Plumber in Manhattan, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Manhattan Stands

As a plumber in Manhattan, Kansas, you're entering a market that's stable, demand-driven, but not booming like a coastal metropolis. The median salary for a plumber here is $61,506/year, which translates to a solid $29.57/hour. It's worth noting that this figure sits just below the national average of $63,350/year. This is typical for a mid-sized college town in the Midwest; the cost of living is lower, but so are the absolute wage peaks you might see in a major city. The key metric here is stability: with 107 plumber jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 6%, you're looking at a consistent, reliable trade, not a volatile boom-bust cycle. The retirements of older tradesmen and the steady growth of housing and commercial projects in and around Manhattan are fueling this demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

The salary progression for a plumber in Manhattan follows a predictable path. Apprentices start low, but the journeyman and master levels see significant jumps. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local trade union and business owner insights:

Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$40,000 - $50,000	Mostly on-the-job training. You'll be a helper, learning the ropes under a licensed plumber.
Journeyman	3-5 years	$58,000 - $68,000	You're licensed, can work independently, and are the backbone of any crew. The median sits here.
Senior / Lead Plumber	6-10 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	You're running jobs, mentoring apprentices, and handling complex commercial or service work.
Master Plumber / Business Owner	10+ years	$90,000+ (variable)	This is where you open your own shop or manage a large team. Income is tied to business success.

Comparison to Other KS Cities

Manhattan offers a competitive wage when you factor in the local economy.

• Wichita: Slightly lower median salary (~$58,000), but a larger, more industrial job market with more union opportunities.
• Topeka: Similar to Manhattan (~$60,000), with state government work providing steady contracts.
• Kansas City: A significantly larger market with a higher median (~$66,000), but also a much higher cost of living. The trade-off is more specialization opportunities (hospitality, high-rise).

Manhattan's sweet spot is the balance between a living wage and a manageable cost of living, especially for those who don't want the relentless pace or expense of a major metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary of $61,506. This assumes you're a single filer with standard deductions (no dependents, single health plan). Actual take-home will vary, but this is a strong estimate.

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,125.50
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,200 - $1,350 (approx. 25-27% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,775 - $3,925

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $817
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200 - $250
• Groceries & Household: $300 - $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): $400 - $600
• Healthcare (Insurance Premium & Co-pays): $150 - $250
• Discretionary / Savings: $900 - $1,300

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a disciplined budget, saving $1,000/month is feasible, giving you $12,000 in a year. A 10% down payment on a median-priced Manhattan home (~$250,000) is $25,000, achievable in 2-3 years. The local market is competitive but not outlandish, and your stable trade income is highly valued by lenders.

Where the Jobs Are: Manhattan's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in Manhattan is diverse, splitting between residential service, new construction, and institutional work. Here are the key players:

1. Johnson County, City of Manhattan, and Riley County: These government entities are consistent hirers for their facilities, parks, and water department needs. It's a pension-based, stable option. Jobs are posted on the city and county websites.
2. Riley County Health Department & Mercy Regional Health Center: Hospitals and health systems require constant plumbing maintenance and specialized work (medical gas lines, sterilization equipment). This is a niche for those with hospital-specific training.
3. K-State Facilities & Campus Planning: Kansas State University is a massive employer. The facilities team handles dorms, research labs, and athletic facilities. Union positions (Local 271) are common here, offering excellent benefits. Work is steady, especially with ongoing campus renovations.
4. Barricade Plumbing & Heating: A major local contractor for residential and light commercial new construction. They do the plumbing for many of the new subdivisions going up in the Manhattan area. This is a prime spot for apprentices looking to get into construction.
5. Shane's Plumbing & Heating: A well-established local company focused on service, repair, and remodels. They handle everything from a clogged drain at a K-State professor's house to repiping a commercial building in Aggieville. Great for those who prefer service work over construction.
6. Downtown Manhattan Inc. (Various Small Businesses): The historic downtown area is constantly being renovated. Small commercial fit-outs, restaurant upgrades, and retail renovations provide steady contract work for independent plumbers or small crews.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push for plumbers with water efficiency and green building certifications (e.g., WaterSense). With K-State's focus on sustainability, plumbers who can install low-flow systems, greywater setups, or work on geothermal systems are increasingly sought after.

