Plumber in Hampton, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Hampton Stands

As a local, I’ve seen the plumbing trade in Hampton evolve from a steady, blue-collar backbone to a specialized field with real earning potential. The data confirms it: the median salary for a plumber in Hampton is $62,855/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.22/hour. That’s a solid, reliable wage in a city where the average 1BR rent hovers around $910/month and the cost of living index sits at 97.4 (just under the US average of 100). For context, Hampton’s metro population is 137,098, which creates a steady demand for skilled trades without the overwhelming competition you’d find in a major metropolis like Richmond. The job market for plumbers here is healthy, with approximately 274 jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is driven by ongoing development in areas like Peninsula Town Center, aging housing stock in older neighborhoods, and the constant maintenance needs of our industrial and military bases.

To give you a clearer picture of what you can expect to earn as you build your career, here’s a breakdown of salary levels based on experience. These figures are derived from local industry surveys and BLS data, reflecting the Hampton market specifically.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Workday Context
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice roles, new construction rough-ins, basic service calls under supervision.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$58,000 - $68,000	Journeyman status, independent service/repair, moderate project work.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Lead technician, complex diagnostics, commercial/industrial projects, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$85,000 - $100,000+	Master plumber, business owner, niche specialist (medical gas, backflow, etc.).

When you compare Hampton to other Virginia cities, the numbers are competitive, especially considering the lower cost of living. Richmond’s median salary for plumbers is slightly higher (around $65,000), but rent for a 1BR averages over $1,200/month. Norfolk/Virginia Beach has a larger job market and higher salaries (median around $64,500), but the cost of living is also higher, and the commute from Hampton to those hubs can be brutal during peak hours. Hampton offers a compelling balance: a wage that stretches further, with a reasonable commute within the Peninsula. For a plumber with a family, this financial breathing room is a significant advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. A median salary of $62,855/year translates to a monthly take-home pay of approximately $3,980 after federal taxes, FICA, and Virginia state tax (roughly a 23% effective tax rate for this bracket). With Hampton’s average 1BR rent at $910/month, you’re left with $3,070 for all other expenses. This is a comfortable position, but discipline is key. Below is a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single plumber earning the median wage. This assumes a standard 401(k) contribution of 5% and no other major debt.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	% of Take-Home Pay	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$910	22.9%	Well below the 30% rule, leaving room for savings.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	5.0%	Hampton's moderate climate helps keep HVAC costs reasonable.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	11.3%	Essential for service work; a reliable truck/van is a must.
Fuel & Maintenance	$250	6.3%	Driving to jobs across the Peninsula (Phoebus, Bethel Manor, etc.).
Groceries & Household	$450	11.3%	Living near Food Lions and Krogers helps manage costs.
Health Insurance	$300	7.5%	If not covered by an employer (common for smaller shops).
Dining/Entertainment	$250	6.3%	Enjoying local spots like The Grey Goose or a waterfront meal.
Clothing/Personal Care	$100	2.5%	Work boots and gear are a recurring cost.
Savings/Debt/Other	$1,060	26.6%	This is your key to wealth.
TOTAL	$3,970	100%	A very manageable budget with significant savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, with discipline. The median home price in Hampton is around $285,000. With $1,060/month in surplus savings, you could save for a $20,000 down payment (about 7% of the home price) in under two years. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (approx. 7%) on a $265,000 loan would be around $1,760/month. While a jump from a $910 rent payment, it’s manageable if you pair up with a partner or wait for a mid-level salary bump. Many plumbers I know in Hampton live in neighborhoods like Foxhill or Wythe, where older homes are more affordable and a good fixer-upper can be a great investment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Insider Tip: The real secret to buying a home here isn't just your salary; it's your overtime. Many local shops, especially those servicing the military bases (Langley AFB, Fort Monroe), offer significant overtime for emergency calls and weekend projects. Earning an extra $10,000-$15,000 in overtime annually can supercharge your savings and make homeownership a near-term reality.

