Plumber in Lenexa, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Lenexa Stands

Looking at the numbers, Lenexa offers a stable, middle-of-the-road earning potential for plumbers. The median salary sits at $62,076/year, translating to an hourly rate of $29.84/hour. When you stack this against the national average of $63,350/year, Lenexa trails the U.S. by just a hair—about 1.8% lower. This isn't a red flag; it's a reflection of the lower cost of living in the Kansas City metro area. The metro area itself supports 115 plumbing jobs, which points to a consistent demand without being oversaturated. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 6%, a modest but reliable pace that should keep experienced plumbers in high demand, especially as older housing stock in the region needs updates and new construction continues in Johnson County.

Here’s how experience typically maps onto compensation in this market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Notes for Lenexa Market
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $50,000	Often starts with an apprenticeship. Expect to do a lot of trenching and basic fixture work.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	This is where you'll likely hit the median salary. You'll handle service calls, rough-ins, and troubleshooting.
Senior (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $80,000	Leadership roles, complex commercial projects, and emergency call-outs.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$80,000+	Running your own shop, specializing in gas lines or backflow prevention, or managing large projects.

Insider Tip: The $62,076 median is a solid benchmark. In Lenexa, you'll see the top-end pay at large commercial contractors or union shops. The $29.84/hour rate is your floor for non-union, residential work. Always ask about overtime and on-call pay during interviews in the Kansas City metro—this can add 10-15% to your base easily.

Comparison to Other KS Cities:

• Wichita: Slightly lower median salary (~$58,500) but a lower cost of living.
• Overland Park (next-door neighbor): Higher median salary (~$65,000) due to more commercial and high-end residential work, but rent is 20-30% higher.
• Topeka: Similar to Lenexa, but with fewer large commercial opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Earning the median salary of $62,076 means a monthly gross of about $5,173. After federal taxes, state taxes (Kansas has a progressive income tax), and FICA, your take-home pay will be closer to $4,100 - $4,300 per month, depending on your withholdings and filing status.

Lenexa's average 1BR rent of $839/month is a huge advantage. The Cost of Living Index of 93.3 (vs. US avg of 100) means your money goes further here than in most places. Let's build a sample monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,200	After taxes for a single filer.
Rent (1BR)	$839	Average for a decent place in a safe area.
Utilities	$200	Includes gas, electric, water, internet.
Food	$400	Groceries and the occasional meal out.
Transportation	$450	Car payment, insurance, gas (Lenexa is car-dependent).
Health Insurance	$300	If through an employer; can be higher on private plans.
Savings/Debt	$1,000	Student loans, car loan, or emergency fund.
Entertainment/Discretionary	$500	Movies, hobbies, misc.
Remaining Buffer	$511	Flexibility for unexpected costs.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Lenexa is around $350,000. With a $62,076 salary and a 20% down payment, a monthly mortgage (PITI) would be roughly $1,400-$1,600. This is about 33% of your gross income, which is manageable, especially if you have a partner with an income. Many plumbers in Lenexa are homeowners, often in the $250,000-$400,000 range in neighborhoods like Lexington Mills or Sunflower Hills.

Where the Jobs Are: Lenexa's Major Employers

Lenexa is part of the Kansas City metro's plumbing and construction ecosystem. While the city itself has local contractors, many plumbers work for companies based in neighboring Overland Park and Olathe. Here are the key players and trends:

1. Journeymen Plumbers Local 8: The union for the Kansas City metro area. They handle large commercial and industrial projects. Their wage and benefits package is typically the highest in the region. Membership is competitive; you need to pass an aptitude test and interview. Hiring is often tied to project cycles.
2. H.E. Neumann Company (Lenexa): A major mechanical contractor with a significant Lenexa office. They specialize in large-scale commercial, healthcare, and industrial projects. They frequently hire for apprentice and journeyman roles, especially for projects at the University of Kansas Health System or AdventHealth facilities.
3. Roto-Rooter (Lenexa location): A large national franchise. They handle a high volume of residential service and repair calls. It's a great place to cut your teeth on troubleshooting and customer interaction. They often have a steady demand for techs, with a focus on speed and efficiency.
4. Bennington Construction (Olathe): A large, employee-owned general contractor that frequently works on data centers, massive distribution centers, and corporate campuses in the Lenexa area. They need plumbers for rough-ins and complex systems in new construction.
5. AdventHealth Lenexa (and other local hospitals): While not a direct plumbing employer, the constant construction and renovation at AdventHealth and Saint Luke's South create steady contract work for mechanical and plumbing firms. Being on a contractor's list for hospital work is lucrative.
6. Lenexa Public Works: The city employs its own plumbers and maintenance staff for municipal buildings, parks, and water/sewer infrastructure. These are stable, government jobs with great benefits but often require a Class B CDL and specific city certifications. Check the City of Lenexa's "Careers" page for openings.

Hiring Trends: The demand is shifting towards plumbers who can work on new construction (data centers, warehouses, hospitals) and those with service & repair expertise. There's a growing need for plumbers certified in medical gas and backflow prevention due to the healthcare sector.

Getting Licensed in KS

The Kansas State Plumbing Board regulates licensing. It's a straightforward but mandatory process.

