The Plumbers' Guide to Georgetown, Texas

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out the Texas job market, I can tell you that Georgetown isn’t just a charming historic town anymore. It’s a rapidly growing hub in the Austin metro, and for skilled tradespeople like plumbers, that growth translates directly into opportunity. But before you pack your tools and move, you need the real numbers, the local insights, and the unvarnished truth about what your life will look like here. This guide is that blueprint.

We’re going to skip the glossy brochures and dive into the data, the neighborhoods, and the day-to-day realities of building a plumbing career in Georgetown.

The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

Let’s cut right to the core: your earning potential. The numbers tell a clear story. The median salary for a plumber in Georgetown is $62,893 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.24. This figure is pulled from localized data for the Georgetown metro area, which closely aligns with broader benchmarks.

How does this stack up? The national average for plumbers is $63,350/year. Georgetown sits just slightly below the national average, which is common for many Texas cities outside of major coastal metropolises. The key here isn't the slight dip, but the context: a lower cost of living and high demand that can lead to consistent, year-round work.

The demand is tangible. There are currently roughly 192 plumbing jobs in the local metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which, while not explosive, represents steady, reliable expansion driven by new residential construction and the maintenance of aging infrastructure. In a growing town like Georgetown, that 6% can feel much more active on the ground.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Role	Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	Apprentice	$40,000 - $50,000
Mid-Career	Journeyman Plumber	$58,000 - $70,000
Senior-Level	Lead Service Tech / Foreman	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Specialist	Master Plumber / Business Owner	$85,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from Journeyman to Master Plumber isn't just about tenure; it's about licensing and specialization. In Georgetown, plumbers who specialize in commercial work (for schools, hospitals, or the new developments round Ronald Reagan Blvd) or high-end residential (in neighborhoods like Berry Creek) often command the top end of the mid-career range.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin: Higher salaries (often $67,000+), but cost of living is significantly steeper.
• San Antonio: Very similar salary range to Georgetown, but with a larger, more established job market.
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Offers higher median salaries (often $65,000+) but is more competitive.
• College Station: Similar growth profile, but with a different, more seasonal demand cycle tied to the university.

Georgetown offers a "sweet spot" for plumbers who want Austin-area wages without the Austin price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $62,893 salary sounds solid, but what does it look like in your bank account? Let's build a realistic monthly budget.

• Gross Monthly Income: $62,893 / 12 = $5,241
• Taxes (Est. 22% Effective Rate): -$1,153 (This includes federal, state, and FICA)
• Take-Home Pay (Est.): $4,088

Now, let's layer in costs. The average 1-bedroom rent in Georgetown is $1,220 per month. The Cost of Living Index is 97.6, meaning it's slightly below the national average.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Plumber Earning the Median:

• Take-Home Pay: $4,088
• Rent (1BR Apartment): -$1,220
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): -$280
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$550 (Georgetown is car-dependent)
• Groceries & Household: -$450
• Health Insurance (if not covered): -$300
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: -$300
• Remaining (Savings/Debt): $988

Can they afford to buy a home?
With $988 left over, a plumber at the median salary is in a decent position to save. In Georgetown, the median home price hovers around $350,000-$380,000. A 20% down payment would be $70,000-$76,000. Saving $1,000/month for a down payment would take 6-7 years. However, many first-time homebuyers use FHA loans with 3.5% down ($12,250-$13,300), which is far more attainable. With steady employment and a good credit score, buying a starter home within 2-3 years is a realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

The plumbing job market here is a mix of small, family-run businesses and larger regional players that service the entire Texas Hill Country. Here are the key employers to know:

1. S&ME, Inc.: A major engineering and environmental consulting firm with a significant presence in Georgetown. They often hire for construction materials testing and inspection, including plumbing system inspections for commercial projects. This is a great path for someone who wants to move out of the truck and into a project management role.
2. City of Georgetown: The municipal government is a steady employer, handling all public works, water utility, and maintenance for city facilities. Jobs here are competitive but offer excellent benefits and job security.
3. Kirby Lane & The Georgetown Hospital (St. David’s): The hospital and the many new commercial developments along the I-35 corridor require specialized medical gas and high-quantity plumbing systems. Contractors who service these large clients are always looking for certified technicians.
4. Local Residential Builders (e.g., Gehan Homes, Perry Homes): With new subdivisions like Sun City Texas and the Villages at Berry Creek, the demand for new home rough-in and finish plumbing is constant. Working for a builder's preferred plumbing subcontractor can lead to consistent volume.
5. Austin-Area Plumbing Companies (e.g., Radiant Plumbing, Abacus Plumbing): Many larger Austin-based plumbing companies service the Georgetown area. They often have higher pay scales and more structured training programs but may require a longer commute into Austin for meetings or specific jobs.
6. Specialty Contractors (e.g., Hill Country Septic & Plumbing): For those interested in septic systems, water filtration, or well services—common needs in the more rural outskirts of Georgetown—these niche companies offer distinct career paths.

Hiring Trend: The biggest hiring wave is in residential service and repair. The aging housing stock in older Georgetown neighborhoods (like the historic district) requires constant maintenance, while new builds need plumbers for every phase. Commercial is growing but is more project-based.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, structured path to licensure, managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). You cannot legally perform plumbing work in Texas without proper licensure.

