Plumber in Jackson, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

As a plumber in Jackson, MS, you’re looking at a solid career path in a region where skilled trades are in consistent demand. The median salary for plumbers in the Jackson metro area is $61,582/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.61/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, a common trend in Mississippi due to the state’s overall lower cost of living. However, when you factor in Jackson’s affordability, that salary goes further than it would in many other parts of the country. The job market is stable, with an estimated 287 plumbers employed directly in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is driven by a mix of new construction, aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods, and a steady need for maintenance and repair work.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Jackson area:

Experience Level	Expected Annual Salary Range (Jackson, MS)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$40,000 - $52,000	Assisting senior plumbers, learning basic repairs (drain cleaning, fixture installation), trenching, and material handling.
Mid-Level	$55,000 - $68,000	Managing service calls independently, performing complex repairs (water heater installation, pipe rerouting), and basic commercial work.
Senior	$70,000 - $85,000	Leading project teams, specializing in commercial or industrial systems, troubleshooting major failures, and mentoring apprentices.
Expert	$85,000+	Designing plumbing systems for new builds, consulting on large-scale projects (hospitals, schools), and running your own successful business.

When comparing Jackson to other major Mississippi cities, the salary landscape is relatively consistent, though Jackson offers more opportunities for advancement due to its larger metro population (143,633) and concentration of major employers.

• Jackson vs. Gulfport-Biloxi: Salaries are similar, but coastal areas may see higher demand for hurricane-related repair work, which can lead to seasonal overtime. Jackson offers more year-round stability.
• Jackson vs. Hattiesburg: Jackson’s salaries are slightly higher, and the job market is more diverse, with less reliance on a single industry (like Hattiesburg’s tie to the university and military).
• Jackson vs. Memphis, TN (for comparison): While Memphis has a larger market and potentially higher pay (closer to the national average), the cost of living in Jackson is significantly lower, making your paycheck stretch further.

Insider Tip: The 6% job growth is a key indicator. It’s not explosive, but it’s steady and reliable. This means you won’t face feast-or-famine cycles common in boomtowns. Your skills will remain in demand for the long haul, especially if you specialize in commercial or industrial systems, which are abundant in Jackson’s industrial corridors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. Using the median salary of $61,582/year, here’s what your finances might look like living in Jackson.

First, your take-home pay after taxes (estimated at ~25% for federal/state/FICA) would be approximately $3,850/month. Jackson’s cost of living index is 90.7 (US average = 100), and the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $997/month. This is a favorable ratio compared to national hotspots.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$3,850	After ~25% estimated taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$997	Average across the metro. Can be lower in suburbs.
Utilities	$200 - $250	Includes water, electricity, gas. Jackson's climate (hot summers) can raise AC costs.
Groceries	$350 - $450	Local chains like Kroger, Publix, and Walmart are widely available.
Transportation	$300 - $450	Car insurance in MS is higher than average. Gas prices fluctuate.
Health Insurance	$250 - $400	Varies widely by employer. Some larger companies offer good plans.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$300 - $500	Dining out, hobbies, streaming services. Jackson has a growing food scene.
Savings/Debt	$600 - $900	Highly variable. This is where you build wealth.
Remaining Buffer	$0 - $500	This tight budget shows the importance of side work or a second income.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is a major advantage of Jackson. The median home price in the Jackson metro is around $175,000, significantly lower than the national average. With a good credit score and a down payment (3.5% FHA loan would be ~$6,125), a plumber earning $61,582 can comfortably afford a mortgage payment, especially when compared to the $997/month rent. Homeownership is a realistic goal within a few years of consistent work and saving.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbing companies offer take-home work vehicles, which can save you $300-$450/month on your personal car expenses (gas, insurance, maintenance). This is a critical benefit to negotiate during hiring, especially for service technician roles.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s plumbing job market is anchored by a mix of large commercial contractors, hospital systems, and dedicated service companies. Here are the key players:

1. Thompson, Inc. (Commercial/Industrial): A major player in the Southeast, Thompson handles large-scale projects for clients like the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and various military installations. They’re a top employer for experienced commercial plumbers, offering complex, high-value work and strong benefits.
2. Baker Roofing & Construction (Residential/Commercial): While known for roofing, this large contractor has a significant plumbing division for new residential construction and commercial remodels. They frequently hire apprentices and journeyman plumbers for their housing developments in areas like Flowood and Brandon.
3. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): As the state’s only academic medical center, UMMC has a massive, in-house facilities team. Their plumbers work on highly specialized medical gas and sterile water systems. It’s a stable, union-shop environment with excellent benefits and pension plans.
4. Canton Utilities (Municipal): Serving the Jackson metro, Canton Utilities employs plumbers and pipefitters for municipal water and sewer lines. Municipal jobs offer unparalleled job security, strong public sector benefits, and a pension. Competition for these roles is high.
5. Roto-Rooter (Franchise Service): A national name with a strong local presence in Jackson. They focus exclusively on service and repair work. It’s a good entry point for learning residential troubleshooting, with commission-based pay that can significantly exceed the median salary for top performers.
6. Caldwell & Sons (Residential Service): A long-standing, reputable local company specializing in residential service, repair, and replacement. They have a strong community reputation and often promote from within. They’re known for training and investing in their technicians.
7. Madison County Schools (Municipal): The school district employs maintenance plumbers for its numerous schools. This is another stable, public-sector role with good hours (no overnight emergencies) and benefits.

Hiring Trends: There’s a clear shift towards technology. Employers like Thompson and UMMC are increasingly looking for plumbers proficient with digital manifold gauges, video pipe inspection equipment, and CAD software for system design. The demand for traditional "wrench-turning" skills remains high, but tech-savvy plumbers command a premium.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a statewide journeyman license for plumbers, but it does require a license for contractors. For individual plumbers, the path is through apprenticeship and certification. Here’s the practical timeline and cost.

Requirements:

• Apprenticeship: A formal apprenticeship (4-5 years) is the standard path. This combines on-the-job training (2,000 hours per year) with classroom instruction. You can join through the Mississippi Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or a local union like the United Association (UA) Local 632 (Jackson).
• Licensing: Once you complete your apprenticeship, you can test for your Journeyman certification. To work as a Master Plumber (which allows you to pull permits and run your own business), you need 10 years of experience, including 2 years as a licensed journeyman, and must pass the state contractor exam.
• Costs: Apprenticeship programs often have low tuition (ABC program is ~$1,000/year). The journeyman test fee is around $150. The master contractor license exam is more expensive, with fees totaling $500+.

Timeline:

1. Year 1-2: Start as a helper or pre-apprentice. Enroll in an apprenticeship program. Focus on safety and basic skills.
2. Year 3-5: Complete your apprenticeship. Pass your journeyman certification. You can now work independently as a plumber.
3. Year 6-10: Gain experience, especially in commercial/industrial systems. Save money and study for the Master Plumber exam if you aim for business ownership.

Insider Tip: The most direct route to high earnings in Jackson is through a union apprenticeship with UA Local 632. While the application process is competitive, union plumbers in Jackson earn wages significantly above the median (often $35-$45/hour plus benefits) and have access to the most high-profile commercial projects.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Choosing where to live in Jackson depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods that work well for plumbers.

1. Flowood (East Jackson): This is a top choice for many tradespeople. It’s a safe, family-friendly suburb with excellent schools (Rankin County). Major employers like Thompson and numerous construction firms are based here or nearby. The commute to downtown Jackson is 15-20 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,200/month
   • Vibe: Suburban, new developments, big-box stores, and chain restaurants.

2. Madison (Northeast Jackson Metro): Affluent and quiet, Madison is home to many professionals and families. It’s close to the Natchez Trace Parkway and has top-tier schools. The commute to industrial areas is manageable (25-30 mins). Rents are higher here.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300/month
   • Vibe: Upscale, small-town feel, high property values.

3. Ridgeland (North Jackson): Situated along I-55, Ridgeland offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. It has a younger, more vibrant feel with shopping (Northpark Mall) and dining. Commute times are good to both downtown and northern suburbs.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,050 - $1,200/month
   • Vibe: Commercial corridor, diverse demographics, active lifestyle.

4. Belhaven / Fondren (Central Jackson): These are historic, walkable neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. You’ll find older homes, local cafes, and UMMC. Commutes to downtown or the airport are short (5-10 mins). Rents can be a steal for the location.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000/month
   • Vibe: Historic, eclectic, close to work, older housing stock (more repair opportunities).