Where the Jobs Are: Hampton's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in Hampton is anchored by a mix of large contractors, union shops, and local service companies. Hiring trends indicate a strong demand for journeyman and master plumbers, particularly those with commercial/industrial experience. Here are the key players:

1. M. A. Mortenson Co.: While a national firm, their regional office has a major presence on the Peninsula, often working on large-scale projects like hospital expansions or university builds (e.g., at Thomas Nelson Community College). They hire for project-based plumbing roles, which are great for building a portfolio. Hiring is often seasonal and tied to project bids.

2. Atlantic Plumbing Services: A well-established local contractor based in Hampton, they handle a mix of residential new construction and commercial service. They’re known for hiring apprentices from the local union (UA Local 602) and have a steady pipeline of work from the ongoing development around the Peninsula Town Center area.

3. G. H. Daw & Company: A historic Hampton institution, this firm does extensive work on the city's aging infrastructure and historic homes in areas like Phoebus and Olde Hampton. They prioritize plumbers with experience in older piping systems (cast iron, galvanized) and are a great shop for long-term, stable employment.

4. David W. Jones & Sons: A major mechanical contractor serving the Hampton Roads area, they often have projects at large employers like Riverside Health System or Hampton University. They frequently seek plumbers with medical gas certification, a high-demand specialty in this region.

5. Local Service Companies (e.g., Absolute Plumbing, All Plumbing): These are the backbone of the residential service market. They hire for service technician roles, which are great for those who enjoy troubleshooting and direct customer interaction. The pay is often a base + commission model, with top performers earning well above the median.

6. Government & Base Contracting: The single largest source of work is the government. Plumbers with clearances or who work for contractors servicing Joint Base Langley-Eustis or the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (just north on the Eastern Shore) see steady, high-paying work. Look for companies like Hensel Phelps or Brasfield & Gorrie when they have base-related projects.

7. Property Management Firms: Hampton has a large rental market. Companies managing apartment complexes in areas like Coliseum Central or near the Hampton Coliseum need reliable plumbers for turnover maintenance and emergency repairs.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia’s licensing process is managed by the Virginia Board of Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Fire Sprinkler Contractors. It’s a clear, structured path, but it requires time and dedication. Here’s the breakdown:

Step 1: Apprentice Registration. You must register as an apprentice with the state before you start working. This is straightforward and costs about $25. You’ll need to find a journeyman or master plumber to sponsor you. Most local shops have an established apprenticeship program.

Step 2: Journeyman Plumber License. This is your first major milestone. You need:

• Experience: 4 years (8,000 hours) of practical plumbing experience under a licensed plumber.
• Education: Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program or equivalent classroom training.
• Exam: Pass the Virginia Journeyman Plumber exam. The exam fee is approximately $150.
• Total Cost (excluding labor): $175 (Registration + Exam).

Step 3: Master Plumber License. To work independently or own a business, you need a Master License.

• Experience: 2 additional years (4,000 hours) as a journeyman.
• Exam: Pass the Virginia Master Plumber exam (exam fee ~$150).
• Total Cost: $150 (for the exam; no separate registration fee).

Timeline: From day one as an apprentice to holding a Master License could take 6 years. However, you can start earning as a journeyman after 4 years. The Virginia Board’s website is your best resource for current forms and exam details. Remember, in Virginia, you must have a Master Plumber’s license to pull permits for work, which is where the real business opportunity lies.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. Here are four neighborhoods suited for a plumber, considering commute times, local amenities, and rental costs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Pros for a Plumber	Avg. 1BR Rent (Est.)
Foxhill	Quiet, residential, mid-century homes. 10-15 min drive to most of Hampton.	Affordable rents, older homes mean steady repair/service work, close to grocery stores and schools.	$850 - $950
Phoebus	Historic, charming, walkable. 15-20 min to downtown Hampton, a bit longer to central areas.	Unique character, lots of historic home maintenance work, great local restaurants.	$900 - $1,000
Coliseum Central	Urban, bustling, commercial hub. 5-10 min to most jobs.	Proximity to employers, restaurants, and entertainment. Newer apartment complexes.	$1,000 - $1,200
Wythe	Family-friendly, suburban feel. 15-20 min commute. Mix of older and newer homes.	Great for families, good schools, and a mix of residential service opportunities.	$950 - $1,100

