Plumber in Fort Worth, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Fort Worth Stands

As a local, I can tell you that plumbing is a solid, recession-resistant trade here. Fort Worth’s economy is built on construction, healthcare, and logistics—all of which need skilled tradespeople. Let’s cut to the chase on the numbers.

The median salary for plumbers in Fort Worth is $63,977/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.76/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $63,350/year. The metro area has an estimated 1,953 jobs for plumbers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, especially considering the city's constant expansion.

Your earning potential is heavily influenced by experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local industry knowledge and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the region:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Helper, basic installs, trenching, drain cleaning. You're learning code and tools.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$60,000 - $75,000	Lead installer, service calls, water heater replacement, rough-in for remodels.
Senior/Expert	8-15+ years	$75,000 - $95,000+	Project management, complex commercial work, custom fabrication, backflow testing.
Master/Owner	15+ years (with license)	$90,000 - $150,000+	Business ownership, high-end residential, industrial contracts, teaching/apprenticeships.

How does Fort Worth stack up against other Texas cities?

• Dallas: Similar median pay, but the cost of living is slightly higher, and competition is fiercer with more large commercial firms.
• Austin: Higher median pay (closer to $68,000), but the cost of living is significantly higher, and the market is saturated with new plumbers.
• San Antonio: Typically lower median pay (around $60,000), with a lower cost of living.
• Houston: Similar pay to Fort Worth, but the job market is more volatile due to its ties to the energy sector.

Insider Tip: Fort Worth’s plumbing market has a unique blend of old-school residential (Tarrant County historic homes) and booming new construction (especially in the Alliance corridor and Parker/Johnson counties). This variety allows you to specialize and find your niche.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the monthly budget for a plumber earning the $63,977 median salary. This is a practical look, not a fantasy.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Gross Annual Income: $63,977
• Federal Taxes (est. 15% bracket + FICA): ~$12,800
• State Taxes (Texas has no state income tax): $0
• Health Insurance (single, post-tax): ~$3,600/year
• 401(k) Contribution (5%): ~$3,200/year

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,800

Now, let's map that against Fort Worth's living costs:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,384/month (City Data)
• Cost of Living Index: 103.3 (US avg = 100) – Slightly above average, driven mostly by housing.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber earning $63,977):

• Net Monthly Income: $3,800
• Rent (1BR): -$1,384
• Utilities (avg.): -$200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Texas is car-dependent): -$450
• Groceries: -$350
• Healthcare (out-of-pocket): -$100
• Misc. (Eating out, entertainment, savings): -$600
• Remaining: $716

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $63,977 salary, it's tight but possible with discipline. The median home price in Tarrant County is around $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000—a significant hurdle. A more attainable goal is an FHA loan with 3.5% down ($12,250). With a mortgage, taxes, and insurance, your monthly housing cost could jump to ~$2,200. This would consume nearly 60% of your take-home pay, leaving little room for savings or emergencies. It’s doable for a dual-income household or if you advance to a senior role ($75k+).

Insider Tip: Many plumbers here buy homes in the suburbs (like Burleson or Crowley) where prices are lower and commutes are manageable. A truck is essential, and fuel is a big expense—factor in ~$200/month for gas if you're driving a work vehicle to job sites.

Where the Jobs Are: Fort Worth's Major Employers

The job market is diverse. You won't just find work with small residential shops. Here are the key players:

1. Ferguson Enterprises: The largest plumbing distributor in the US has a massive presence in Fort Worth. They hire for warehouse, sales, and managerial roles. It's a great place to network and get your foot in the door with suppliers.
2. Balfour Beatty Construction & HKS Architects (Commercial/Industrial): These national firms are behind major local projects like the TX Wesleyan University expansion and new hospital wings. They hire union and non-union plumbers for large-scale commercial projects. Hiring trends are strong for tech-savvy plumbers proficient in BIM (Building Information Modeling).
3. Local Residential Giants (e.g., B&B Air Conditioning & Heating, or independent shops like Plug-Free Plumbing): These are the backbone of the residential service market. They handle everything from new home builds in neighborhoods like Walsh Ranch to emergency repairs in historic areas like Fairmount. They are always hiring reliable journeymen.
4. Fort Worth ISD & Tarrant County College: School districts and community colleges maintain their own plumbing facilities teams. These are stable, government jobs with great benefits and pensions. They post openings on the district’s career pages.
5. Medical Facilities (Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health Resources): Hospitals have complex plumbing needs (medical gas, high-purity water, backflow prevention). These contracts are lucrative and often require specialized certifications, leading to higher pay.
6. The City of Fort Worth (Public Works): The city maintains water mains, sewer lines, and municipal buildings. Jobs are posted on the City of Fort Worth’s official website. They offer union-scale pay and exceptional job security.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing demand for plumbers with green plumbing expertise—water recycling systems, tankless water heater installations, and high-efficiency fixture retrofits. With Fort Worth’s water conservation initiatives, this is a smart niche to consider.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear but strict licensing path, managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It’s not a "quick fix" but a respected credential.

The Pathway:

1. Plumber’s Apprentice: Register with the TSBPE. Requires 4,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) under a licensed plumber and 24 hours of classroom instruction. You can start this as early as 16, but most start at 18.
2. Journeyman Plumber: After your apprenticeship, you must pass the Journeyman exam. You need 8,000 hours of OJT and 24 hours of classroom. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Texas amendments.
3. Master Plumber: Requires 12,000 hours of OJT as a journeyman and passing the Master exam. This is the key to owning your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship School (e.g., Fort Worth Plumbing & HVAC Training Center): ~$5,000 - $7,000 for the program (if you choose formal training).
• Exam Fees: ~$200 per exam (Journeyman & Master).
• Licensing Fees: ~$200-$300 annually for each license level.
• Timeline: From apprentice to journeyman is typically 3-4 years. To Master Plumber is another 2-3 years. A full career path to business owner can take 5-8 years.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE exam is notoriously detailed on the IPC and Texas-specific water well codes. Don't rely on field experience alone. Use study guides from the TSBPE website and take a prep course. Schedule your exam months in advance—wait times in the DFW area can be long.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, costs, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Arlington (East of I-35W):
   • Commute: Easy access to Fort Worth’s core, Dallas, and DFW Airport. Major highways (I-20, I-30) are at your doorstep.
   • Lifestyle: Family-friendly, average cost. Home to the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, which means a lot of service work for nearby businesses.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,250 - $1,400/month.
2. Burleson (South):
   • Commute: ~25-35 minutes to downtown Fort Worth. A straight shot up I-35W.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, affordable, strong community feel. Huge for new construction plumbing. More house for your money.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,100 - $1,250/month.
3. North Fort Worth (Alliance/ Keller):
   • Commute: ~20-30 minutes to downtown, but can be longer with traffic on I-35W. Close to major distribution centers (Frito-Lay, etc.).
   • Lifestyle: Fast-growing, modern suburbs. Some of the most expensive in the metro, but with high-end new homes (good for service calls).
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,500 - $1,700/month.
4. Downtown/ Near Southside:
   • Commute: You could bike or take a bus. Epicenter of restaurants, bars, and historic renovations.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable. Lots of older buildings and apartment conversions—prime for retrofit plumbing work. Rent is high, but you might walk to work.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,600 - $1,800+.
5. Forest Hill (South of I-20):
   • Commute: ~20 minutes to downtown via I-35W or I-20.
   • Lifestyle: More rural feel, very affordable. Popular for people who want land or a quieter setting. Commute is manageable.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $900 - $1,100/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your salary can grow well beyond the $63,977 median if you specialize. Here’s the path:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas Certification: Can add $10,000+ to your salary. Required for hospital work.
  • Backflow Prevention Tester: A certification that lets you add-on service calls. Often $50-$100 per test.
  • Pipefitter/Welder: For industrial work (refineries, manufacturing). Can push earnings to $90,000+.
  • Service Tech vs. Installer: Service techs often earn more per hour due to commissions and after-hours calls, but installers have more predictable hours.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Field Supervisor: Manages crews for a larger company. ~$75,000 - $85,000.
  • Project Manager (Commercial): Oversees budgets and timelines. ~$85,000 - $110,000.
  • Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Successful local owners report $120,000+ after a few years of establishing a client base.

