Plumber in Erie, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Erie Stands

Let’s cut right to it: plumbing is a solid, middle-class trade in Erie, PA, but it’s not a path to wealth. The numbers tell a clear story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, the median salary for a plumber in the Erie metro area is $61,734 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.68. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, which is typical for a region with a lower cost of living. The job market is stable, with approximately 185 jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 6%, which keeps pace with the national average.

The experience breakdown is where you see the real progression. Entry-level apprentices start lower, but journeyman and master plumbers who specialize or take on responsibility see significant bumps.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$42,000 - $50,000	Working under supervision, focused on learning codes and basic repair.
Journeyman	3-6	$58,000 - $68,000	Fully licensed to work independently on most residential/commercial jobs.
Senior / Lead	7-15	$65,000 - $78,000	Often oversees crews, handles complex projects, and may specialize.
Expert / Master	15+	$75,000+	Licensed to pull permits, run a business, or work on high-end/industrial systems.

How Erie Compares to Other PA Cities

Erie’s plumbing salary is competitive within Pennsylvania’s landscape. It’s lower than Philadelphia’s metro (where the cost of living is 35% higher) and Pittsburgh’s, but it holds its own against similar Rust Belt cities. For a plumber willing to be efficient and build a client base, the lower overhead in Erie can mean a higher quality of life than in more expensive metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,734 looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Erie? The city’s Cost of Living Index of 91.5 (US average = 100) is a significant advantage. Your money goes further here, especially in housing.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $61,734)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,144.50	($61,734 / 12)
Taxes (Est. 25% Combined)	-$1,286.13	Federal, State (3.07% flat), FICA. This is an estimate; actual depends on deductions.
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,858.37
Rent (1BR Average)	-$757.00	The city-wide average; can be lower in certain neighborhoods.
Utilities (Gas, Elec, Water)	-$180.00	Varies by season. Erie winters mean higher heating costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450.00	A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable for a plumber with a service truck.
Health Insurance	-$300.00	If not fully covered by an employer.
Groceries & Food	-$400.00
Miscellaneous / Savings	$1,771.37	This is your buffer for tools, entertainment, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of nearly $3,900 and a net surplus of over $1,700/month after core expenses, a plumber in Erie is in a strong position to save for a down payment. The median home price in Erie County is around $175,000. With a good credit score and a 10% down payment ($17,500), a plumber could comfortably afford a monthly mortgage payment, especially if working with a union shop that offers a pension and better benefits, reducing other costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Erie's Major Employers

Erie’s plumbing job market is a mix of stable institutional employers, regional contractors, and a healthy number of small, family-owned shops. The union presence (Local 695) is a key factor for benefits and wage floors.

1. Wesleyville Plumbing & Heating: A large, non-union residential and commercial contractor. They are consistently hiring apprentices and journeymen. They have a reputation for steady work and are a great place to get broad experience.
2. Erie County Institution District (Millcreek School District, etc.): Municipal and school district jobs are gold. They offer excellent benefits, pensions, and job security. The hiring is less frequent but worth monitoring. These positions often require a PA Journeyman License.
3. Erie Water Works: The city's water authority. Jobs here are highly competitive and involve everything from main line repairs to meter services. It's a public utility role with strong benefits.
4. Local 695 (Plumbers & Pipefitters Union): The union hall is your gateway to major commercial and industrial projects. Apprenticeship programs are rigorous but lead to top-tier wages and benefits. They service large employers like ERIE Insurance and regional hospitals.
5. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC Hamot): A major regional hospital. Their facilities department employs maintenance plumbers for the complex medical gas, steam, and water systems. These are stable, skilled positions.
6. Small Residential Specialists: Firms like Pete’s Plumbing or Roto-Rooter (franchise) focus on service and repair. They often hire for on-call roles, which can significantly boost income through overtime and emergency call fees.

Hiring Trend: There is a constant need for entry-level apprentices. The aging workforce is a national issue, and Erie is no exception. Companies are actively seeking to train the next generation. Commercial and institutional work is steady, while the residential market sees fluctuations tied to the local economy and housing sales.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania’s licensing is handled by the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PA Licensing System) and the Department of Labor & Industry. It’s not a "quick fix" but a structured path.

The Pathway:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which requires 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Union programs (Local 695) are a common route, but non-union options exist.
2. Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship, you apply for the Journeyman Plumber License. You must pass the state exam. The exam fee is approximately $100.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a Master Plumber (allowing you to pull permits and run your own business), you need at least one additional year of experience as a journeyman and must pass the Master Plumber exam (~$100 fee).

