Plumber in Georgetown, KY

The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

If you're a plumber looking at Georgetown, Kentucky, you're looking at a market where skilled hands are in steady demand. The city sits in the heart of Scott County, part of the larger Lexington-Fayette metro area, but it has its own distinct economic rhythm. The median salary for a plumber here is $62,038/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.83/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but that gap is more than compensated for by the city's lower cost of living. There are approximately 76 plumbing jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a solid 6%, indicating stable, if not explosive, opportunity.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Georgetown/KY market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level Plumber	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level Plumber	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior Plumber	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000+
Expert/Project Manager	15+ years	$85,000 - $100,000+

When you compare Georgetown to other Kentucky cities, the picture becomes clearer. In Louisville, the median salary is closer to $65,000, but the cost of living is significantly higher (Louisville's index is around 91.0 vs. Georgetown's 93.1—wait, actually Georgetown's is 93.1, Louisville's is closer to 90? Let's check. Actually, the cost of living index for Louisville is often cited around 90.5-91.5, so similar, but housing is more expensive in absolute terms. In Lexington-Fayette, the median salary is higher, near $64,000, but again, rent and home prices are steeper. In more rural parts of Eastern Kentucky, salaries can dip into the $50,000 range. So, Georgetown offers a competitive salary for its region, anchored by a manufacturing and health care economy that supports steady construction and repair work.

Insider Tip: The real money in plumbing isn't always in the base salary. In Georgetown, many plumbers boost their income by 10-15% through overtime, on-call emergency service pay, or specializing in new construction for the booming residential subdivisions or commercial projects tied to the Toyota plant in nearby Georgetown, Indiana.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math on a plumber earning the median salary of $62,038/year. For a single filer in Kentucky (federal and state combined), you're looking at roughly 22-25% in taxes. Let's use a conservative 23% for this breakdown.

• Annual Gross Salary: $62,038
• Estimated Annual Taxes (23%): ~$14,269
• Annual Net Salary: ~$47,769
• Monthly Net Salary: ~$3,981

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Georgetown is $837/month. Let's build a realistic monthly budget for a plumber living alone.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Salary (Take-Home)	$3,981	From above
Rent (1BR Average)	$837	Can be higher in downtown, lower in suburbs
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$200	Varies by season; Kentucky has a good natural gas grid
Groceries	$400	Georgetown has competitive grocery prices (Kroger, Walmart)
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential; public transit is limited
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commutes within the county are short, but car is needed
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	Pre-tax, but a necessary deduction
Phone/Internet	$120	Decent coverage from AT&T, Spectrum, etc.
Miscellaneous	$300	Tools, clothing, entertainment, savings
Total Expenses	$2,607
Remaining (For Savings/Debt)	$1,374

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Georgetown is around $185,000 - $210,000. With a $1,374 monthly surplus, a plumber could easily save for a down payment. For a $200,000 home with a $20,000 down payment (10%), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be around $1,200 - $1,300. This would be a very manageable 30-35% of their net monthly income, well within standard affordability guidelines. Homeownership is a realistic goal for a plumber in Georgetown within a few years of starting.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

Georgetown's job market is a mix of manufacturing, health care, and service industries, all of which require plumbing contractors. Here are the key players:

1. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK): The giant in the room. While TMMK has its own maintenance staff, it contracts out thousands of projects—plant expansions, facility upgrades, and new water/gas line installations. The big mechanical contractors (like F.E. Jordan, CBT, and KBR - though some are based elsewhere, they have local offices) are always on TMMK's approved list. Getting on with one of these firms is a direct line to high-volume, consistent work.

2. Georgetown Community Hospital: This 100-bed hospital, part of the Baptist Health system, is a constant source of work. From routine maintenance to major renovations (like the recent expansion of their surgical suites), the hospital has a facilities management team that hires subcontractors for specialized plumbing. Insider's Take: This is a prime spot for steady, predictable work. The hospital facilities team often looks for plumbers with backflow certification and medical gas experience.

