Plumber in Frisco, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Frisco Stands

Frisco, TX, isn't just another booming Dallas suburb—it's a city that has been built and is continuously expanding at a breakneck pace. For a plumber, this translates directly into a constant demand for your skills. The median salary for a plumber in Frisco is $63,977 per year, which works out to an hourly rate of $30.76. This figure is slightly above the national average of $63,350, a testament to the area's economic strength and the high volume of new construction and renovation projects.

When you break it down by experience, the numbers reflect the value of time and expertise in the trade:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $55,000	Basic pipe fitting, drain cleaning, assisting senior plumbers, learning local codes.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $70,000	Handling service calls independently, rough-in plumbing for new builds, water heater installations.
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Complex commercial projects, troubleshooting major systems, mentoring apprentices, customer relations.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$90,000+	Business ownership, specialized system design (medical gas, industrial), high-end custom installations.

Compared to other major Texas cities, Frisco holds a strong position. While Houston and Austin might offer slightly higher top-end salaries for specialized commercial work, the cost of living and job density in Frisco provide a compelling balance. San Antonio's market is more competitive, and Dallas proper has a higher cost of living that can offset the marginally higher pay. For a plumber seeking steady work in a rapidly growing community, Frisco's market is particularly robust.

Insider Tip: The 6% 10-year job growth is a critical data point. While the national average for plumbing is positive, this specific metro area's growth is fueled by corporate relocations (like The Star, the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters), new hospital systems, and continuous residential development. This isn't just replacement work; it's new construction for the foreseeable future.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the finances. On a median salary of $63,977, your take-home pay in Texas (with no state income tax) will be approximately $4,250 per month after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (assuming a single filer with standard deductions). This is a strong starting point.

Let's look at a monthly budget for a mid-career plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,291	The citywide average. A newer complex in a prime area will run higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$250 - $350	Varies by season; summer AC bills are significant in Texas.
Transportation (Gas/Car Payment/Insurance)	$400 - $600	Frisco is car-dependent. A reliable truck or van is a must for the trade.
Groceries & Essentials	$350 - $450	Lone Star State prices are reasonable but rising.
Health Insurance & Retirement	$300 - $500	Varies by employer. Many contractors offer 401(k) with a match.
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Dining, Savings)	$400 - $700	The remainder for discretionary spending and savings.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,000 - $3,500	Leaves a healthy buffer of $750 - $1,250 for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Frisco is over $500,000. On a $63,977 salary, a traditional mortgage would be a significant stretch. However, it's not impossible. Many plumbers achieve homeownership through:

1. Dual Income: Partnering with a spouse or partner who also works.
2. Starting in a Condo/Townhome: Many new developments offer more affordable entry points.
3. Building Equity First: Renting for a few years to save for a larger down payment.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook the suburbs just north of Frisco, like Prosper or Celina. The commute is manageable (20-30 minutes), and home prices are more accessible. A plumber with a reliable work truck can handle the commute easily.

Where the Jobs Are: Frisco's Major Employers

Frisco's job market is a mix of massive new construction, established service companies, and institutional employers. Here are the key players:

1. Balfour Beatty Construction: A national giant with a major local presence, especially on commercial and institutional projects like the new Frisco ISD schools and the North Texas Medical Center (planned). They hire for both rough-in and finish plumbing on large-scale builds.
2. The City of Frisco: The municipal government is a direct employer for its public works department. These jobs offer stability, excellent benefits, and a pension. They handle water mains, sewer systems, and municipal facilities.
3. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Frisco & Baylor Scott & White Medical Center: These major healthcare facilities have in-house maintenance teams. Hospital plumbing is a specialized field (involving medical gas systems, stringent codes) and commands a premium salary.
4. Local/Regional Contracting Firms: Companies like Mister Plumber, Ben Franklin Plumbing of North Dallas, and Crockett Facilities Services are always hiring. They handle the vast residential service market. Hiring trends show a strong demand for technicians who are customer-service oriented and tech-savvy with digital invoicing and diagnostic tools.
5. Apartment Management Companies: With dozens of new luxury apartment complexes (from The Star District to the Fields development), companies like Greystar and Lincoln Property Company need reliable plumbers for property maintenance and capital projects.
6. Commercial HVAC/Plumbing Integrators: Firms that handle large commercial projects often need plumbers who can work alongside electricians and HVAC techs. Knowing a bit about related trades is a huge plus.

Insider Tip: The hiring trend is moving towards "technician-mechanics." It's not enough to just solder pipe; employers want plumbers who can diagnose complex water heater issues, perform camera drain inspections, and program smart water valves. Getting certified in these areas makes you a top candidate.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear but strict path to becoming a licensed plumber. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is the governing body.

Steps & Costs:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): You must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber and 288 hours of classroom instruction. This is typically done through an approved apprenticeship program (like those run by local unions or trade schools).
   • Cost: Tuition for classroom hours can range from $1,000 to $3,000 total over the apprenticeship period. Many employers sponsor you, covering these costs.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Texas journeyman plumber exam. The exam fee is $155 (as of my last update; always verify with TSBPE).
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber (required to start your own business or supervise apprentices), you need 12 years of experience (or 8 with a bachelor's degree in engineering) and must pass the master plumber exam (fee: $265).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediately: You can start working as an apprentice if you have a high school diploma/GED and find a sponsor. Some pre-apprenticeship programs can give you a head start.
• Short-term (1-2 years): You'll be learning the basics, earning while you learn, and building your hour log.
• Mid-term (4-5 years): You'll be a licensed journeyman, eligible for a significant pay raise and more independent work.
• Long-term (8-12+ years): Master plumber status opens doors to business ownership and the highest income potential.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your best friend. Keep meticulous records of your hours. A common pitfall is having an incomplete log when applying for the journeyman exam. Use a dedicated app or a physical logbook your supervisor signs off on weekly.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. Frisco is large and diverse.

