Plumber in Houston, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Houston Stands

As a plumber in Houston, you're operating in one of the nation's most robust construction and maintenance markets. The city's relentless growth, humid climate, and aging infrastructure create a constant demand for skilled tradespeople. Let's break down the numbers, which are competitive on a national scale but must be weighed against Houston's specific cost structure.

The median salary for a plumber in Houston is $63,388/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.48/hour. This figure is slightly above the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. The metro area boasts 4,622 plumbing jobs, a testament to the size and scale of the local market. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, a steady, reliable increase driven by new housing developments and commercial projects.

Experience is the most significant factor in your earning potential. Here’s how salaries typically break down:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice duties: trenching, pipe cutting, assisting senior plumbers, basic fixture installation.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$58,000 - $70,000	Independent service calls, complex repairs, commercial rough-ins, code compliance.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Project lead, specialized systems (medical gas, fire sprinklers), mentoring apprentices, estimating.
Expert/Owner (15+ yrs)	$85,000+	Business owner, master plumber, large-scale project management, consulting.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where you see the biggest pay increase. Specializing in commercial work or a niche like medical gas or hydronics can push you into the higher brackets faster than sticking with residential service alone. Houston's massive health sector (Texas Medical Center) and industrial plants (along the Ship Channel) pay premiums for these specialties.

Compared to other major Texas cities, Houston's plumber salary is competitive:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Slightly higher median (around $65,000), but cost of living is also marginally higher.
• Austin: Higher median (around $66,000), but rent is significantly steeper, making Houston's net take-home more attractive for many.
• San Antonio: Lower median (around $58,000), with a lower cost of living, offering a different value proposition.

Houston's position is unique: it offers big-city job volume (4,622 positions) with a cost of living that is, on average, more manageable than Austin or Dallas, especially for homeowners.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until it's hit with reality. Houston has a favorable tax environment, but rent is on the rise. Let's model a budget for a plumber earning the median salary of $63,388/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $63,388
• Estimated After-Tax Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,050 (after federal, FICA, and Texas state tax. Texas has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage).
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,135/month (City-wide average).
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash): $150/month (Houston is hot; A/C is a major cost).
• Car Payment/Gas/Insurance: $600/month (Houston is car-dependent; a reliable truck/van is essential for work).
• Groceries & Essentials: $500/month.
• Healthcare/Insurance: $300/month (varies by employer plan).
• Savings/Retirement (10%): $528/month (highly recommended).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Monthly Net Income: $4,050
• Fixed Expenses (Rent, Utilities, Car, Healthcare): $2,185
• Variable Expenses (Groceries, etc.): $500
• Total Essential Spending: $2,685
• Remaining for Savings/Leisure/Debt: $1,365

This leaves a manageable buffer. However, the key question for most tradespeople is homeownership.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible with strategy. The median home price in the Houston metro is roughly $325,000. A 20% down payment ($65,000) is a high barrier. A more realistic path for a single plumber earning the median is:

1. Buy a "starter" home in a less central neighborhood (see below) for $250,000-$280,000.
2. Utilize an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment ($8,750 - $9,800).
3. Focus on building equity rather than a dream home initially.

A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $260,000 home with a 3.5% down FHA loan would be roughly $1,800-$1,900. This is higher than rent, but you're building equity. It's tight on a $63,388 salary without a dual income, but it's a common path for skilled tradespeople who pair their income with a partner's or who specialize for higher pay.

Where the Jobs Are: Houston's Major Employers

Houston's plumbing job market is diverse, spanning residential service, large-scale commercial construction, and industrial maintenance. Here are the major types of employers:

1. Large Commercial & Industrial Contractors:

   • M.A. Mortenson Co. (National but large Houston presence) – Major player in commercial and industrial projects, including data centers and wind farms. They hire for large-scale mechanical systems.
   • Brasfield & Gorrie – A leader in healthcare, industrial, and commercial construction. They are consistently building new hospitals and facilities around the Texas Medical Center and in the suburbs.

2. Major Residential Builders:

   • Lennar – One of the largest homebuilders in the nation, with massive developments in Houston suburbs like Katy, The Woodlands, and Pearland. Consistent hiring for rough-in and finish plumbing crews.
   • Perry Homes – A Texas-based builder with a huge footprint in the Houston market. They often have dedicated plumbing subcontractors but also hire directly for their larger operations.