3. Scott County School District: With a rapidly growing student population, the district is constantly building new schools or renovating old ones. The Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) and Scott County Schools have bond issues that fund capital projects. These are multi-year contracts that provide long-term job security for plumbing contractors.

4. Georgetown College: A private liberal arts college with ongoing campus maintenance and occasional construction projects. While smaller than the hospital, it's a reliable source for service work and smaller remodels.

5. Residential Construction Firms: The population of Georgetown has grown over 50% since 2000, largely due to the Toyota boom. This means a steady stream of new home construction. Companies like Kainos Homes, The Drees Company, and local custom builders are constantly in need of plumbers for rough-in and finish work. This is where the 6% job growth is most visible.

6. The US Army Corps of Engineers at Wolf Creek Dam: Located about 45 minutes away, this is a major federal project. While it's not in Georgetown proper, it employs many residents and often has openings for skilled tradespeople, including plumbers, on long-term maintenance and construction contracts.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards "smart" plumbing. Employers are increasingly looking for plumbers familiar with PEX systems, tankless water heaters, and basic graywater systems. For commercial work (like at the hospital or Toyota), knowledge of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and reading complex blueprints is a premium skill.

Getting Licensed in KY

Kentucky's licensing is administered by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Community and Economic Development. It's a straightforward process, but you must follow it.

• Journeyman Plumber License: Requires 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber. You must pass the Kentucky Journeyman Plumber Exam (which uses the International Code Council (ICC) plumbing code).
• Master Plumber License: Requires 4 additional years (8,000 hours) of experience as a journeyman, or a total of 8 years (16,000 hours) of experience. You must pass the Master Plumber Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fee: Approximately $150 per exam.
• Application Fee: Approximately $100 for journeyman, $200 for master.
• Total Licensing Cost (Journeyman): Roughly $250 - $300, not including study materials or prep courses.
• Timeline: If you're starting from zero, it will take a minimum of 4 years to get your journeyman license. If you're already licensed in another state, Kentucky has reciprocity with several states (like Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee), which can significantly speed up the process. Contact the Kentucky Department of Housing directly for the latest reciprocity agreements.

Insider's Take: The exam is heavily based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC). Most local community colleges, like Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in Georgetown, offer prep courses. These are invaluable. The pass rate for those who take a formal course is significantly higher.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Georgetown is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Plumber
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, charming, older homes. 5-10 min drive to most employers.	$900 - $1,100	Proximity to hospital, college, and local shops. Great for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Older homes mean more service/repair work.
Southfork / Airport Road	Suburban, family-oriented. Larger homes, newer subdivisions. 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $950	Direct access to major residential construction zones. Quiet, safe, and close to the BCTC campus (for night classes).
Royal Springs / Northside	The "new" Georgetown. Rapidly growing, massive subdivisions. 5-10 min commute.	$800 - $900	Ground zero for new construction. Ideal for a plumber just starting out who wants steady rough-in work. Very family-friendly.
St. Thomas Village	Older, established neighborhood, mix of rentals and owned homes. 5-10 min commute.	$750 - $850	Affordable, quiet, and centrally located. Many older homes need updating, offering service work opportunities.
Georgetown Business Park Area	Industrial, commercial. 5-10 min commute to most job sites.	$700 - $800	Best for someone who works for a large commercial contractor (like at Toyota). Super short commute, but less "neighborhood" feel.

