Plumber in Jackson, TN

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Jackson, Tennessee.

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The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Jackson isn't where you chase the absolute top dollar in the trades. It's where you build a solid, stable career with a cost of living that doesn't bleed your paycheck dry. The median salary for a plumber here is $60,936/year, which breaks down to a hourly rate of $29.3/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but that number doesn't tell the whole story. When you factor in our low cost of living, that salary stretches much further than it would in a major metro.

The job market is steady, with about 136 plumbing jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is a healthy, sustainable pace. It means there's consistent demand for skilled tradespeople, especially as Jackson's population and infrastructure continue to mature.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Like any trade, your earning potential in Jackson grows with your expertise. Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect at different stages of your career:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Average Annual Salary (Jackson)
Entry-Level/Apprentice	0-2 Years	$38,000 - $45,000
Mid-Level/Journeyman	2-8 Years	$50,000 - $68,000
Senior/Lead Technician	8-15 Years	$65,000 - $78,000
Expert/Foreman	15+ Years	$75,000 - $90,000+

Data compiled from local job postings, state averages, and industry conversations. The $60,936 median sits firmly in the mid-level range.

How Jackson Compares to Other Tennessee Cities

Jackson offers a "Goldilocks" scenario for plumbers. It's not as slow as rural markets, nor as expensive and competitive as the state's major cities.

• Nashville: Salaries can be 15-20% higher, but the average 1BR rent is often double what you'll find in Jackson. Competition is fierce, and you're often just another number in a massive crew.
• Memphis: Similar salaries to Jackson, but with a higher cost of living and a different economic landscape. Jackson's community feel is stronger.
• Knoxville: A growing tech hub, driving up costs. Salaries might edge out Jackson's, but the housing market is more competitive.
• Chattanooga: Similar to Jackson in many ways, but with a more tourism-focused economy. Salaries are comparable.

Insider Tip: In Jackson, your reputation is your currency. Word-of-mouth travels fast in our city's tight-knit trades network. A single job done exceptionally well can lead to dozens of referrals, something harder to leverage in a transient, high-density city like Nashville.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be direct about the numbers. A $60,936/year salary sounds good, but what's the reality after Uncle Sam and the landlord get their share? Jackson's affordability is its greatest strength.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $60,936

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$5,078	$60,936 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes (25%)	-$1,270	Includes federal, state, and FICA. Varies by deductions.
Take-Home Pay	$3,808	This is your net income.
Average 1BR Rent	-$866	Jackson's average. You can find quality 1BRs for $750-$950.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	-$180	Varies by season and apartment size.
Groceries	-$350	For a single person.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$450	Depends on your vehicle; Jackson is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	-$250	If purchased independently, or your share through an employer.
Retirement Savings (10%)	-$500	Highly recommended for long-term stability.
Discretionary Spending	-$912	Entertainment, dining out, hobbies, etc.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. This is where Jackson truly shines for a tradesperson. With a take-home pay of $3,808 and a disciplined budget, saving for a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in Jackson is around $180,000 - $220,000. A 20% down payment ($36k - $44k) might seem daunting, but with low rent, you could save $1,000 or more per month. At that rate, you could have a solid down payment in 3-4 years. Many local lenders offer programs for first-time homebuyers and skilled trades professionals. It's a realistic goal, not a distant dream.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The plumbing job market here is a mix of large companies, family-owned shops, and commercial contractors. You won't find the massive national chains dominating the landscape as you do in larger cities. Here are the key players:

1. Bartlett & Cook: A major player in the region with a strong commercial and residential division. They are a preferred contractor for many of Jackson's new construction projects. They have a reputation for investing in training and often hire apprentices directly.
2. Cates Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing, family-owned business in Jackson. They focus on residential service and repair. This is the kind of shop where you build a long-term career and become a familiar face in the community.
3. Jackson Energy Authority: While not a traditional plumbing company, they maintain a large utility workforce that includes technicians for water, gas, and sewer line maintenance. These are stable, unionized positions with excellent benefits. They are a major employer in the area.
4. West Tennessee Healthcare (Regional Hospital): The largest employer in the county, with over 6,000 employees. The facilities department at the main hospital and its clinics is constantly in need of licensed plumbers for maintenance, repairs, and renovation projects. The work environment is professional and dependable.
5. City of Jackson (Public Works): The city employs plumbers and utility workers to maintain the municipal water and sewer systems. These jobs offer great job security, a pension, and a standard 40-hour work week. They are competitive but worth watching on the city's job board.
6. Local General Contractors: Many smaller construction companies like Harding Construction or Ridge Construction handle commercial and residential builds and need to subcontract plumbing work. Building a relationship with one of these firms can lead to consistent project work.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards more commercial and industrial work as Jackson's industrial park (near the I-40 and I-155 split) expands. Companies like Goodyear and Amazon have facilities here, requiring constant plumbing support. Residential service remains a steady, reliable bedrock. The biggest challenge for employers? Finding the next generation of licensed plumbers. If you have your license, you're in a strong negotiating position.

Getting Licensed in TN

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) handles all contractor licensing. It's a straightforward process, but you must follow it precisely.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a formal apprenticeship program. This typically involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (4-5 years) and 144 classroom hours per year. You can join through a union (UA) program or a non-union apprenticeship.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for a Journeyman Plumber license. This requires proof of your completed hours and passing a state exam.
3. Master Plumber License: If you want to run your own business, you'll need a Master Plumber license. This requires being a licensed Journeyman for at least 5 years, passing a more advanced exam, and providing proof of financial responsibility (bonding).

