most current application forms and code references.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living close to your work is key in Edmond, as traffic on I-35 and Broadway can be congested during rush hour. Here are the best neighborhoods for plumbers, factoring in commute, lifestyle, and rental costs.

1. Central Edmond (Downtown & Near Downtown): This is the heart of the city. You're close to many older homes that need constant repair work, local plumbing companies' offices, and the school district. The commute to any job site in the metro is under 20 minutes. It has a walkable, small-town feel with great local cafes (like Edmond Wood Company) and parks (like Mitch Park). Rent Estimate: 1BR Apartment: $850-$950/month. Older homes for rent are available but often more expensive.

2. The East Side (Near I-35 & 33rd St): This area offers quick access to the interstate, making it ideal for plumbers who work on new construction in the western suburbs or service calls across the metro. It's a mix of older suburbs and new apartment complexes. Commute times are excellent, especially against traffic flow. Rent Estimate: 1BR Apartment: $750-$850/month.

3. South Edmond (Near OKC Border & Memorial Road): This is the commercial hub. It's close to major employers like the OSU-OKC campus, shopping centers, and the most active construction zones. The downside is higher traffic and a less "small-town" feel. The commute to most job sites is 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR Apartment: $800-$900/month.

4. The West Side (Around Kelly Ave & 2nd St): This is the fastest-growing area. New subdivisions and commercial developments are booming here. If you work in new construction, living here minimizes your commute. It's family-oriented, with newer schools and amenities, but can feel a bit sterile. Rent Estimate: 1BR Apartment: $780-$880/month.

5. The North Side (Around Covell Rd & Santa Fe Ave): This is a quieter, more residential area with larger lots. It's ideal for a plumber with a family or a side business (like a small shop in the garage). Commute times are longer (20-30 minutes to southern parts of the metro), but the peace and space are worth it for many. Rent Estimate: 1BR Apartment: $720-$820/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth isn't explosive, but it's steady, and there are clear paths to increase your income beyond the $61,639 median.

• Specialty Premiums: In Edmond, the biggest pay increases come from specialization. Becoming certified in medical gas piping can add 10-15% to your hourly rate, especially for work at OSU-OKC or other healthcare facilities. Backflow prevention certification is another high-demand, lower-competition specialty that can command premium rates for commercial and multi-family housing clients. Hydronic heating systems are less common in Oklahoma, but with Edmond's affluent population, there's a niche market for high-end radiant floor heating in custom homes.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Lead Technician -> Service Manager or Business Owner. The most lucrative long-term play is obtaining your Master Plumber license and starting your own small business. Many successful Edmond plumbing businesses are one- or two-person operations focusing on residential service. The low startup costs (a van, tools, insurance) and Edmond's high property values (which drive repair and remodel work) make it a viable entrepreneurial path.
• 10-Year Outlook: The job market will be driven by two factors: the aging housing stock in Central and East Edmond (requiring repipes, sewer line replacements) and ongoing new construction on the west and south sides. The 6% growth is a reliable baseline. Plumbers who adapt to new technologies (like tankless water heaters, PEX piping systems, and smart home water sensors) and who build a strong reputation for reliability will see their incomes outpace the median. The trend toward larger, more complex custom homes in the northern and western parts of Edmond also benefits experienced plumbers who can handle complex layouts and high-end fixtures.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Pros (Why Edmond is a Great Choice)	Cons (What to Consider)
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living. Your $61,639 salary goes much further here than in most metro areas. Home ownership is a realistic goal.	Limited Job Market Size. Only 196 plumbing jobs in the metro. It's a competitive but not impossible market. You need a plan.
Stable, Predictable Demand. The 6% growth and mix of repair/replace work means consistent employment. You won't face the wild swings of a boom-bust economy.	Non-Union Market. Wages are set by individual employers, not a union contract. You must negotiate and advocate for your own pay increases.
Short, Manageable Commutes. Living anywhere in Edmond puts you within 20-30 minutes of most job sites. This saves time and transportation costs.	Seasonal Weather Impact. Winters can be mild, but hard freezes do happen, leading to a spike in emergency calls. Summers are hot and busy with irrigation and AC-related plumbing.
Strong Local Culture for Trades. Edmond has a strong sense of community. Being a known, reliable plumber can lead to a robust word-of-mouth referral business.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Amenities. If you're looking for a bustling city scene, Edmond is a suburb. You'll likely head to nearby Oklahoma City for that.

Final Recommendation: If you are a disciplined, self-motivated plumber who values a high quality of life and financial stability over the chaos of a massive coastal city, Edmond is an excellent choice. The combination of a median salary of $61,639 with a cost of living index of 91.0 creates a powerful financial foundation. It's a place to build a career, not just clock in. For an apprentice willing to put in the work, the path to a comfortable, middle-class life is clear and achievable here.

FAQs

1. Is it better to start with a large company or a small shop in Edmond?
For a new apprentice, starting with a larger company like Roto-Rooter or Mr. Rooter is often better. They have structured training programs, a steady stream of work, and you'll see a wide variety of problems. Once you're a licensed journeyman, a smaller shop like Bennett & Sons can offer more personalized attention and a faster track to leading jobs.

2. How competitive is it to get an apprenticeship?
It's competitive, but not impossible. The key is to be persistent. Apply to every company listed. Bring your own basic hand tools to interviews. Show a willingness to learn and a reliable work ethic. Many companies hire a few apprentices each spring. Call, don't just email.

3. Do I need my own truck and tools as a journeyman?
No, not when you're first starting. Most companies provide a truck and major tools. You are expected to have your own basic hand tools (wrenches, channel locks, etc.). As you advance, especially if you move into a lead or service role, you may need to invest in more specialized tools, but the company should provide the primary vehicle.

4. What's the deal with on-call work in Edmond?
It's a fact of life in the trade. Most service companies have an on-call rotation for nights and weekends. This is where you can significantly boost your income, as after-hours calls often carry a premium rate. At the median salary of $61,639, on-call pay can push you into the $70k range. It's demanding but financially rewarding.

5. Are there opportunities for union work in Edmond?
The plumbing trade in Edmond and the broader Oklahoma City metro is predominantly non-union. While there are some union contractors (Plumbers & Pipefitters Local