The Killeen, TX Plumber's Career Guide

Welcome to Killeen. If you're a plumber looking for a new spot, you've picked a city with a unique pulse. It’s a military town, a college town, and a growing central Texas hub all rolled into one. This isn't a guide written from a corporate office in Austin or Dallas. This is written from the ground, looking at the nuts and bolts of building a plumbing career right here in Bell County.

Killeen isn't just about Fort Hood (now renamed to Fort Cavazos, though locals still call it "the Hood"). It's a city of 159,635 people with a cost of living index of 91.8, meaning your dollar stretches further than the national average. For a plumber, that’s a significant advantage. It means the work you do—whether it's a simple leak in a duplex near the base or a full system install in a new subdivision off I-14—can translate into a comfortable life.

Let's break down what your career looks like here, from your first paycheck to your retirement plan.

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

The numbers tell a clear story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, a plumber in the Killeen-Temple metro area has a solid earning potential. The median salary for a plumber here is $61,791/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.71/hour. This is slightly below the national median of $63,350/year, but that gap closes when you factor in the lower cost of living. With 319 plumber jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth of 6%, the demand is steady and reliable.

Here’s how your earning potential breaks down by experience level. This isn't just about time on the job; it's about the licenses you hold and the complexity of work you can handle.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Killeen-Specific Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $50,000	Often starts as a helper or apprentice. You'll be learning the tools, local codes, and working under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Focus is on residential service calls and basic installs.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	2-5 years	$55,000 - $70,000	You have your Texas journeyman license. You can work independently on most jobs. This is where you start to see real growth, especially if you get into commercial work or start specializing.
Senior (Master Plumber)	5-10+ years	$70,000 - $90,000+	A Master Plumber license is the key here. You can pull permits, run your own business, and take on complex commercial and industrial projects. This is where the $61,791 median salary is the floor, not the ceiling.
Expert / Business Owner	10+ years	$90,000 - $120,000+	Running a successful plumbing company in Killeen. Your income is tied to your business acumen, reputation, and ability to manage crews. The military and hospital contracts can be very lucrative.

How Killeen Compares to Other Texas Cities:
Killeen's salary is competitive within the state's landscape. In Austin, you might see a higher median salary (closer to $68K), but the cost of living is drastically higher. In Dallas-Fort Worth, salaries are similar to Austin but competition is fierce. San Antonio has a cost of living and salary range similar to Killeen. Insider Tip: Your dollar goes furthest in Killeen compared to the major metros. A $61,791 salary here feels like a $75,000+ salary in Austin when you're paying rent or a mortgage. The trade-off is that Killeen's job market is heavily influenced by the military, so it's less volatile than a purely tech-driven city like Austin, but it's also not growing at the explosive pace of Austin or DFW.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary is just a number until you see what's left after the government and your landlord get their share. We'll use the $61,791/year median salary for this breakdown. This assumes you're a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions.

• Annual Salary: $61,791
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes): ~$3,850
• Average 1BR Rent in Killeen: $900/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $61,791:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$900	This is the city-wide average. You can find places for less in older areas or more in newer complexes near the base.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$180	Texas summers mean high A/C bills. Killeen's climate is a factor here.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	A reliable truck or van is a tool of the trade. Insurance rates in Texas are mid-range.
Groceries	$350	A reasonable budget for one person. Killeen has HEB, Walmart, and Aldi, which helps keep costs down.
Health Insurance	$250	This varies wildly. If you're union (UA Local 286) or with a larger company, this could be lower.
Retirement/ Savings	$400	Aiming for 10-15% of your take-home is a good start.
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$200	For your cell phone, streaming, and other personal expenses.
Remaining / Discretionary	$1,170	This is your buffer for emergencies, hobbies, dining out, or putting extra toward debt or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, yes. This is one of the biggest advantages of being a plumber in Killeen. The median home price in the Killeen metro is around $230,000 - $250,000. With a $61,791 salary and a good credit score, a plumber can comfortably qualify for a mortgage. A 20% down payment on a $240,000 home is $48,000. While that's a significant amount, your strong, stable income and the city's lower home prices make this a realistic goal within a few years of saving. Many plumbers I know in the area bought their first home within 5 years of starting their journeyman license.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

The job market here isn't a mystery; it's driven by a few key sectors. Knowing where to look can cut your job search time in half.

