Plumber in Lakewood CDP, NJ

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood CDP Stands

If you're a plumber thinking about Lakewood, the first question is always about the money. Let’s cut through the noise. In Lakewood CDP, the median salary for a plumber is $65,725/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $31.6/hour. This is slightly above the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. It’s not a massive premium, but it’s consistent with the cost of living in this part of New Jersey. The metro area, which includes Lakewood and surrounding Ocean County, has about 135 jobs for plumbers, with a solid 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn’t a boomtown for plumbing, but it’s a stable, reliable market. The demand is driven by Lakewood’s dense housing stock, older infrastructure in some neighborhoods, and ongoing commercial and residential development.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$60,000 - $70,000
Senior/Lead	8-15	$70,000 - $80,000
Expert/Owner	15+	$80,000+

Compared to other New Jersey cities, Lakewood sits in a middle ground. It’s a step below the high-end markets of Hudson County (Jersey City, Hoboken) where salaries can push $75,000+ for experienced plumbers, but it’s also more affordable than those areas. It’s comparable to cities like Brick or Toms River. The key is that $65,725 is the median—meaning many plumbers earn more, especially if they specialize or take on lead roles. For a single person or a dual-income household, this is a livable wage in Lakewood, but you’ll need to be intentional about your budget.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what $65,725 means for your monthly life in Lakewood. This is a data-driven budget, not a fantasy. You’ll have to account for federal taxes (approx. 14%), FICA (7.65%), and NJ state taxes (progressive, but let’s average 5-7%). After an estimated 25-30% total tax burden, your take-home pay lands around $4,000 - $4,200 per month.

Now, the biggest expense: rent. The average one-bedroom apartment in Lakewood CDP costs $1,743 per month. That’s a significant chunk of your take-home. Let’s build a sample monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary (post-tax take-home of ~$4,100):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,743	Average for Lakewood CDP
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Varies by season
Groceries	$450	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Lakewood; public transit is limited
Fuel & Maintenance	$150	Commuting to job sites across Ocean County
Healthcare	$200	Employer-sponsored plan co-pays/deductibles
Savings/Retirement (401k)	$300	Aiming for ~10% of gross
Discretionary (Food, Fun, etc.)	$500	Essential buffer
Total	$3,973	Leaves a small buffer of ~$127

This budget is tight but feasible. The $1,743 rent is the linchpin. It eats nearly 43% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. This means buying a home is a major challenge on a single plumber’s median salary. A typical home in Lakewood (a 3-bedroom) costs $350,000 - $450,000. With a $4,200 monthly take-home, a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would easily exceed $2,000/month, pushing you well over 50% of your income. To afford a home here, you’d need a dual income, a significantly higher salary (expert/owner level), or to look at more affordable neighboring towns in Ocean County.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood CDP's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in Lakewood isn't dominated by one massive company. It's a mix of local trades, regional contractors, and institutional facilities. The 135 jobs in the metro area are split between residential service, commercial new construction, and repair/maintenance. The 6% growth is steady, fueled by an aging population needing home modifications and a commercial sector that never fully stops.

Here are the key local players and where to look:

1. Crowley Plumbing & Heating (Lakewood): A long-standing local institution. They handle a wide mix of residential and light commercial work. They’re known for hiring apprentices and growing talent from within. A good first stop for someone new to the area. Hiring Trend: Consistent, looking for both service techs and installers.
2. Ocean Mechanical (Toms River, serves Lakewood): A larger regional contractor focused on commercial and institutional projects. They work on schools, municipal buildings, and healthcare facilities. This is where you go for bigger projects and potentially higher pay. Hiring Trend: Project-based, peaks with new construction cycles.
3. Brick & Block Plumbing (Neighboring Brick Twp.): A growing residential service company that aggressively serves the Lakewood market. They have a strong reputation for rapid response and are often hiring for service technician roles. Hiring Trend: Expanding, driven by housing demand.
4. RWJBarnabas Health (Community Medical Center, Toms River): While not a plumbing contractor, the hospital system is a major employer of in-house facility maintenance plumbers. These are stable, union-backed jobs with excellent benefits. The trade-off is a more rigid schedule. Hiring Trend: Always needs skilled trades for facility upkeep; check their careers page directly.
5. Lakewood Township Public Works: The municipality itself hires plumbers for water and sewer infrastructure maintenance. These are civil service positions with strong job security and pensions. They are highly competitive. Hiring Trend: Steady, with openings as retirees leave.
6. Local HVAC/Plumbing Hybrid Companies (e.g., All Seasons, Arctic Air): Many companies in Lakewood handle both. This doubles your skill set and employability. Look for "Plumber/HVAC Tech" roles. Hiring Trend: Very strong, as homes need integrated systems.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't advertised on big boards. Join the Ocean County Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 47 union hall. Many commercial and institutional jobs are union-only. Even for non-union shops, word-of-mouth is king. Walk into local supply houses like Ferguson or Hajoca and ask who’s hiring—they know.

Getting Licensed in NJ

New Jersey has strict licensing requirements, and Lakewood is in NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, Board of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors territory. You can't legally work as a master plumber without a license.

• Apprentice: You need to register with the state as an apprentice plumber. There's no cost for registration, but you must be enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program (like the one at Ocean County Vocational Technical School). This is a 4-5 year program combining classroom and on-the-job training.
• Journeyman: To become a licensed journeyman, you need 5 years (8,000 hours) of apprenticeship experience and must pass a state exam. The exam fee is around $150. You must work under a master plumber’s license.
• Master Plumber: This is the big one. You need 10 years of experience (with at least 2 as a journeyman), pass a more complex exam (~$150), and show proof of a $25,000 bond. The total cost for licensing and bonding can be $1,000 - $2,000 initially.