Commute Note: Traffic in Georgetown is very light compared to Lexington or Louisville. A cross-town commute is 10-15 minutes max. Most plumbers live within 10-15 minutes of their work site, whether it's a new subdivision or a commercial project.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth over 10 years is a solid foundation, but growth for an individual plumber depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified for medical gas piping can earn 15-20% more, especially when working on hospital or lab projects.
  • Irrigation & Backflow: This is huge in Georgetown's residential market. Many plumbers offer irrigation system installation and backflow testing (a state requirement for any commercial property). This adds a lucrative service line.
  • Gas Line Expertise: With the extensive natural gas network in Kentucky, plumbers who specialize in gas line installation and repair are in high demand, especially for tankless water heaters and outdoor cooking setups.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Employee to Contractor: Many plumbers start with a local firm, get their journeyman/master license, and then strike out on their own. The low cost of living allows them to save enough capital to start a small business.
  2. Field to Management: Move from a hands-on role to a project estimator or field superintendent for a larger mechanical contractor. This path often comes with a company vehicle and a salary in the $70,000 - $90,000 range.
  3. Government & Institutional: Work for the City of Georgetown's public works department or a large institution like the school district. These jobs come with excellent benefits (pension, healthcare) and job security, though the base salary might be slightly lower than the private sector.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is strong. The continued growth of the Toyota plant (and its supply chain) and Georgetown's population ensures steady demand. The biggest change will be the push toward water-efficient and green building standards, which will require plumbers to stay updated on new codes and technologies. The skilled trades are facing a retirement wave, meaning experienced plumbers will be golden.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your dollar goes much further here. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited High-End Specialties: If you want to work on ultra-high-end commercial projects or specialized industrial work, you might need to commute to Lexington or Louisville.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by Toyota and health care, the economy is resilient.	Seasonal Slowdowns: Like many places, residential construction can slow in the winter, though service work (repairs) increases.
Short Commutes: You'll spend less time in the car and more time at home or on the job.	Social Scene: It's a family-oriented town. If you're looking for a bustling nightlife scene, it's quieter here.
Strong Community & Schools: Great for raising a family. Scott County schools are well-regarded.	Limited Public Transit: You absolutely need a reliable vehicle.
Clear Licensing Path: The state requirements are straightforward and the requirements are clear.	Wage Ceiling: While the starting wage is good, the top-end salary for an employee is likely capped around $85,000 unless you go into business for yourself or move to management.

Final Recommendation: Georgetown, KY is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a high quality of life. It's ideal for someone at the mid-career stage looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a solid, well-compensated career. It's less ideal for someone seeking the pinnacle of high-profile, cutting-edge commercial work or a vibrant, urban nightlife. For most plumbers, the math and the lifestyle add up to a very compelling case.

FAQs

1. Can I get my plumbing license in Kentucky if I'm already licensed in another state?
Yes, Kentucky has reciprocity with several states, including Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, and Virginia. You will need to submit your current license and proof of experience, and you may still need to take the Kentucky portion of the exam (like the state-specific laws or codes). Contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Community and Economic Development for the latest list and process.

2. How is the demand for service vs. new construction plumbing?
It's balanced. New construction is steady due to population growth (6% job growth reflects this). However, the service and repair market is equally strong. With an older housing stock in the core neighborhoods and constant demand for maintenance on large commercial facilities like the hospital and Toyota, there's plenty of work year-round. A mix of both is the most profitable approach.

3. What's the best way to find a plumbing job in Georgetown?
Start with the big mechanical contractors (search for "mechanical contractors Georgetown KY"). Check the job boards on the City of Georgetown and Scott County government websites. Network at the Bluegrass BIA (Building Industry Association of Lexington) events. Many plumbers find work through word-of-mouth, but for a newcomer, starting with a company is the fastest route.

4. Is the cost of living really as low as it seems?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 93.1 (vs. US avg of 100) is real. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are all below the national average. The biggest savings is on housing. An average 1BR rent of $837 is a fraction of what you'd pay in a major city. You can live comfortably on the $62,038 median salary.

5. Do I need to know about the Toyota plant specifically?
While you don't need to know the inner workings of the plant, it's crucial to understand its impact. Every major subcontractor on TMMK's list is a potential employer. If you're targeting commercial work, getting a job with a contractor that services Toyota is a golden ticket. They often offer excellent training, benefits, and consistent overtime. It's the economic engine of the region.