Costs and Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Time: 4-5 years. Cost: Often minimal, as you're paid while you learn. Union programs may have small fees.
• Journeyman Exam Fee: Approximately $150.
• Master Plumber License Fee: Approximately $300.
• Bonding/Insurance: To operate your own business, you'll need a surety bond (can be a few hundred dollars annually) and liability insurance ($1M is standard, costing $1,000 - $3,000/year).

Insider Tip: The exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local amendments. Jackson and Madison County generally follow the IPC. Get a copy of the codebook and study it thoroughly. Many local supply houses, like Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery or Crescent Supply, offer prep materials or can point you to local study groups.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Jackson impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of areas popular with tradespeople.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
North Jackson	Close to major employers like Goodyear and the industrial park. Easy access to I-40 for service calls across the city. Mostly residential, quiet, and affordable.	$750 - $900
Midtown/West Jackson	The historic heart of the city. Older homes mean more service and repair work for local plumbers. Close to downtown restaurants and West Tennessee Healthcare. Commutes are easy.	$700 - $850
South Jackson	More suburban feel with newer subdivisions. Closer to shopping centers and the commercial corridor along Highway 45 Bypass. Good for plumbers who do a lot of new construction.	$800 - $950
The Villages at Westpark	A planned community in West Jackson. Modern apartments and townhomes. It's a popular choice for young professionals and tradespeople who want updated amenities and a quick commute to most job sites.	$900 - $1,100
Near Union University	A quiet, well-kept area with a mix of students and families. Good access to I-40 and 412 Bypass. A bit more removed from the industrial core but great for those who prefer a campus-adjacent atmosphere.	$800 - $950

Personal Insight: Most plumbers I know live in North Jackson or Midtown. North Jackson is unbeatable for minimizing commute time to industrial sites and new builds. Midtown offers more character and puts you in the middle of the city's service area, which can be a plus for an on-call technician.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Jackson doesn't have to plateau. The path to higher earnings involves specialization and moving into management.

• Specialty Premiums: General service plumbers are the backbone, but specialists earn more. Getting certified in medical gas ($2-5/hour premium), backflow prevention, or hydronic heating can make you indispensable. Commercial plumbing, especially for industrial facilities, also commands a higher wage due to the complexity and codes involved.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Technician: Overseeing a crew of 2-3 plumbers on larger jobs.
  2. Service Manager: Handling scheduling, dispatch, and customer relations for a plumbing company.
  3. Project Foreman: Managing a specific construction project from start to finish.
  4. Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. With a Master Plumber license and a good reputation, you can start your own shop, focusing on a niche like high-end residential remodels or commercial service contracts.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The biggest opportunity lies in the aging workforce. As the current generation of master plumbers retires, there will be a significant vacuum for new business owners and lead technicians. If you have your Master's license and a business plan, you'll have no shortage of opportunity. The push for water efficiency and green building codes will also create demand for plumbers with specialized knowledge in these areas.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

This isn't a city of glitz and glamour; it's a city of grit and opportunity, perfectly suited for a hands-on profession.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Nashville or Memphis.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from industry, healthcare, and residential.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: It's a quieter city; not for those who crave a bustling urban scene.
Strong Community: Building a reputation is easier and more valuable.	Car-Dependent: You'll need a reliable truck/van and a good driving record.
Manageable Competition: Fewer licensed plumbers per capita than major metros.	Slower Growth: The pace of new construction is steady, not explosive.
Realistic Homeownership: You can actually afford to buy a house here.	Limited Public Transit: Not ideal if you don't want to drive.

Final Recommendation:

Jackson, TN, is an excellent choice for plumbers at the mid-level journeyman stage or for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. It's not the place to become wealthy overnight, but it's a fantastic place to build a stable, comfortable, and respected career. If you value work-life balance, a low cost of living, and the chance to become a cornerstone of your local community, Jackson is a hidden gem. It's a place where you can own a home, raise a family, and retire with dignity on a plumber's salary—a dream that is increasingly out of reach in most other parts of the country.

FAQs

1. Do I need a state license to work as a plumber in Jackson?
Yes. To perform any plumbing work valued at $25,000 or more, you must hold a license from the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance. For smaller jobs, local permits are still required. It's always best to be fully licensed to avoid fines and liability.

2. How's the weather for plumbing work?
Tennessee has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, which can make attic and crawlspace work challenging. Winters are generally mild, but we do get occasional ice and snow that can freeze pipes and create emergency call volume. Spring and fall are ideal.

3. Is union or non-union work more common?
Both are present. The United Association (UA) Local 518 has a strong presence and offers excellent training and benefits. There are also many reputable non-union residential and commercial shops. Your choice depends on your personal preference for benefits structure and work variety.

4. What's the demand for emergency service calls?
High. Our clay soil can shift with heavy rains, putting stress on sewer lines. Tree roots are a constant issue in older neighborhoods. Having an on-call rotation can be a significant source of overtime pay, especially during winter freezes.

5. How long does it take to get established as a new plumber in Jackson?
If you're a licensed journeyman moving from another state (reciprocity is common), you can start working immediately. Building a client base if you start your own business could take 1-2 years. If you're starting as an apprentice, you're looking at a 4-5 year path to a journeyman license and true financial independence.

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Sources: Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters; local job board analysis; Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance; Zillow rent data; and local economic reports. Cost of Living Index from Sperling's BestPlaces.