1. Fort Cavazos (Formerly Fort Hood): This is the economic engine. The post itself employs thousands of civilian maintenance workers. The real opportunity, however, is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the private contractors that service the base. These contractors handle everything from barracks and family housing to the massive training facilities. Hiring is often tied to government contracts, so periods of high activity (like new construction projects) mean more jobs.

2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: The largest hospital in the region. Hospitals have complex, critical plumbing needs: medical gas lines, sterile water systems, and massive HVAC/boiler systems. They employ in-house facilities teams and use specialized contractors. These are high-paying, steady jobs if you can get them.

3. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): With over 40 campuses, KISD is a major employer for tradespeople. You'd be on the facilities team, handling everything from leaky faucets in classrooms to repiping entire schools. The work is stable, with good benefits and summers off (though you'll work on projects then).

4. New Construction Subcontractors: Killeen is constantly expanding, especially in the Harker Heights and Nolanville areas. The biggest local players are firms like Richey Construction and Hill Country Builders. They're always looking for licensed plumbers for rough-in and finish work on subdivisions. This is where you can make great money, especially with overtime, but it's physically demanding and weather-dependent.

5. Local HVAC & Plumbing Firms: Companies like Kennedy Plumbing, Heating & Cooling and Professional AC & Plumbing are staples. They handle residential and light commercial service and installation. These are the most common entry points for apprentices. They offer a mix of service work (troubleshooting) and installation, which is great for building a broad skill set.

6. Industrial Plants: The Temple-Belton metro area, just a 30-minute drive, has major industrial plants. While not in Killeen proper, they're part of the local job market. Facilities like Baylor Scott & White's production plants or manufacturers in the Temple industrial park often need industrial plumbers/pipefitters for maintenance.

Insider Tip: The hiring trend is shifting. There's a shortage of licensed plumbers, especially master plumbers. Companies aren't just posting jobs; they're actively recruiting. If you have your Texas journeyman or master license, you can call most of these companies directly and get an interview. Don't just rely on job boards. Pick up the phone.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear path to licensure, but it requires dedication. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) governs it all.

Requirements:

1. Apprentice Plumber: You must register as an apprentice. You need to log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber and complete 288 hours of classroom instruction over a 2-4 year period.
2. Journeyman Plumber: After your apprenticeship, you must pass the journeyman exam. You need to show proof of your 8,000 hours and 288 classroom hours. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Texas-specific laws.
3. Master Plumber: This is the top tier. You need to have been a journeyman for at least 5 years, pass a more complex exam, and you can now pull permits and run your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Program (Local UA 286): Tuition is around $2,500 total for the 4-year program (books included). This is a union program that provides structured training and leads directly to a journeyman license.
• Independent Apprenticeship: You can work for a non-union company and get your training on the job. You'll still need to pay for your classroom hours at a community college like Temple College (which offers a plumbing program). Total costs can be $3,000 - $5,000 for the education portion.
• Exam Fees: The journeyman exam fee is $150. The master plumber exam fee is $150. License renewal is every two years and costs $170 (journeyman) or $180 (master).
• Timeline: From day one as an apprentice to holding a journeyman license typically takes 4 years. Reaching master plumber status adds another 5+ years. The entire path from apprentice to master is a 9-10 year journey, which is standard nationwide.

Insider Tip: If you're not from Texas, your out-of-state experience does count, but you'll still need to go through the Texas exam process. The TSBPE website has a specific pathway for out-of-state applicants. Don't assume your license transfers; it doesn't. You must get licensed here.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your rent. Here’s a local’s guide to areas plumbers gravitate toward.