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to buy, the Buckroe Beach area offers older, often more affordable homes with great rental potential. Many plumbers buy here, fix up the place, and use their skills to add value (new plumbing, kitchen/bath remodels) before moving or renting it out.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for plumbers in Hampton is stable to positive. The 6% job growth is tied to population stability and infrastructure needs. However, to maximize your earnings, you can’t just stay a generalist. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums: Certain certifications command higher pay. Medical Gas certification is a gold standard, given the proximity to Hampton's major hospitals (Sentara CarePlex, Riverside Regional Medical Center). Backflow Prevention certification is another high-demand, low-competition specialty. A master plumber with these certs can command $85,000-$95,000 easily.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician to Lead Tech: Move from hourly work to a salary + commission model, focusing on diagnostics and sales.
  2. Journeyman to Project Manager: For those with a commercial bent, managing projects for contractors like Mortenson leads to salaries over $90,000.
  3. Master Plumber to Business Owner: This is the ultimate goal. Running your own shop in Hampton can be lucrative. The key is to specialize—focus on a niche like trenchless sewer repair or water treatment systems for the many homes on well water in the area.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core demand will remain in service and repair due to aging housing stock. The biggest growth will be in green technology (PEX systems, high-efficiency water heaters) and water conservation systems. Plumbers who get ahead of these trends will see the best long-term prospects. The median salary of $62,855 today could realistically push into the $75,000+ range in 10 years with experience and specialization.

The Verdict: Is Hampton Right for You?

Hampton offers a compelling package for a plumber: a strong job market, a cost of living that doesn't eat your paycheck, and a community that values skilled trades. It’s not a get-rich-quick city, but it’s a place where you can build a stable, prosperous career and a great quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is a Major Plus: Your salary stretches further here than in nearby Norfolk or Richmond.	Summer Heat & Humidity: Working in attics and crawlspaces in July/August is brutally hot.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Base work, hospitals, and residential service provide multiple income streams.	Hurricane Risk: Coastal location means potential work disruption from storms (post-storm demand can spike).
Reasonable Commutes: You can live affordably and be at most job sites within 20 minutes.	Limited High-End Nightlife: If you crave a big-city vibe, this isn't it. Portsmouth or Norfolk are a quick drive.
Strong Community for Trades: Unions (UA Local 602) and contractor networks are active and supportive.	Dependence on A Vehicle: Public transport is limited; a reliable truck/van is non-negotiable.

Final Recommendation: Hampton is an excellent choice for plumbers at any career stage, especially those with families or who are looking to buy a home. It’s a "workhorse" city—you put in your time, you get paid well, and you can afford a good life. It’s not the flashiest market, but it’s durable and rewarding. If you’re a self-starter who can handle the summer heat, you’ll find a welcoming and lucrative community here.

FAQs

1. Do I need to join the union to find good work in Hampton?
No, but it can be a huge advantage. UA Local 602 has a strong presence on the Peninsula, offering structured apprenticeships, excellent benefits, and steady work on large commercial projects. Many non-union shops also offer competitive pay and benefits, especially for service plumbers. The key is to get your license—employers will hire you with it, union or not.

2. How is the work-life balance for plumbers here?
It varies by employer. Service companies often have on-call rotations, which can mean nights and weekends. However, many residential and smaller commercial shops are Monday-Friday, 7 am-3:30 pm. The median salary of $62,855 is achievable with a standard work week, but overtime for emergency calls is common and can significantly boost income.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for a new plumber in Hampton?
The old housing stock. You’ll encounter lead pipes, galvanized steel, and cast iron sewer lines that were installed decades ago. It requires a different skill set than working with modern PEX and PVC. Apprenticeships with older, established companies (like G. H. Daw) are invaluable for learning these antiquated systems.

4. Can I run my own plumbing business in Hampton?
Yes, but you must hold a Master Plumber license from the Virginia Board. The market is competitive but has room for specialists. A successful local niche is servicing the many historic homes in Phoebus and Olde Hampton, where homeowners value craftsmen who understand preservation. Start with a solid business plan and insurance.

5. How do I handle the licensing exam?
The Virginia exam is known for being thorough. The state board provides content outlines. Many apprentices in Hampton use resources from the Hampton Roads Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association or local trade schools for prep courses. Hands-on experience