3. Institutional & Public Sector:

   • The Texas Medical Center (TMC) & Affiliated Hospitals (MD Anderson, Houston Methodist, Texas Children's) – This is a goldmine for specialized plumbers. Hospitals require constant maintenance, renovation, and new construction. They hire in-house maintenance staff (often union) and use large mechanical contractors. Insider Tip: Getting certified in medical gas piping is a direct ticket to a high-paying, stable job here.
   • Houston Independent School District (HISD) – With over 270 schools, HISD has a large in-house facilities and maintenance department. These are union (IBEW) positions with excellent benefits and pensions. The hiring process is competitive but stable.

4. Mechanical & Plumbing Service Companies:

   • Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning – A large, locally-owned residential and commercial service company. Known for aggressive marketing and high volume, they hire many apprentices and service techs.
   • Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical – Another major player in the service space, offering a clear career path from apprentice to master plumber.

5. Union Shops (UA Local 68):

   • The United Association Local 68 is the primary union for plumbers and pipefitters in the greater Houston area. They control many of the large commercial and industrial projects, especially in the petrochemical and power generation sectors along the Ship Channel. Union apprenticeship programs offer structured training, competitive wages, and benefits. Insider Tip: Getting into the UA Local 68 apprenticeship is a long-term investment in your career, especially if you're interested in industrial work.

Hiring Trends: There's a clear shift towards specialized, high-skill work. General service plumbers are plentiful, but those with commercial experience, backflow certification, or knowledge of advanced systems (like hydronic heating or industrial process piping) are in higher demand. The massive I-45 expansion project and ongoing hospital builds are creating specialized mechanical construction jobs.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear but rigorous licensing process managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Here’s the step-by-step guide.

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom instruction. This is typically done through a registered apprenticeship program (union or non-union).
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must apply for and pass the Journeyman Plumber exam. It's a two-part test: a written portion (on code and theory) and a practical portion.
   • Cost: Exam fee is ~$125, license application fee is ~$200 (total ~$325).
   • Timeline: You can take the exam as soon as you've met the hour requirements. The process from application to receiving your license can take 1-3 months after passing.
3. Master Plumber License: To work independently, pull permits, or run your own business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires a minimum of 12,000 hours as a journeyman and passing a more rigorous exam.
   • Cost: Exam fee ~$125, license application fee ~$200 (similar to journeyman).
   • Timeline: This is a longer-term goal, typically 3-5 years after becoming a journeyman.

Key Point: Texas does not have a statewide "license reciprocity" with most other states. If you're licensed elsewhere, you'll likely need to meet Texas's specific hour requirements and pass their exams. However, if you hold a valid license from another state that has an exam based on the Uniform Plumbing Code, you may be eligible for a waiver of the Texas exam. Check directly with the TSBPE.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Houston massively impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is vast (over 600 square miles), and traffic is legendary. Here's a neighborhood breakdown tailored for a plumber.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
The Heights	Historic, walkable, trendy. Central to downtown and inner-loop commercial jobs. Commute to suburbs can be long.	$1,350	Proximity. Close to many older homes needing service and renovation. Great for side work.
Katy	Family-oriented suburb, master-planned communities. Commute to downtown is 45-60 mins, but easy access to major builders.	$1,200	Affordability & Growth. Where the big residential builders are active. Lower rent, ideal for buying a starter home.
Pearland	Growing suburb south of downtown. Mix of single-family homes and new construction. Commute to Medical Center is good.	$1,150	Strategic Location. Close to the TMC and new residential developments. Good balance of rent and commute.
The Woodlands	Upscale, wooded suburb north of Houston. Corporate hub (Exxon, Chevron). Longer commute to downtown (1hr+).	$1,400	High-Income Clients. Wealthier clientele for service calls. Many large corporate facilities needing maintenance.
Galleria/Uptown	Urban, high-end apartments, no yard. Commute is easy to central business district.	$1,550	Not Ideal. High rent, no space for a work truck/tools. Best for young professionals with roommates, not a plumber starting out.