1. The Star District / Downtown Frisco: Close to the action, major employers, and the Tollway. Great for networking and short commutes to commercial jobs. However, it's one of the most expensive areas for renting.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800/month
2. West Frisco (near the Dallas North Tollway): Established neighborhoods with larger single-family homes. Good for plumbers with families. Commutes to commercial centers are easy. More residential service calls in this area.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month (or consider a roommate in a 2BR)
3. East Frisco (near US 75/Central Expy): Slightly more affordable, with a mix of older and new developments. Closer to Plano and Richardson, which opens up more job opportunities. The commute to the western corporate corridor can be longer.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,350/month
4. The Fields / North Frisco (Prosper/Celina border): The epicenter of new construction. You'll be living where the action is, with a very short commute to new build sites. Fewer amenities and restaurants currently, but that's changing rapidly. Rent is more reasonable.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month
5. The Colony: A neighboring city with a lower cost of living and a strong rental market. Close to major employers like Raytheon and Toyota. A 15-20 minute commute to most of Frisco is standard.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,250/month

Insider Tip: When renting, prioritize a garage or carport. Storing your tools and work truck securely is non-negotiable. Also, ask potential landlords about water softener systems—the hard water in the area can wreak havoc on plumbing fixtures.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing in Frisco is not a dead-end job; it's a career with multiple trajectories.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing can significantly boost your income.

  • Gas Line Certification: Highly sought after for new home construction and grill installations. Can add $5-$10/hour.
  • Medical Gas Certification: Required for hospital and lab work. This is a high-demand, high-wage niche.
  • Backflow Prevention: Commercial clients need certified testers. A one-day course can open a recurring revenue stream.
  • Water Heater Technology: Expertise in tankless and hybrid systems is in constant demand.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Technician to Lead Tech/Manager: Move from fieldwork to supervising a team, handling complex diagnostics, and customer relations.
  2. Commercial Specialist: Focus on large-scale projects (like the new hospitals or corporate campuses), which often pay higher rates and offer union benefits in some cases.
  3. Business Owner: With a master plumber license and experience, you can start your own company. The Frisco market is competitive, but a reputation for quality and reliability is gold. Many successful owners started as residential service techs who built a client list.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is just the baseline. As the population grows, the housing stock ages, and new technologies (like smart home water monitoring) emerge, the demand for skilled, knowledgeable plumbers will only increase. Those who stay current with codes and technology will be the most successful.

Insider Tip: Network with other trades at job sites. A good relationship with an electrician or HVAC tech can lead to referrals. Consider joining a local trade association like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) of North Texas for education and networking.

The Verdict: Is Frisco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Abundant Job Opportunities: From new construction to service calls, work is plentiful.	High Cost of Living: Particularly for housing (rent and home prices).
Strong Salary Potential: Median pay is above the national average in a no-state-income-tax state.	Car Dependency: You must own a reliable vehicle; public transit is not a practical option.
Economic Stability: A diverse economy with major corporations and healthcare systems ensures job security.	Competitive Market: You're not the only one who sees the opportunity. Standing out requires skill and professionalism.
Modern Infrastructure: New buildings mean modern plumbing systems to work on, not just old, crumbling pipes.	Rapid Growth Challenges: Constant construction can mean traffic congestion and a fast-paced lifestyle.
Good Quality of Life: Excellent schools, low crime, and plenty of family-friendly amenities.	Summers are Brutal: Working in Texas heat, especially in attics or on construction sites, is physically demanding.

Final Recommendation: Frisco is an excellent choice for a motivated, skilled plumber who is ready to work hard. If you are a journeyman or master plumber, you can transition smoothly. If you're an apprentice, the opportunities for learning and growth are vast. However, it's not for someone looking for a low-cost, slow-paced living environment. You must be proactive about your career, invest in continuous training, and be prepared for the financial realities of a high-growth city.

FAQs

Q: I'm a licensed plumber from another state. Can I work in Frisco?
A: Texas does not have reciprocity with most states. You will likely need to apply for a Texas license. If you have a journeyman or master license from another state, you can petition the TSBPE for a waiver of some requirements, but you will still need to pass the Texas exams. Start by contacting the TSBPE directly with your credentials.

Q: Is the plumbing union strong in Frisco?
A: The United Association (UA) Local 68 is active in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Union jobs, often on large commercial and industrial projects, offer excellent pay, benefits, and pensions. Non-union residential and service work is equally robust. It's worth exploring both paths.

Q: What's the best way to find a job as a new plumber in Frisco?
A: Beyond online job boards, go directly to company websites of the major contractors and service companies listed above. Attend local trade shows or job fairs. A clean, professional appearance and a willingness to start as an apprentice or helper will get your foot in the door. A valid driver's license is mandatory.

Q: How is the work-life balance?
A: It depends on your specialty. Residential service plumbers can have on-call hours, especially with emergency calls. Commercial plumbers on new construction typically have regular hours but may work weekends to meet project deadlines. Master plumbers who own their business often work more, not less. Set clear boundaries with your employer from the start.

Q: What is the most important tool I should invest in?
A: Beyond the basics (wrenches, pipe cutters), a high-quality drain camera inspection system is a game-changer. It allows you to accurately diagnose problems, show customers the issue, and justify charges. In the Frisco market, where customers are tech-savvy, this tool separates the pros from the amateurs.