• 10-Year Outlook (6% growth):
  Fort Worth’s population is growing, and water infrastructure is aging. The demand for both new construction and service/repair will remain strong. The biggest threat is not a lack of jobs, but a lack of qualified plumbers as the current workforce retires. This is a seller's market for skilled plumbers. The key to thriving will be adapting to new technologies (smart water systems, PEX, trenchless repair) and obtaining specialized certifications.

The Verdict: Is Fort Worth Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Job Market: Diverse economy with constant construction and service needs.	Competitive for Apprentices: Getting into a good union or top private shop requires hustle and persistence.
Competitive Pay vs. Cost of Living: $63,977 goes further here than in Austin or Dallas.	Summer Heat & Storms: Plumbing work in 100°F attic heat or during flood emergencies is physically demanding.
No State Income Tax: A direct boost to your take-home pay.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable truck/van. Commutes can be long, and fuel costs add up.
Variety of Work: From historic homes in Fairmount to new master-planned communities.	Housing Costs Rising: While more affordable than other metros, rent and home prices are climbing steadily.
Central Location: Easy access to other Texas job markets if you ever want to travel for work.	Licensing is a Hurdle: The time and cost to get licensed can be a barrier, but it pays off long-term.

Final Recommendation: Fort Worth is an excellent choice for aspiring and mid-career plumbers. If you're willing to put in the years to get licensed, you can build a stable, well-paid career with a clear path to advancement. It’s not the highest-paying city in Texas, but the balance of opportunity and affordability is hard to beat. If you thrive in a fast-growing, no-nonsense city with a strong work ethic, Fort Worth will welcome you.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union to be a plumber in Fort Worth?
No, you do not need to be a union member (UA Local 146 covers North Texas), but it is a valid and often lucrative path. Union plumbers have standard wages, guaranteed benefits (healthcare, pension), and job security on large projects. Non-union shops offer more flexibility and potential for rapid advancement in smaller companies. Many plumbers.

2. What's the best way to find an apprenticeship here?
Start with the Fort Worth Plumbing & HVAC Training Center (associated with the local union) or contact non-union shops directly. Check the job boards of major employers like Ferguson and Balfour Beatty. Networking at supply houses is key—go in, introduce yourself, and ask for leads. Persistence is everything.

3. How bad is the summer heat for plumbing work?
It's brutal. Attics can reach 130°F+. Essential gear includes a high-quality hydration pack, cooling towels, and a portable fan. Work schedules often shift to early mornings and evenings. The pay premium for summer work often comes from overtime and after-hours emergency calls, which are frequent during heatwaves.

4. Is Fort Worth a good place to start my own plumbing business?
Yes, but with caveats. The market is large enough to support new businesses, especially if you specialize (e.g., trenchless repair, green plumbing). However, you'll need significant capital for a truck, tools, and insurance. The TSBPE requires you to have a Master Plumber license to own a plumbing business in Texas. Serve as a journeyman for a few years to build a client base first.

5. Are there opportunities for side work?
Absolutely. The informal "side work" market is alive and well in Fort Worth. However, be extremely careful. Texas law requires a licensed plumber to perform most residential work for compensation. Performing unlicensed work can result in fines from the TSBPE and void insurance claims. The safe path is to get your journeyman license and work for a reputable company that allows side jobs (always disclose it).