Insider Tip: For a plumber, Katy or Pearland offer the best balance. You're close to the highest volume of new construction, and your rent is lower, freeing up money for a down payment on a house in the same area. Avoid the inner loop unless you have a partner with a second income or you're a senior plumber earning well above median.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth over 10 years is solid, but your personal growth can outpace that with the right strategy.

• Specialty Premiums: This is where you break the median salary ceiling.

  • Industrial/Process Piping: Working on refineries or chemical plants along the Ship Channel can pay $40-$50+/hour. Requires specific safety certifications and often union membership.
  • Medical Gas Piping: A certified medical gas installer can earn $35-$45+/hour. Essential for any hospital work in the Texas Medical Center.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification to install and test backflow preventers is a lucrative add-on, often for commercial clients.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Superintendent: Move from tools to management, overseeing crews on large projects.
  2. Project Estimator/Manager: Use your field experience to bid and manage jobs for a contractor.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Start with small service calls and side jobs, then grow. Houston's sprawl means you can target a specific suburb and build a loyal clientele.

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for skilled plumbers will remain strong. New housing starts in suburbs like Katy and League City, coupled with the continuous need to maintain Houston's aging water and sewer infrastructure, ensures steady work. The biggest risk is automation, but plumbing's hands-on, problem-solving nature makes it highly resistant. Your long-term security lies in specialization and building a reputation for reliability.

The Verdict: Is Houston Right for You?

Houston is a city of extremes: high heat, massive sprawl, incredible economic opportunity, and a low tax burden. For a plumber, it's a market with immense potential but specific challenges.

Pros	Cons
High Job Volume (4,622 jobs) – Never a shortage of work.	Brutal Summer Commute – Summer traffic in 100°F heat is draining.
No State Income Tax – Keeps more of your $63,388 salary.	Car Dependence – You must have a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Diverse Specialization Opportunities – From TMC hospitals to petrochemical plants.	High Summer A/C Bills – Impacts your monthly budget.
Relatively Affordable Rent – Avg. 1BR at $1,135 vs. national hotspots.	Hurricane/Storm Risk – Requires emergency planning and can disrupt work.
Strong 10-Year Growth (6%) – Long-term stability is likely.	Urban Sprawl – You might live far from friends or entertainment.

Final Recommendation: Houston is an excellent choice for a plumber who is adaptable, entrepreneurial, and specialized. If you're willing to start in residential service, get your journeyman license quickly, and then specialize in a high-demand area (commercial, medical, industrial), your earning potential can far exceed the median. The city rewards hustle and skill. It's less ideal for those who prefer walkable urban living without a car or who are wary of extreme weather. For a motivated plumber, Houston is a place to build a solid career and potentially a business.

FAQs

1. I'm licensed in another state. Can I work immediately in Houston?
Likely, no. Texas does not have robust reciprocity agreements. You must apply to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, submit proof of your hours and license, and may be required to take the Texas exam. Start this process before you move.

2. How important is a truck/van for a plumber in Houston?
Essential. Houston is a "drive-to" city. For service work, you need a reliable vehicle to carry tools, parts, and ladders. Many residential service companies require you to use your own truck (with a stipend), while larger contractors will provide one. A truck is also a major part of your professional image.

3. What's the best way to find an apprenticeship?
Contact UA Local 68 for their union apprenticeship program (highly competitive, excellent benefits). Also, reach out directly to large mechanical contractors (M.A. Mortenson, Brasfield & Gorrie) and check the TSBPE website for registered apprenticeship programs. Networking at trade shows or through local plumbing supply houses (like Ferguson) can also open doors.

4. Is Houston's climate a real issue for plumbing work?
Yes. The heat and humidity are physically demanding, and working in attics in the summer is punishing. However, it also means year-round work—no seasonal shutdowns for cold weather. You'll need to prioritize hydration and heat safety. The big issue is the soil: Houston's clay soil expands and contracts dramatically, putting stress on underground pipes. This creates constant repair and new installation work, which is good for job security.

5. Can I really make a good living on the median salary of $63,388?
Absolutely, but it's about managing your budget. Houston's no-income-tax status helps. If you live in a suburb like Katy or Pearland, keep your housing costs near or below the average, and avoid excessive car payments, you can live comfortably, save for a home,