Plumber in Kenner, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Kenner Stands

If you're a plumber thinking about moving to Kenner, the numbers tell a clear story. Kenner's plumbing market is a solid, reliable place to build a career, though it won't make you rich overnight. You're looking at a median salary of $61,658/year, which breaks down to $29.64/hour. This is actually slightly below the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. This small gap is typical for many skilled trades in the New Orleans metro area; the trade-off is a lower cost of living that can stretch your paycheck further.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are currently about 126 plumbing jobs listed in the metro area (which includes Kenner, Metairie, and New Orleans). The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady and reliable. It's not the double-digit growth you might see in a booming tech city, but it means the demand for your skills isn't going away. Kenner is a suburb firmly anchored to the economy of New Orleans, and as that city rebuilds and ages, so does the demand for skilled tradespeople.

To give you a clearer picture of how your earnings might progress, here’s a realistic breakdown based on local and national trends for plumbers in the Kenner area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Annual Salary Range (Kenner, LA)
Entry-Level Plumber	0-2 years	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level Plumber	3-7 years	$58,000 - $68,000
Senior Plumber	8-15 years	$69,000 - $85,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$86,000 - $105,000+

When you compare Kenner to other Louisiana cities, the context becomes important. The median salary here ($61,658) is on par with cities like Baton Rouge for the trade, but lower than what you might command in the booming industrial corridors near Lake Charles or in the wealthier suburbs of Shreveport. However, it's significantly higher than in rural parts of the state. You're in a sweet spot: access to a major metro job market (New Orleans is a 15-minute drive) without the intense competition or higher costs you'd find in the city core itself.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. How far does that median salary of $61,658 actually go in Kenner? Let's break it down into a monthly budget. (Note: This is a simplified estimate for a single filer; actual take-home pay will vary based on deductions for health insurance, retirement, etc. We're using an estimated 22% effective tax rate for this bracket.)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $61,658 / 12 = $5,138
• Estimated Take-Home (after ~22% taxes): $4,007
• Average 1BR Rent in Kenner: $865/month

Sample Monthly Budget for a Plumber in Kenner:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$865	This is for a decent apartment in areas like Metairie or central Kenner.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Higher in summer due to AC; lower in winter.
Groceries	$400	Based on USDA low-cost food plan for one adult.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Kenner; public transit is limited.
Gas/Transportation	$200	Commuting to jobsites across the metro.
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-provided plan; deductibles vary.
Retirement Savings	$200	Strongly recommended; start with 401(k) if offered.
Incidentals/Discretionary	$462	For phone, dining out, entertainment, etc.
Total Expenses	$3,007
Remaining (Buffer)	$1,000	This is your discretionary cash or savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is one of Kenner's biggest draws. With a take-home of over $4,000/month and a rent cost of only $865, you're building significant savings capacity. The average home price in Kenner hovers around $275,000 - $325,000. With a 10% down payment ($27,500 - $32,500), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance might run you around $1,800 - $2,100/month. After setting aside money for savings and a larger housing budget, you'd still have a reasonable cash flow for other expenses. This is a realistic goal for a mid-career plumber ($68,000+) after a few years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenner's Major Employers

Kenner isn't a corporate headquarters town; it's a residential and commercial hub with a thriving service economy. Most plumbing jobs are with local contractors, but there are several major employers and hiring trends to know.

1. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service: A major national franchise with a strong presence in the New Orleans metro. They handle residential and commercial calls and are often hiring for service technicians. Expect a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
2. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Kenner/Metairie: Another key franchise, known for focusing on residential repair and installation. They often seek plumbers with strong customer service skills and clean driving records.
3. Southeastern Plumbing & Mechanical: A significant local contractor that works on larger commercial projects, including schools, hospitals, and multi-family housing. This is where you find more complex, project-based work. They often hire for journeymen and foremen.
4. Ochsner Health System: Ochsner has a major medical complex in Kenner (Ochsner Kenner). While their in-house facilities team is key, they also contract with local plumbing firms for ongoing maintenance, renovations, and new construction. Getting on a preferred vendor list here can mean steady work.
5. Jefferson Parish Public Schools: The school system is a massive entity. Their facilities management division has a dedicated plumbing staff for maintaining hundreds of buildings, or they contract with large firms like Tulane Construction or Domi Construction (both active in the area) for major projects.
6. Industrial & Marine Contractors: The Port of New Orleans and the surrounding industrial corridor (including the nearby Louisiana International Marine Terminal) rely on specialized industrial plumbers and pipefitters. Companies like Baker Concrete Construction and The Lemoine Company are major players in this space.
7. Local Specialties: Kenner has a high concentration of restaurants and hotels (especially near the airport). Companies specializing in commercial kitchen plumbing and grease trap maintenance have a constant demand. Roussel's Plumbing & Heating is a long-standing local company that serves many of these businesses.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards tech-savvy plumbers. Employers are looking for candidates comfortable with using tablets for estimates, GPS routing, and digital invoicing. The chronic shortage of skilled labor means companies are more willing to train apprentices with a good attitude and driver's license. The biggest hiring pushes are in the spring (for renovation season) and after hurricane season (for repair work).

Getting Licensed in LA

Louisiana's licensing process is managed by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). It's a structured process that protects both the trade and the public.

Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship: You don't need a license to work as an apprentice under a licensed master plumber. This typically requires 4-5 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training plus classroom hours.
2. Journeyman Plumber: After completing your apprenticeship, you can take the journeyman exam. You must have at least 4 years of experience. The exam covers plumbing codes (based on the International Plumbing Code, which Louisiana adopts with amendments), safety, and business and law. The exam fee is $75.
3. Master Plumber: To become a master plumber and own a business, you need at least 2 years of journeyman experience. The master plumber exam is more comprehensive and includes more business and law components. The exam fee is $75.
4. Contractor's License: If you want to start your own plumbing business (bid on jobs over $10,000), you need a state contractor's license (Residential or Commercial). This requires a separate exam, proof of financial stability, and a surety bond. The initial application fee is around $300.

Timeline & Costs:

• Apprentice to Journeyman: 4-5 years (on-the-job training is the bulk of this).
• Journeyman to Master: 2+ years.
• Total to Business Owner: 6-7+ years.
• Total Licensing Exam Fees: $150 (Journeyman + Master).
• Additional Costs: Study materials, tools, and potential prep courses can add $500 - $1,500. The biggest "cost" is your time.

Insider Tip: Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. If you hold a valid license in one of those states, the process can be simplified. Always check the LSLBC website for the latest forms and requirements before starting the process.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Kenner offers a range of lifestyles. Your choice depends on your commute tolerance, desire for walkability, and budget.

1. Central Kenner (70062): This is the classic Kenner suburb. It's centrally located, with easy access to I-10 and Veterans Memorial Boulevard. You can find older, affordable homes and newer apartments. It's a short drive to the airport and Ochsner Kenner. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,000. Commute: 10-20 minutes to most jobsites in Kenner/Metairie.
2. Williams Boulevard / Airport Area (70062): This area is dominated by the airport and government buildings. It's less residential but offers newer apartment complexes and some condos. The benefit is proximity to the airport and major highways. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,200. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most of Kenner; 20-25 minutes to New Orleans.
3. Lake Pontchartrain / Rivertown (70073): This is the eastern edge of Kenner, closer to the lake and the historic Rivertown district. It's quieter, with a more scenic feel, but can feel a bit isolated. You'll find older homes and some newer developments. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950. Commute: 15-25 minutes to central Kenner; 20-30 minutes to New Orleans.
4. Metairie (Adjacent, 70001/70005): While technically a separate city, Metairie is seamlessly connected to Kenner and a major source of jobs. It's more urban, with better walkability, more restaurant options, and a younger demographic. Rents are higher but offer more amenities. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,400. Commute: 10-20 minutes to most Kenner jobsites; 15-25 minutes to New Orleans.
5. The Old Metairie area is especially popular for those wanting a more established neighborhood feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Kenner doesn't have to plateau. With the right focus, you can significantly increase your earnings and job security.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial/Industrial Pipefitting: This is the highest-paying specialty. Working on industrial sites, hospitals, or large commercial buildings can boost your pay by 15-25% above the residential median.
• Medical Gas: Certification in medical gas plumbing (for hospitals, labs) is a rare and highly valued skill. It can add a $5,000 - $10,000 annual premium to your salary.
• Backflow Prevention: Many municipalities and commercial properties require certified backflow testers. This certification can lead to a steady stream of side work or a higher rate from employers.
• Green Plumbing & Water Efficiency: As water costs rise, expertise in high-efficiency systems and greywater recycling is becoming more desirable, especially in new construction.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Office: Move from a service technician to a sales estimator or project manager. This leverages your hands-on knowledge for better pay and a desk job (with occasional site visits).
2. Supervisory Roles: Become a foreman or crew lead, managing a team of plumbers on larger projects. This is a natural step for senior journeymen.
3. Business Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. With a Master Plumber license and contractor's license, you can start your own shop. This carries the highest risk but also the highest reward. A successful small plumbing business in Kenner can net an owner $150,000+ per year.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady, but the real opportunity lies in the aging infrastructure of the New Orleans metro. The region's water and sewer systems are old, and buildings from the 1960s-80s are due for major repipes. Plumbers who specialize in whole-house repiping, trenchless repair, and sewer line replacement will be in high demand for the next decade. The push for energy-efficient water heaters (heat pump models) and smart home leak detection systems will also create new service niches.