Requirements:

• Apprentice Plumber: No license required, but you must register with the state if you're employed. It's a good idea to enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program (like the one through the United Association Local 8 or a community college).
• Journeyman Plumber: Requires 4 years of documented experience (8,000 hours) and passing the state journeyman exam. You must work under a licensed master plumber.
• Master Plumber: Requires 8 years of experience (16,000 hours) and passing the master exam. This is required to start your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fee: ~$100 for journeyman, $125 for master.
• License Fee: ~$100 annually.
• Total Startup Cost (to Journeyman): Expect to spend $500-$1,000 on books, exam prep, and fees over the 4-year apprenticeship.
• Timeline: Your 4-year apprenticeship is the main timeline. You can start working immediately as a registered apprentice. The journeyman exam can be taken once your hours are verified. Study for 2-3 months before the exam.
• Key Resource: Kansas State Plumbing Board (ks.gov/plumbing) – their website has the exact exam content, application forms, and a list of approved apprenticeship programs.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in Lenexa get licensed and then immediately get their Missouri license as well. The two states have reciprocity for journeyman, and working on both sides of the state line (in Kansas City, MO) can double your job opportunities.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Lenexa means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Most plumbing jobs are in the industrial corridors and commercial centers.

Neighborhood	Vibe / Commute	Median 1BR Rent	Best For...
Old Town Lenexa	Historic, walkable, near city hall and small shops. 10-15 min commute to most job sites.	$950-$1,100	Plumbers who want character and don't mind paying a premium for it.
Lexington Mills	Quiet, family-oriented, 1950s-70s ranch-style homes. 15 min commute to industrial areas.	$800-$950	Plumbers looking to buy a starter home. Great value.
Sunflower Hills	Established neighborhood with mature trees, modest homes. 15-20 min commute.	$850-$1,000	A balanced option for single plumbers or young families.
Corporate Woods / Sunflower Area	Modern apartments, close to I-35 and the "Corporate Woods" business park. 5-10 min commute.	$1,100-$1,300	Plumbers who prioritize a super short commute and modern amenities.
The Lake Estates (West Lenexa)	More affluent, larger homes, newer construction. 15-20 min commute to job sites.	$1,200+ (rentals scarce)	Senior plumbers with families, or those running their own business.

Insider Tip: If you're joining a union shop or working commercial, living south of I-435 (like in Corporate Woods) can cut your commute drastically. For residential service work, being centrally located near Quivira Road or 87th Street provides easy access to all parts of Lenexa and Overland Park.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth is your baseline. To outpace it and increase your earnings, specialization is key in the Lenexa market.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas: +$5-$10/hour premium. Critical for hospital projects (AdventHealth, Saint Luke's).
• Backflow Prevention: +$3-$8/hour. Required for commercial and irrigation systems. Certification is a one-day course.
• Gas Line Installation/Repair: +$5/hour. High demand for residential gas line work, especially for generators and outdoor kitchens.
• Service & Sales: Top service plumbers at companies like Roto-Rooter can earn $75,000+ with commissions on upsells.

Advancement Paths:

1. Journeyman -> Service Manager: Move from wrenches to managing a team of service techs. Requires strong customer service and organizational skills.
2. Journeyman -> Project Foreman: Oversee a crew on a commercial job site. You'll need to read blueprints, manage schedules, and order materials.
3. Journeyman -> Master Plumber/Owner: The ultimate goal. Start your own small business focusing on residential service or small commercial projects. The Lenexa market supports 2-3 techs easily.

10-Year Outlook: Automation won't replace plumbers, but tech will augment them. Expect more camera inspections, leak detection equipment, and CAD for design. Plumbers who embrace these tools will be more efficient and valuable. The 6% growth is tied to the aging infrastructure in the Kansas City metro and the continual development of the I-35 corridor. There will always be a need for skilled tradespeople.

The Verdict: Is Lenexa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $62,076 salary goes further here than in most metros.	Car-Dependent: You'll need a reliable truck/van for work and a personal vehicle for life.
Stable Job Market: 115 jobs and 6% growth mean you won't struggle to find work.	Limited Public Transit: Makes commuting and running errands a car-only affair.
Short Commutes: Most neighborhoods are 10-20 minutes from major job sites.	Union Presence: Can be a pro or con. Non-union shops have more flexibility but lower pay.
Homeownership is Attainable: A median plumber salary can secure a mortgage.	Weather: Winters are cold, summers are hot and humid. Working outside has seasons.
Proximity to Kansas City: Easy access to the larger metro area's amenities, sports, and events.	Professional Networking: Smaller than in a major city; you need to be intentional about it.

Final Recommendation:
Lenexa is an excellent choice for plumbers who are value-conscious and want to build a stable, middle-class life. It's not the place for maximum salary potential, but it's where your $62,076 median salary buys a comfortable life, a home, and a manageable commute. It's ideal for journeyman plumbers starting a family or apprentices looking for a manageable, low-cost place to learn the trade. If you're a top-tier specialist chasing the absolute highest earnings, the Kansas City metro (Leawood, Olathe) might offer slightly more. For the vast majority, Lenexa is a smart, practical bet.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a plumbing job in Lenexa?
A: No. With 115 jobs in the metro and consistent demand from construction and service, it's a steady market. The key is having your Kansas license and, for the best pay, being open to union or commercial work.

Q: Do I need to join the union to make good money here?
A: Not necessarily. Union plumbers (Local 8) earn the highest wages and benefits, but many non-union residential and service companies pay competitively, especially for experienced journeyman. Union jobs are often project-based, while service jobs are year-round.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Lenexa?
A: Building a client base if you're independent, or learning the specific codes and regulations of the city and county. The codes are strict but consistent. Networking with suppliers (like Ferguson Plumbing Supply) and other contractors is vital.

Q: Can I work in both Kansas and Missouri with a KS license?
A: Yes, with reciprocity. A Kansas journeyman license is accepted in Missouri, and vice-versa. This is a huge advantage in the KC metro, allowing you to bid for jobs on both sides of the state line.

Q: How do I start as an apprentice?
A: Contact the United Association Local 8 for their apprenticeship program, or apply directly to companies like H.E. Neumann and Roto-Rooter for apprentice roles. You'll need to register with the Kansas State Plumbing Board as an apprentice. Be prepared for a 4-year commitment.