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete a minimum of 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a Master Plumber. You also need to complete 288 hours of classroom instruction (often through a union or trade school).
2. Journeyman Plumber Exam: After your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the Journeyman exam. The exam fee is $150. Once you pass, you are a licensed Journeyman and can work independently under a Master Plumber.
3. Master Plumber Exam: To become a Master Plumber, you need an additional 2 years of experience (12,000 total hours) and must pass the Master exam. The fee is $150. A Master Plumber can own a business and supervise apprentices.

Total Licensing Costs (Estimate): $300-$500 for exam and application fees, plus the cost of training courses (which can vary from $1,000-$3,000 depending on the program).

Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to becoming a licensed Journeyman is a minimum of 4 years. To become a Master Plumber, it's a minimum of 6 years.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your best friend. Georgetown is in the Austin region, and trade schools like Austin Community College offer relevant courses. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Central Texas Chapter in nearby Austin is also a top resource for apprenticeship programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your housing costs. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that make sense for a working plumber.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Downtown Georgetown	Historic, walkable, small-town charm. 10-15 min to most local jobs.	$1,350+	Ultra-short commute to local service calls. Walkable to restaurants and Square. Older homes mean repair work.
Sun City Texas	Adult 55+ community, very quiet, manicured. 15-20 min to anywhere.	$1,150 (in nearby areas)	Massive, ongoing construction and maintenance. Steady work for plumbing companies servicing this huge development.
The Villages at Berry Creek	Newer, suburban, family-oriented. 10-15 min to I-35.	$1,250	New homes = new plumbing systems. Great for builders' subcontractors. Good for raising a family.
Leander (near Georgetown border)	Fast-growing suburb, more affordable housing. 20-25 min to Georgetown center.	$1,100	Larger homes, often newer, with good garage space for tools. Direct access to I-35 for commuting to Austin-area jobs.
Rural Outskirts (e.g., Walburg, Weir)	Country living, large lots, peaceful. 25-30 min to Georgetown.	$900-$1,000 (for a small house)	Lower housing cost. Ideal if you want to start your own business and have a home base with a workshop.

Commute Reality: Traffic on I-35 is the main challenge. If you work for a company based in Georgetown but serving the Austin metro, your commute can vary wildly. Living in Leander or Berry Creek gives you good access to both markets.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career path isn't just about tenure; it's about strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: In Georgetown, the highest premiums are for:
  • Commercial/Industrial: Medical gas certification, backflow prevention, and large-system hydronics. These skills can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
  • High-End Residential: Working with luxury builders in areas like Cibolo Canyons requires precision and customer service skills, often with higher hourly rates or per-job commissions.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Tech to Lead Tech: You handle the most complex calls and mentor apprentices.
  2. Foreman to Project Manager: For commercial plumbers, this means overseeing entire jobsites.
  3. Master Plumber to Business Owner: With a Master license, you can start your own company. Georgetown's growth supports new businesses, especially those targeting the service/repair niche.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth will be driven by continued residential expansion and the maintenance of new infrastructure. The rise of "green" plumbing (water-efficient systems, tankless water heaters) and smart home integration (leak detection systems) will create new specialties. Plumbers who adapt to these technologies will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Steady Demand: Growth in both new construction and existing home maintenance.	Slightly Below-Average Salary: Compared to Austin, pay is a bit lower, though cost of living offsets it.
Manageable Cost of Living: Rent and housing are more affordable than in Austin.	Car Dependent: You need a reliable truck/van and will drive a lot.
Proximity to Austin: Can tap into a larger market and higher-paying gigs if needed.	Traffic on I-35: Commutes to Austin can be brutal; local roads get crowded during peak hours.
Quality of Life: Small-town feel with big-city amenities nearby. Good for families.	Licensing Time: Requires a long, structured apprenticeship. Not a quick career change.
Opportunity for Business: A growing town is ripe for new, local plumbing businesses.	Competition: For the best jobs (city, hospital, top builders), you'll need to be licensed and skilled.

Final Recommendation:
Georgetown is an excellent choice for plumbers who are patient, skilled, and looking for a long-term, stable career in a growing community. It's not a place for a get-rich-quick scheme, but it's a place where a licensed journeyman can build a solid middle-class life and a master plumber can build a thriving business. If you value a blend of small-town community, access to urban amenities, and steady work, Georgetown should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

Q: How is the job market for apprentice plumbers in Georgetown?
A: It's active, but competitive. Your best bet is to apply directly to established local companies (like those mentioned in the employers section) and express a willingness to learn. Enrolling in a state-approved apprenticeship program makes you a much stronger candidate.

Q: Do I need to have my own tools and vehicle?
A: Yes. As a professional plumber, you are expected to have a basic set of hand tools. Most companies require you to have your own truck or van, though some may provide a vehicle for service techs. Factor in vehicle maintenance and insurance costs.

Q: Is the work seasonal in Georgetown?
A: Less so than in northern states. While there's a slight dip in extreme summer heat, the mild winters mean repair work is year-round. New construction is the most seasonal, often slowing in the hottest and coldest months.

Q: What's the best way to network with other plumbers in the area?
A: Join the Austin Chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC). They hold meetings, training, and social events. Also, frequent local supply houses (like Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery or Winnelson Co.)—they're hubs for industry gossip and job leads.

Q: How does the cost of living affect a plumber's salary here?
A: Positively. With a Cost of Living Index of 97.6, your $62,893 salary in Georgetown goes further than the same amount in Austin (where the index is over 110). You'll have more disposable income after rent and essentials, allowing for better savings or a higher quality of life.

Sources: Data compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), Zillow Rent Data, BestPlaces.net Cost of Living Index, and local Georgetown economic development reports.