Plumber in Lafayette, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Lafayette Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lafayette’s plumbing trade is a solid, dependable path. It’s not a boomtown like some energy hubs, but it’s a stable, growing market with a unique Cajun character. The numbers confirm it: the median salary for a plumber in Lafayette is $60,879/year, which breaks down to a solid $29.27/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but that gap narrows when you factor in Louisiana’s lower cost of living.

The job market here is specific. We have 242 plumbing jobs in the metro area. That’s not a massive number, but it’s a tight-knit community where reputation is everything. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady, not explosive. This growth is driven by an aging housing stock—many homes in Lafayette were built in the 1970s and 80s—and consistent commercial development.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential, here’s a realistic breakdown based on local experience levels:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Lafayette, LA)
Entry-Level Apprentice	0-2	$40,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level Journeyman	3-8	$55,000 - $65,000
Senior Plumber	8-15	$65,000 - $75,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+	$75,000 - $90,000+

Compared to other Louisiana cities, Lafayette sits comfortably in the middle. New Orleans pays slightly more due to higher cost of living and more complex commercial projects, but the trade-off is a higher rent and insurance costs. Baton Rouge is very comparable. Shreveport and Lake Charles can vary; Lake Charles has seen volatility tied to the energy sector. For a stable, family-friendly environment with a strong community, Lafayette is hard to beat.

Insider Tip: The real money in Lafayette plumbing isn’t just in the base rate—it’s in the overtime and on-call work. Many local firms serve the oil and gas industry, which operates 24/7. Being willing to answer a call at 2 AM for a plant shutdown can add a significant premium to your paycheck.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. How does a $60,879 salary feel in your pocket in Lafayette?

First, the math. After estimated federal and state taxes (Louisiana has a progressive income tax), a single filer would take home roughly $48,000 to $50,000 annually, or about $4,000 to $4,167 per month. This is a simplification—your actual take-home depends on deductions—but it’s a realistic starting point.

Now, housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lafayette is $921/month. This is a major advantage. Let’s build a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Based on $4,100 take-home)	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$921	Average across the metro.
Utilities	$180	Electricity, water, trash. High in summer for A/C.
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages.
Transportation	$350	Car payment, gas, insurance. Essential in Lafayette.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement/ Savings	$300	Crucial for tradespeople.
Miscellaneous	$500	Entertainment, eating out, clothes, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,901
Remaining	~$1,199	For debt, savings, or a mortgage.

This budget is tight but manageable. The key is the low housing cost. With $1,199 left over, you’re in a strong position to save for a down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Lafayette is around $250,000. With a 6% interest rate and a 10% down payment ($25,000), your monthly mortgage would be roughly $1,350. This is higher than rent, but it builds equity. Given your budget surplus, you could save $25,000 in about 1.5-2 years. Homeownership is very realistic for a plumber in Lafayette, especially compared to larger markets.

Where the Jobs Are: Lafayette's Major Employers

Lafayette’s plumbing market isn’t dominated by one giant. It’s a mix of large commercial firms, specialized industrial contractors, and local residential companies. Here are the key players:

1. A & P Plumbing & Heating, Inc.: A local staple since 1982. They handle large commercial and industrial projects, including for the healthcare and education sectors. They’re a go-to for complex new construction and have a steady pipeline of work.
2. C & C Plumbing & Heating, Inc.: Another established local firm, heavily involved in the maintenance and service side. They have long-term contracts with businesses and institutions. They often hire for service technician roles, which are less physical than new construction but require strong diagnostic skills.
3. Thibodaux Plumbing & Heating, Inc.: While based in Thibodaux, they have a significant presence in the Lafayette metro, especially for larger commercial projects. They’re known for work in the oil and gas sector, which pays premium rates for emergency and shutdown work.
4. Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG): The City-Parish government is a major employer through its Public Works department. Jobs here offer great benefits, job security, and a pension. They handle water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. Hiring is less frequent but worth monitoring.
5. Lafayette General Health (now Ochsner Lafayette General): The major healthcare system is a constant source of plumbing and HVAC work. Hospitals have complex, sensitive systems requiring specialized knowledge. They often hire in-house maintenance staff or contract with large firms.
6. University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette): The university’s physical plant department employs maintenance staff for its sprawling campus. It’s a stable, public institution with good benefits.
7. Industrial Facilities (Plains All American Pipeline, Phillips 66, etc.): These companies, located in and around Lafayette, don’t hire plumbers directly but contract with the specialized firms listed above. Working for a contractor serving these facilities is where the highest wages are found.