1. Harker Heights: This is the go-to for many plumbers. It's a separate city but part of the Killeen metro. It has a lower crime rate, better schools, and more modern homes. The commute to Killeen is easy via Hwy 240. It's where you raise a family. Rent Estimate: A 1BR here is slightly higher, around $950 - $1,100.
2. Killeen – Central & South: The core of the city. Older homes, which means more service work (galvanized pipe replacements, sewer line issues). It's close to everything—base, hospital, downtown. Commute to any job site is a breeze. Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR.
3. Nolanville: A small town east of Killeen, growing fast. It's a quiet, community feel with new construction subdivisions. If you work for a new construction subcontractor, this could be your backyard. Commute to Killeen is about 20 minutes. Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments, but houses to rent are around $1,200+. You might share a house with a roommate.
4. Fort Cavazos (On-Base Housing): For those who work directly for the base or a major contractor. Housing is available for military families and civilians with jobs on post. It's convenient but has strict rules. Rent Estimate: Varies, but often based on BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing).
5. Temple (30-minute drive): If you work at the industrial plants or the massive Baylor Scott & White facilities in Temple, living there cuts your commute. It's a larger, more diverse city with a different feel. Rent Estimate: Similar to Killeen, around $900 for a 1BR.

Commuter Insight: Traffic is not a major issue in Killeen. The worst bottleneck is near the base gates during shift change. Most plumbers live within a 15-20 minute drive of their job site. A truck with good gas mileage is more important than a short commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Killeen isn't linear; it branches out.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas: Plumbers certified in medical gas piping earn a significant premium, especially at Baylor Scott & White. This certification can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
• Industrial Pipefitting: Working on large-scale industrial systems (welding, high-pressure pipes) in the Temple area can pay $35-$45+/hour.
• Backflow Prevention: Getting certified to test and install backflow prevention devices is a requirement for commercial properties. It's a low-cost certification with high demand for annual testing visits.
• Drain Cleaning & Camera Inspection: Mastering trenchless repair (lining pipes) and advanced drain cleaning is a huge money-maker in residential service.

Advancement Paths:

1. The Employee Path: Journeyman -> Senior Plumber -> Service Manager or Lead Installer. You stay with a company, gain expertise, and move into management. Stable, with benefits.
2. The Specialist Path: Journeyman -> Master Plumber -> Business Owner. You start your own one-person shop focused on a niche (e.g., residential repipes, commercial service). Higher risk, higher reward.
3. The Union Path (UA Local 286): If you join the plumbers and pipefitters union, you get structured pay scales, great benefits, and access to large-scale projects (like work on the base or in industrial plants). The union hall in Killeen is a key networking hub.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 6% job growth over 10 years and a retiring workforce, the outlook is strong. The military's presence ensures a baseline of demand for facilities maintenance. The healthcare sector (Baylor Scott & White) is expanding. The housing market is steady. A plumber who gets their master license in the next 5 years will be in a prime position to start their own business and capitalize on the continuous demand for both service and new construction. Insider Tip: The biggest opportunity in the next decade is in the aging housing stock. Homes built in the 80s and 90s in areas like Harker Heights are now reaching the age where major plumbing overhauls are needed. Plumbers who specialize in whole-house repipes and sewer line replacement will never be out of work.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,791 salary buys a comfortable life and makes homeownership a real possibility.	Dependent on Military: The economy can wobble if base personnel numbers change. Diversification is key.
Steady Demand: The 10-year growth of 6% and constant base/hospital needs mean you won't be fighting for jobs.	Limited "Prestige": It's not a high-profile, trendy city. If you crave a vibrant arts or nightlife scene, look to Austin.
Diverse Work: You can do residential service, new construction, commercial, or hospital work—all within a 30-minute drive.	Summers are Brutal: Working in attics and direct sun in July and August is physically punishing.
Great for Families: Good schools (especially in Harker Heights), safe neighborhoods, and a community feel.	Small-Town Politics: Business and networking can be influenced by who you know. Building a strong local reputation is crucial.
Gateway to Central Texas: You're an hour from Austin and within a 2-hour drive to