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Tuition for non-union programs is minimal, often covered by employers. Union apprentices earn a percentage of journeyman wages (starting at 40-50%, increasing yearly).
• Exam Fees: Total of ~$200 for both licenses.
• Total Timeline: 4-5 years from day one as an apprentice to holding a Journeyman license. You can work and earn during this entire period.

Insider Tip: Start your apprenticeship application process a full year before you plan to move. Union programs have competitive waitlists. Contact the PA Department of Labor & Industry directly for the most current application forms and approved training providers.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Erie impacts your commute and lifestyle. As a plumber, you’ll likely have a service truck, so easy highway access (I-79, I-90) is a plus.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why it’s Good for Plumbers
Millcreek	Suburban, family-friendly. Central to many employers.	$800 - $950	Top-rated schools, easy access to I-79. Home to many contractors' offices.
Fairview	Quiet, rural-suburban. 15-20 min to downtown.	$700 - $850	Lower crime, more space. Great if you want a yard for a home workshop.
Erie's West Side	Historic, walkable, near the bay.	$650 - $800	Short commutes to downtown, the Port Authority, and Wesleyville. Older homes mean steady repair work.
Harborcreek	Mix of suburban and rural. Near Penn State Behrend.	$750 - $900	Proximity to the university means potential commercial and rental property work.
City Proper (Downtown/East Side)	Urban, dense, walkable.	$600 - $750	Minimal commute if you work for a downtown-based firm. Walkable lifestyle, but parking a work truck can be a challenge.

Insider Tip: If you're joining a union shop, ask where their members typically live. You might find a cluster of plumbers in areas like Millcreek for the schools or Fairview for the lower cost of living.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation isn’t inherent to the trade; it’s a choice. In Erie, growth comes through specialization and entrepreneurship.

• Specialty Premiums: General residential repair pays the base rate. Specializing in medical gas (certification required) or backflow prevention can add $5-$10/hour to your rate. Industrial pipefitting for local manufacturers (like Lord Corporation or Welch's) also pays a premium.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Foreman/Lead: Overseeing a crew. Adds project management to your skill set.
  2. Estimator/Project Manager: Move from the tools to the office, configuring bids for large projects.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. As a Master Plumber, you can start your own shop. Erie has room for a specialty niche, like eco-friendly systems or historic home restoration.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is reliable but not explosive. The real opportunity lies in the retirement wave. As master plumbers and owners age out, there’s a vacuum for qualified, business-savvy plumbers to take over. Your long-term value is in building a reputation for reliability and quality, not just fixing leaks.

The Verdict: Is Erie Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further, especially for housing.	Limited High-End Market: Fewer multi-million dollar custom homes than in Philly or Pittsburgh.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from institutions, schools, and housing stock.	Seasonal Work Slowdowns: Some residential work can dip in deep winter.
Strong Union Presence: Good benefits, pensions, and wage protection.	Smaller Metro Area: Fewer large, corporate employers compared to major cities.
Access to Nature: Great Lakes, parks, and recreation are minutes away.	Weather: Long, snowy winters can be a challenge for outdoor work.
Community Feel: Easier to build a network and professional reputation.	Political/Economic Shifts: Tied to the regional manufacturing and hospital sectors.

Final Recommendation: Erie is an excellent choice for a plumber starting a family or seeking a stable, affordable career. It’s not the place for someone chasing the highest possible salary, but for value and quality of life, it’s hard to beat. If you’re willing to work hard, get your licenses, and possibly specialize, you can build a very comfortable life. For the ambitious, it’s a great launchpad to eventually run your own business and capture the local market.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a union card to get a good job in Erie?
A: No, but it helps significantly for commercial work and benefits. Many non-union shops (like Wesleyville) are reputable and offer competitive wages. Check both paths.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Erie?
A: Weather. The freeze-thaw cycle on Lake Erie causes pipe expansions and breaks, creating a surge of emergency work in late winter. Being prepared for on-call duties is key.

Q: How is the apprenticeship scene? Is it competitive?
A: Yes, especially for the union program. It’s a 5-year commitment with rigorous standards. Non-union apprenticeships may have more immediate openings. Contact the Erie County CareerLink for state-approved programs.

Q: Can I make more than the median salary?
A: Absolutely. The median is $61,734, but journeymen in union shops often earn $30-$35/hour plus overtime, pushing them well past $70k. Those with master licenses and their own businesses can clear six figures.

Q: Is Erie’s plumbing market saturated?
A: Not at the skilled level. There’s always room for a plumber who is reliable, communicative, and does quality work. The market is saturated with "handymen," not licensed professionals.