Hiring Trends: There’s a quiet but growing demand for technicians skilled in modern systems—PEX, trenchless repair, and grease trap maintenance for the area’s booming restaurant scene. The oil and gas sector is cyclical, but the need for maintenance is constant. Residential service is always busy due to the old housing stock.

Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door with a commercial or industrial firm is often more lucrative long-term. The work is more consistent, and the training opportunities are better. Start there, then you can pivot to residential or start your own business once you have the experience and licenses.

Getting Licensed in Louisiana

Louisiana requires a state-level license to practice plumbing, which is administered by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). It’s a structured path, but it takes time and dedication.

The Pathway:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a registered apprenticeship program. This is typically 4-5 years (about 8,000 hours of on-the-job training) and requires 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. You can apply to the LSLBC to work as an apprentice.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can take the journeyman exam. This requires proof of your hours and classroom time. The journeyman license allows you to work independently under a master plumber.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber, you need at least 5 years of experience (which includes your apprenticeship) and must pass the master’s exam. This is the license you need to run your own business, pull permits, and supervise others.

Costs: Apprenticeship programs often have minimal tuition if you join through a union (like the United Association Local 60) or a non-union training center. Exam fees for the journeyman and master plumber licenses are typically a few hundred dollars each. The bigger investment is your time and tools.

Timeline: From day one as an apprentice to being a licensed journeyman is typically 4-5 years. To get your master’s license, you’re looking at 5-7 years total. The process is well-defined by the LSLBC, and their website is the definitive source for application forms and exam schedules.

Insider Tip: Union apprenticeships (UA Local 60) are highly respected in Louisiana and offer a structured, high-quality training path with strong benefits. Alternatively, many local contractors sponsor apprentices directly. If you go the non-union route, ensure your employer is registered with the LSLBC so your hours count.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Lafayette means choosing between a classic, walkable neighborhood and a quieter suburban life. The commute is rarely a major issue unless you’re working at a plant in the outlying areas.

1. Freetown-Port Rico: This is the artsy, historic heart of Lafayette. It’s walkable, full of character, and near downtown. You’re close to great restaurants and music venues. Commute to most job sites is under 15 minutes. It’s popular with younger tradespeople.

   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR/2BR apartment or cottage.

2. Youngsville: A separate city south of Lafayette, Youngsville has exploded in popularity for families. It’s quieter, with newer schools and more space. The commute to Lafayette is straightforward via I-10 or Ambassador Caffery Parkway (15-20 minutes).

   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR/2BR in a newer complex.

3. Carencro: North of Lafayette, Carencro offers a small-town feel with lower costs and quicker access to I-10 for jobs in the northern part of the parish or heading to Baton Rouge. It’s more residential and less trendy.

   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,050 for a 1BR/2BR.

4. Moss Street / Northside: This area is seeing revitalization and offers more affordable options. It’s historically working-class and has a strong community feel. Proximity to the north side of town and easy access to major roads is a plus.

   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR/2BR.

5. South Lafayette (Near I-10 / Verot School Road): This is the commercial corridor. It’s convenient for shopping, dining, and commuting to industrial sites south of the city. It’s less about neighborhood charm and more about convenience.

   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,150 for a 1BR/2BR apartment.

Insider Tip: If you’re working in the industrial sector, living in Youngsville or South Lafayette gives you a faster commute to the plants and refineries in the southern part of the parish. For commercial/residential work in the city core, Freetown or Carencro are great bases.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Lafayette has clear avenues for advancement and increased income.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest pay bumps come from specialization.

