Plumber in Lewisville, TX

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Lewisville, TX.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lewisville Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re planning a career move. As a plumber in Lewisville, you’re entering a strong local market that pays slightly above the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a plumber in Lewisville is $63,977 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $30.76. For context, the national average salary for a plumber is $63,350/year, so you’re already ahead of the curve just by being in this specific market.

The metro area, which includes Denton and parts of the broader DFWplex, has a healthy number of opportunities. There are approximately 267 jobs for plumbers in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and reliable, indicating a consistent demand for skilled tradespeople as the population continues to expand.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local market trends and statewide data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00
Mid-Level	2-7 years	$55,000 - $72,000	$26.44 - $34.62
Senior	7-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Lead	15+ years / Specialized	$85,000+	$40.87+

How Lewisville Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Salaries are slightly higher, often 5-10% more, but the cost of living and commute times are significantly greater.
• Austin: Similar salary range, but the cost of living is notoriously high, especially for housing.
• San Antonio: Salaries tend to be a bit lower, but so is the cost of living. Lewisville offers a strong middle ground.
• Fort Worth: Very comparable to Lewisville in both salary and cost of living.

Insider Tip: The salary range for a Senior plumber in Lewisville can easily push into the $75,000 - $85,000 range if you have a commercial license, experience with medical gas, or can bid and manage projects. The $63,977 median is a solid baseline, but there's clear upside for those with advanced certifications or who move into lead/supervisory roles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just one part of the equation. Let's break down what a $63,977 annual salary actually looks like on a monthly basis in Lewisville.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,331
• Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): ~22% (This is an estimate; your actual tax rate will vary based on filing status, deductions, etc.)
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,291/month

Category	Monthly Cost	% of Gross Pay	Notes
Gross Pay	$5,331	100%
Taxes (Est.)	-$1,172	22%	Varies by individual circumstances.
Net Pay (Take-Home)	$4,159	78%	This is your starting point for all expenses.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$1,291	30%	A reasonable and common target.
Utilities	-$200	5%	Electricity, water, gas, internet.
Groceries	-$450	11%	For one person.
Transportation	-$450	11%	Gas, insurance, maintenance. (A truck payment would be more).
Health Insurance	-$250	6%	If not fully covered by employer.
Misc/Discretionary	-$600	14%	Dining out, entertainment, savings, etc.
Remaining Buffer	~$918	22%	This is your safety net and savings potential.

Can a Plumber Afford to Buy a Home in Lewisville?

Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. The median home price in Lewisville is around $360,000 - $380,000. Let's look at the math:

• Down Payment (5%): $18,000 - $19,000
• Monthly Mortgage (Principal & Interest, 30-yr fixed, 7% rate): ~$2,300 - $2,450
• Property Taxes & Insurance: ~$650 - $750/month (Texas has no state income tax but high property taxes).
• Total Estimated Monthly Housing Cost: $2,950 - $3,200

This is a significant jump from the $1,291 average rent. On a $63,977 salary, a $3,200 mortgage payment would be about 60% of your net take-home pay, which is not sustainable.

The Verdict on Homeownership: As a single-income household at the median salary, buying a home immediately is a stretch. However, it becomes very achievable if:

1. You have a dual-income household.
2. You move into a senior or expert role, pushing your salary toward $80,000+.
3. You buy a more affordable condo or townhome (priced in the $250k range).
4. You save aggressively for a larger down payment (15-20%).

Where the Jobs Are: Lewisville's Major Employers

Lewisville’s job market for plumbers is driven by residential service companies, commercial construction firms, and institutional facilities. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Ben Franklin Plumbing: A well-known national franchise with a strong local presence. They focus heavily on residential service and repair, which means steady work and opportunities for commission-based pay. They often hire apprentices and are a good entry point.
2. Allied HVAC & Plumbing: A large, local DFW-based contractor that does significant residential and light commercial work. They have a reputation for investing in technician training and offer clear paths for advancement.
3. Coyne Air Conditioning & Heating: While HVAC-focused, Coyne has a large plumbing division and is one of the biggest employers for trades in the northern DFW suburbs. They handle both new construction and service.
4. JMS Plumbing & Drain: A prominent local company specializing in drain cleaning and sewer line repair. This type of work is always in demand and often involves emergency calls, which can come with premium pay.
5. Lewisville ISD (LISD): The school district is a massive entity with its own maintenance department. These are stable, government jobs with excellent benefits. They often post openings for maintenance plumbers. It’s a less hectic pace than residential service.
6. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Lewisville: Hospitals have complex, critical plumbing systems, including medical gas lines. A licensed plumber with medical gas certification is highly valuable here. The pay is excellent, and the environment is stable.
7. Local Commercial Construction Firms: Companies like Hensel Phelps or Manhattan Construction have ongoing projects in the DFW area, including in Lewisville and Denton. These are often union shops (UA Local 98) and offer high-paying, project-based work.

Hiring Trends: There's a constant need for service technicians for repairs and maintenance, especially in the summer. The commercial side is booming with new data centers, distribution warehouses (near DFW Airport), and medical facilities being built. Companies are actively competing for licensed journeymen and masters.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, regulated path to becoming a licensed plumber, managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. It’s not the fastest process, but it’s straightforward.