5. Pearl (East of Jackson): A smaller, affordable suburb bordering Flowood. It offers lower rents and a straightforward commute via I-20. Good for those who want to save money or are starting out. It’s close to the Outlets of Mississippi and other retail.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,000/month
   • Vibe: Quiet, affordable, family-oriented.

Insider Tip: If you work for a company that does emergency calls, living centrally in Belhaven or Fondren can drastically reduce your response time (and stress) during off-hours, which may be valued by employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Jackson isn’t just a job; it’s a pathway to financial stability and business ownership. Here’s how to play the long game.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial/Industrial: This is the highest-paid sector. Plumbers with experience in medical gas (UMMC), industrial piping, or large-scale new construction can earn 15-25% above the median salary. Certification in medical gas or backflow prevention is a huge plus.
• Service & Repair: While base pay may be near the median, top service plumbers can exceed $80,000/year through commission and overtime. Specializing in water heater systems (tankless, hybrid) or advanced drain cleaning (hydro-jetting) increases your value.
• Business Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. A licensed Master Plumber can start their own service company. In Jackson, a well-run residential service business can generate $100,000+ in annual revenue within a few years, with low overhead if you start from home.

Advancement Paths:

1. Path A: Service Technician to Supervisor: Start with a company like Roto-Rooter or Caldwell & Sons. Move from a field tech to a team lead, then a service manager. This path avoids business ownership but offers stable management income.
2. Path B: Union Apprentice to Foreman: Enter UA Local 632. Work your way up to foreman on large commercial projects (Thompson, UMMC expansions). This path offers the highest union wages and benefits, with a clear leadership track.
3. Path C: Employee to Entrepreneur: Work for a commercial or service company for 5-7 years to learn the ropes and save capital. Get your Master Plumber’s license. Start a small service company, focusing on a niche like green plumbing or smart home installations.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is reliable, but the real opportunity is in the aging workforce. Many senior plumbers in the Jackson area are nearing retirement, creating a vacuum for skilled, licensed professionals. The baby boomer generation of plumbers is retiring, and there aren’t enough young people entering the trade. This means job security will be very high, and wages are likely to rise to attract talent. Those who specialize in modern systems (PEX, PEX-A, tankless water heaters) and commercial work will be in the strongest position.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $61,582 salary goes much further here than in most major US cities. Homeownership is a realistic goal.	Lower-Than-National Salary: The median is below the national average, though purchasing power is better.
Stable Job Market: 287 jobs and 6% growth indicate steady demand, not a boom-bust cycle.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity for commuting to job sites, which adds to transportation costs.
Diverse Employers: Options from municipal work (Canton Utilities) to high-tech medical systems (UMMC) to commercial construction (Thompson).	Hot, Humid Summers: Can be physically demanding for outdoor work, especially in attic spaces.
Lower Competition: Compared to larger metros, the competition for top jobs is less intense if you have the right skills.	Slower Pace of Life: If you’re used to a bustling, 24/7 city, Jackson’s quieter rhythm may feel slow.
Path to Business Ownership: A lower barrier to entry for starting your own plumbing business due to lower costs and a receptive market.	Some Neighborhood Decline: Parts of Jackson proper face economic challenges, so choosing where to live is important.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson, MS, is an excellent choice for plumbers who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and long-term career growth over the highest possible salary. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Apprentices and Journeyman Plumbers looking to build a solid foundation without the pressure of a high-cost city.
• Plumbers with families seeking good schools, safe neighborhoods, and the ability to own a home.
• Ambitious professionals who see a clear path to business ownership or management in the next 5-10 years.

If you’re a highly skilled, tech-savvy plumber willing to pursue commercial or industrial specializations, you can easily out-earn the median salary and build a very comfortable life here. Jackson may not be the flashiest city, but for a plumber, it’s a place to build a career, not just work a job.

FAQs

1. What’s the job market like for new apprentices in Jackson?
It’s competitive but accessible. The best opportunities are through formal programs with the ABC or UA Local 632. Start by applying directly to local contractors like Thompson, Inc. or Baker Roofing, even for helper positions, to get your foot in the door. Persistence is key.

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