  • Industrial/Commercial: Working on high-pressure systems, boilers, or medical gas lines can add 15-25% to your base rate.
  • Trenchless Technology: Experts in pipe bursting and lining are in demand for minimal-disruption repairs, especially for the city’s aging sewer lines.
  • Gas Fitting: Adding a gas fitter license (separate from plumbing) allows you to work on residential and commercial gas lines, a high-demand niche.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field to Foreman: After 5-7 years, you can move into a supervisory role, managing crews and projects. This adds a salary premium but requires strong communication skills.
  2. Specialist to Consultant: With 10+ years and a master’s license, you can become a plumbing consultant for architects or engineers, or a code inspector for the city/parish.
  3. The Ultimate Goal: Business Owner: The master license is the key. Many successful local plumbing businesses in Lafayette are owned by former journeyman plumbers who started with a truck and a strong reputation. The low cost of living allows you to build capital faster.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is solid. The aging infrastructure and the need for new construction (especially for the growing healthcare sector at Ochsner and the university) will sustain demand. The biggest variable is the energy sector; a boom helps, but even in a downturn, maintenance is non-negotiable. For a skilled, licensed plumber, job security in Lafayette is high.

The Verdict: Is Lafayette Right for You?

Lafayette offers a unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle. It’s not a get-rich-quick market, but it’s a place where a skilled tradesperson can build a very comfortable, stable life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes further, especially for housing.	Lower Peak Salaries: Base rates are below national average and some Gulf Coast cities.
Strong Job Security: Steady demand from aging housing stock and institutions.	Cultural Shift: The Cajun culture is vibrant but can be a big adjustment for outsiders.
Tight-Knit Industry: Reputation matters and leads to long-term opportunities.	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer ultra-high-rise or historic preservation projects than in NOLA or NYC.
Excellent Food & Music: A world-class cultural scene outside of work.	Summer Heat & Humidity: Work is physically demanding in the long, hot summers.
Manageable Commute: You can live affordably and be at work in 15-20 minutes.	Hurricane Risk: Must be considered for property and insurance.

Final Recommendation:
Lafayette is an excellent choice for a plumber, especially a journeyman or master looking for a stable, affordable place to put down roots and potentially start their own business. It’s less ideal for an apprentice seeking the absolute highest starting wage, as the apprenticeship pay is tied to the local market. If you value community, good food, and a lower-stress lifestyle over a metropolitan salary, Lafayette is a fantastic fit. The path to licensing is clear, the employers are established, and the math for homeownership works.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best way to find a plumbing job in Lafayette?
A: The most effective methods are: 1) Contacting the local contractors listed above directly (A & P, C & C, etc.). 2) Checking the job boards of the City-Parish (LCG) and UL Lafayette. 3) Connecting with the local UA Local 60 union hall if you’re interested in union work. 4) Using Indeed or LinkedIn, but don’t rely solely on them—direct contact is key in this market.

Q: Do I need a vehicle for this job?
A: Absolutely. Lafayette is a car-centric city. You will need a reliable vehicle to get to job sites, which can be spread across the parish. A pickup truck is the standard for carrying tools.

Q: How does the hurricane season affect plumbing work?
A: It can create a boom-and-bust cycle. There’s a surge in repair and mitigation work after a storm (e.g., replacing flooded water heaters, sewer line repairs). However, severe storms can also cause widespread business closures. The most secure work is in emergency service and institutional maintenance, which is always needed.

Q: Is union membership common in Lafayette?
A: It’s not as dominant as in some industrial cities, but UA Local 60 has a strong presence, especially in commercial and industrial work. Many non-union shops also thrive. Both paths can lead to a successful career; the union offers structured benefits and pensions, while non-union shops may offer more flexibility.

Q: What’s the most important skill for a plumber starting in Lafayette?
A: Beyond technical skill, diagnostic ability is king. The housing stock is old, with a mix of materials (cast iron, PVC, galvanized). Being able to quickly and accurately diagnose problems—especially in tight crawls spaces common in older homes—is more valuable than just being able to solder or glue pipe.