The Path to a Journeyman License:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a minimum of 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed master or journeyman plumber. Many apprentices also complete a 4-5 year formal apprenticeship program (like those offered by the UA Local 98 union or trade schools).
2. Training: Complete a minimum of 248 hours of classroom-related instruction.
3. Exam: Apply to take the Texas Journeyman Plumber Exam. The exam fee is $115.
4. License: Once you pass, you can apply for your Journeyman License. The license fee is $115 (initial) and must be renewed every 2 years.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed (excluding tuition): $230 - $400+ (Exam and license fees).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you have no experience: Plan for a 4-5 year timeline to complete a full apprenticeship and get your journeyman license.
• If you're already an apprentice in another state: You may be able to transfer some hours, but you will still need to meet Texas's specific requirements and pass the state exam.
• If you're already a licensed journeyman in another state: Texas does not have reciprocity with all states. You will likely need to apply for licensure by examination, but your experience will be considered.

Insider Tip: The Master Plumber License requires an additional 5 years of experience as a journeyman and passing a more difficult exam. This is your ticket to owning your own business or taking on high-level commercial projects.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of Lewisville neighborhoods and nearby areas, tailored for a working plumber.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Old Town Lewisville	Walkable, historic charm, local restaurants. A short commute to most jobs in town.	$1,300 - $1,500	Great for a social lifestyle without a long drive. Easy access to I-35E.
Lewisville Lake Area	Quieter, suburban feel with lake views/recreation (e.g., Timbercreek, Castle Hills).	$1,350 - $1,600	Ideal if you enjoy boating, fishing, and a more relaxed environment. Commutes can be longer.
Denton (South of UNT)	College town vibe, more affordable, eclectic scene. 15-20 min drive to Lewisville.	$1,050 - $1,250	More budget-friendly; attracts a younger crowd. A solid option to save on rent.
Carrollton (West of Lewisville)	Established suburb, great schools, major retail centers. Direct access to major highways.	$1,300 - $1,450	A very central location for serving the entire DFW metro. Can be busier.
The Colony	Master-planned communities, golf courses, family-oriented. Slightly west of Lewisville.	$1,400 - $1,650	Upscale, quiet, and safe. A great place to raise a family if that's in your long-term plan.

Insider Tip: If you work for a residential service company, living in a central location like Old Town or Carrollton can put you closer to more service calls, potentially reducing your drive time between jobs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in a service truck is a solid career, but growth comes from specialization and moving up the ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from certifications.
  • Medical Gas Certification: This is a golden ticket in the DFW area, with top hospitals and medical centers. Expect a 10-15% premium on your base salary.
  • Backflow Prevention: This is a niche, required by law for many commercial properties. Certified testers can command high hourly rates for inspections and repairs.
  • Commercial/Industrial: Working on large construction sites, data centers, or manufacturing plants pays significantly more than residential service.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician: Your core role.
  2. Lead Technician: You get a small pay bump and help train apprentices.
  3. Service Manager: You're off the tools, managing schedules, dispatch, and customer service.
  4. Estimator/Project Manager: For the commercial side; you bid on jobs and oversee projects.
  5. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. With a Master Plumber license, you can start your own company.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The DFW metro is one of the fastest-growing in the country. As long as people live and work here, they will need water in and wastewater out. New construction will remain steady, and the aging infrastructure in older parts of the metro (like Dallas and Fort Worth) will require constant repair and replacement. Your skills will remain in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Lewisville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary compared to national figures.	High property taxes if/when you buy a home.
Steady job market with 267 local jobs and 6% growth.	Traffic and congestion on I-35E can be a major headache.
Central DFW location for diverse job opportunities.	Summers are brutally hot, which can make outdoor work difficult.
No state income tax, which boosts your take-home pay.	Salary may not stretch as far as you'd like for homeownership.
Affordable rent compared to Austin or Dallas.	Rapid growth can lead to a feeling of constant construction and sprawl.
Access to a major airport (DFW) for travel and logistics.

Final Recommendation:

Lewisville is an excellent choice for a plumber, especially at the mid-career stage. It offers a strong, reliable market with a salary that allows for a comfortable living, provided you manage your budget. It's a practical, strategic move rather than a "get rich quick" location.

You should move to Lewisville if:

• You value a stable job market with diverse opportunities (residential, commercial, institutional).
• You want the amenities of a big city (DFW) without the extreme cost of living in Austin or central Dallas.
• You are focused on long-term career growth through specialization or management.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• Your primary goal is to buy a large home on a single income immediately.
• You strongly dislike hot weather and traffic.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own work truck when I first move to Lewisville?
No. Most residential service companies provide a fully stocked service van. For commercial or union jobs, the company typically provides the vehicle. You'll use your personal vehicle for commuting, not for work.

2. Is the union (UA Local 98) strong in Lewisville?
Yes. The United Association Local 98 has a significant presence in the DFW area, including Lewisville. Union jobs often come with higher pay, excellent benefits, and structured pensions. It's worth looking into if you value those benefits over the potential flexibility of non-union work.

3. What's the best way to find a plumbing job in Lewisville?
Start with online job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, but don't stop there. The best jobs are often found through networking. Call local shops directly, ask to speak with the service manager, and drop off a resume in person. The UA Local 98 also has a hiring hall for union members.

4. Is the market saturated with plumbers in Lewisville?
No. With steady growth and a constant need for both new construction and repair, the market is healthy. There's a particular shortage of experienced, licensed journeyman plumbers, not entry-level apprentices. If you have your license, you are in a strong negotiating position.

5. How do the seasons affect a plumber's work in Lewisville?
Work is busiest from late spring through early fall. The heat drives up demand for AC-related plumbing (condensate line clogs, irrigation issues) and increases water usage. Winters are mild but occasional freezes can cause pipes to burst, leading to a spike in emergency calls. You'll have a seasonal ebb and flow, but the work is steady year-round.