Timeline: If you start as an apprentice today, you’re looking at 5+ years before you can work independently as a journeyman. If you already have out-of-state experience, you'll need to get your credentials evaluated by the NJ Board, which can add 3-6 months. The process is bureaucratic and slow; plan for it.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Lakewood is about balancing commute, cost, and community. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Lakewood CDP (Central): You’re right where the action is. Lowest commute if you work for a local company. The rent is at the area average (~$1,750). It’s dense, busy, and convenient. Best for single plumbers or those without kids.
2. South Lakewood (near the Lakewood Country Club): Slightly more residential, quieter streets. Rents are similar, but you might find more single-family homes with basements (good for storage). Commute to any local job site is still under 15 minutes.
3. North Lakewood (near the Ocean County Mall): More commercial and retail. Slightly better access to Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway for jobs in Brick or Toms River. Rent is comparable. Good for those who want amenities close by.
4. Neighboring Brick Twp. (Lakewood border): A popular choice for tradespeople. Rents can be slightly lower (avg $1,600 for a 1BR), and you get more space. Commute to Lakewood jobs is a quick 5-10 minute drive. More suburban feel.
5. Neighboring Toms River (South): A bit farther but offers more rental options and a classic Jersey shore town vibe. Rent for a 1BR can be found $1,500 - $1,650. Commute to Lakewood is 15-20 minutes via Route 9 or the GSP. Good for those who want a different community feel.

Insider Tip: Parking in central Lakewood is a nightmare. If you have a work van or truck, prioritize a place with off-street parking. Look in the neighborhoods north of Route 88 or south of Catskill Ave for better parking situations.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing in Lakewood isn’t just a job; it’s a trade with clear advancement paths. The 6% growth means opportunities for those who specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: The real money is in niches.
  • Gas Line Specialist: With all the residential conversions to natural gas, this is high-demand. Can add $5-$8/hour to your base rate.
  • Backflow Prevention: Required for many commercial and irrigation systems. Certification is a must and commands a premium.
  • Medical Gas (Hospital Work): Requires additional certification but leads to lucrative, stable jobs at RWJBarnabas Health.
  • Green Plumbing/High-Efficiency Systems: As NJ pushes for energy efficiency, this knowledge is becoming valuable for new construction and retrofits.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Tech: Start here. Learn diagnostics, customer service.
  2. Lead Installer: Oversee installations, train apprentices.
  3. Foreman: Manage a crew and projects for a contractor.
  4. Project Manager: For the commercial side, managing budgets and timelines.
  5. Business Owner: Many experienced plumbers start their own one- or two-person shop. This is where the $80,000+ earners live, but it carries business risk.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is solid. The aging housing stock in Lakewood and neighboring towns (some homes built 50-70 years ago) guarantees steady repair and replacement work. The commercial sector, though cyclical, is bolstered by the healthcare and educational institutions in Ocean County. The biggest risk is economic downturn, which slows new construction but often increases repair calls. A plumber who stays adaptable—learning new codes, tech, and efficient systems—will remain in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 135 jobs and 6% growth offer security.	High Rent: $1,743 average rent strains a median budget.
Above-National-Avg Salary: $65,725 is competitive for the region.	Home Ownership is a Stretch: On a single income, buying is very difficult.
Diverse Employer Base: Options in residential, commercial, and institutional.	Cost of Living: Index of 112.5 means groceries, insurance, etc., are pricier.
Strong Union Presence: Local 47 offers good benefits and project access.	Traffic & Commute: Getting around Lakewood and to neighboring towns can be slow.
Insider Network: A tight-knit trade community where reputation matters.	High Competition: For the best jobs, especially union and municipal ones.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood CDP is a strong choice for a mid-career plumber or a family with dual income. For a single person starting out, the rent will be a significant burden, but you can make it work with a strict budget and roommates. It’s not the place to get rich quickly, but it’s an excellent place to build a stable, long-term career in the trades. If you’re willing to specialize (gas, medical, backflow), you can push your income well above the median and improve your quality of life. If your primary goal is to buy a home on a single plumber’s salary, look at more affordable towns in Ocean County like Barnegat or Lacey and commute to the Lakewood market.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard for a plumber from another state to get work in Lakewood?
A: It’s manageable, but you need to get your credentials in order. Contact the NJ Board immediately. Your out-of-state hours will count if properly documented, but you must pass the state exam. Having a license from a state with reciprocal agreement (like PA) can help, but NJ is its own beast. Start the process before you move.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job in Lakewood without connections?
A: Apply directly to the companies listed above. Also, contact the Ocean County Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 47. Visit supply houses in person. Use LinkedIn and local Facebook groups (like "Ocean County Jobs" or "NJ Tradesmen"). Show up in work boots. Persistence is key.

Q: Can I survive in Lakewood with just the median salary?
A: Yes, but it requires discipline. You will likely need a roommate or a partner with income to comfortably afford a $1,743 1BR apartment and save. If you live in a neighboring town like Brick or Toms River and commute, you can find rent closer to $1,500, which makes a massive difference.

Q: What’s the biggest hidden cost of plumbing work in Lakewood?
A: Vehicle and tool maintenance. You’ll be driving all over Ocean County. The salt air near the shore, potholes on local roads, and the wear-and-tear of hauling tools add up. Budget for tires, oil changes, and tools more than you think. Also, NJ auto insurance is notoriously high.

Q: Is the 6% job growth reliable?
A: It’s a BLS projection, which is a good baseline. The actual growth is driven by local factors: the health of the housing market, new school/municipal projects, and retirements. Given Lakewood’s population density and aging infrastructure, the 6% is a conservative and realistic estimate. You shouldn’t expect a boom, but a steady, reliable stream of work.