The Verdict: Is Kenner Right for You?

Kenner is a pragmatic choice for a plumber. It's not a glamorous career launchpad, but it's a stable, affordable place to build a solid middle-class life and even start a family business.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary ($61,658) goes much further here than in many metro areas.	Lower Ceiling than Coastal Cities: You won't hit the same top-end salaries as in San Francisco or New York, though the cost of living difference is vast.
Steady Job Market: Anchored to the resilient New Orleans economy, with a 6% long-term growth outlook.	Hurricane & Flood Risk: This is a non-negotiable reality. You need flood insurance, a preparedness plan, and the resilience to handle post-storm demand surges and disruptions.
Home Ownership is Achievable: A realistic goal for a mid-career plumber, providing long-term financial stability.	Summer Heat & Humidity: The climate is brutal for 4-5 months a year. Outdoor work can be grueling and requires constant hydration and sun protection.
Access to Major Metro: You get the job diversity of New Orleans (hospital, industrial, historic) without the higher rents of the city.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable truck/van. Public transit is not a viable option for most commutes or work travel.
Recession-Resistant Trade: Plumbing is always needed, especially in a city with aging infrastructure and a high demand for storm repairs.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Kenner is a suburb. If you're looking for a vibrant, 24/7 urban experience, you'll be driving to New Orleans or Metairie.

Final Recommendation:
If you are a journeyman or senior plumber seeking a stable, affordable career with a clear path to homeownership and even business ownership, Kenner is an excellent choice. It's ideal for those who value practical, long-term financial security over a fast-paced, high-cost urban lifestyle. If your primary goal is to hit the absolute maximum salary in the shortest time and you thrive in a dense, competitive city environment, you might find New Orleans or another major city more exciting. But for sustainable living in a trade that will always be in demand, Kenner is a smart bet.

FAQs

1. How does the hurricane season impact a plumber's work and income?
It's a double-edged sword. The months leading up to the peak of the season (June-November) can be slow as residents and businesses defer maintenance. However, after a storm, there is a massive, immediate surge in demand for repair work—leaks, damaged pipes, and failing sump pumps. Successful plumbers often save more aggressively during the slow periods to cover potential disruptions and then work significant overtime during the post-storm rush. Companies that specialize in emergency response often see their highest annual profits in the fourth quarter.

2. Do I need to work for a company, or can I do side work as a licensed journeyman?
As a licensed journeyman, you can perform work under the supervision of a master plumber or a licensed contractor. You cannot legally bid on or contract for plumbing work independently. Many licensed journeymen do side work (with permission from their employer), but it's a gray area. The safest path is to work for a licensed contractor or, if you have your master license, start your own business with proper insurance. Insurance companies and clients will require proof of licensure and liability coverage.