Getting Licensed in KS

You must be licensed to work independently in Kansas. The process is straightforward but requires dedication.

State Requirements: The Kansas State Plumbing Board regulates the trade. You need:

1. Apprentice License: Requires verification of employment with a licensed plumber/plumbing contractor. No formal schooling required, but completing a 4-year apprenticeship program (approx. 8,000 hours) is the standard path.
2. Journeyman License: Must have completed your apprenticeship and pass the state journeyman plumber exam. The exam covers the Kansas Plumbing Code (based on the International Plumbing Code with state amendments).
3. Master License: Requires at least 5 years as a journeyman and passing the master plumber exam. This is needed to own a plumbing business or pull permits for work.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1-4: Work as an apprentice under a licensed plumber. Document all your working hours.
• End of Year 4: Apply for the Journeyman exam. Study time is typically 3-6 months.
• Pass Exam: Receive your Journeyman license. You can now work independently and bid jobs.
• Year 5+: Gain experience, then pursue Master License if business ownership is the goal.

Costs: Exam fees are typically $150-$200. Apprenticeship programs through the local union (UA Local 271) or trade schools may have tuition, but many employers sponsor apprentices. Total out-of-pocket can be as low as a few hundred dollars if you find an employer who covers training costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Manhattan means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood guide tailored for a working plumber.

1. Aggieville Area: Right in the heart of the action. You're close to the university, bars, and restaurants. Commute to most jobs is under 10 minutes. Rent is moderate ($900-$1,100 for a 1BR) but parking can be a challenge. Best for a young plumber who wants to be near the social scene.
2. North End: A quiet, established residential area with older homes. This is prime territory for service plumbers, as many of the houses need repipes, water heater updates, and fixture replacements. Very short commutes, and you can often live close to your clients. Rent is very reasonable ($750-$900).
3. South End / Westwood: Where most of the new construction is happening. If you work for a company like Barricade, you might be building houses in these subdivisions. Commute can be a bit longer (15-20 mins to downtown), but living here means you're right by the job sites. Modern apartment complexes, rent $850-$1,000.
4. The Edgehill / Anderson Avenue Corridor: Split between quiet residential streets and bustling commercial zones. Offers a good middle ground—close to K-State and downtown, but without the late-night noise of Aggieville. Rent is stable ($800-$950). Great for plumbers who work in institutional settings at KSU.
5. Outlying Areas (e.g., Ogden, Fort Riley Blvd): For those seeking more space and a lower rent. You'll find houses with garages for tools and a longer, but predictable, commute into Manhattan. Rent can drop below $700 for a house or large apartment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Manhattan, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about deepening your expertise, earning certifications, and potentially going out on your own.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Piping (ASSE 6000 Series): Certification can add a $5-$8/hour premium. Essential for work at Mercy Regional or K-State research labs.
• Backflow Prevention Testing: Annual certification is required for many commercial clients. This is a recurring revenue stream.
• Green Building (WaterSense, LEED): As mentioned, this is a growing niche. It positions you for higher-end residential and commercial projects.
• Industrial/Commercial Piping: Experience with large-scale systems (e.g., at a manufacturing facility) commands higher rates than standard residential service.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician to Crew Lead: Move from solo service calls to running a small team for larger projects.
2. Specialist to Consultant: Use your expertise to consult for builders or property managers.
3. Journeyman to Business Owner: The biggest leap. Many successful Manhattan plumbers started with a van and a toolkit, building a reputation on quality work and reliability. The low barrier to entry (compared to a big city) makes this feasible.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady. The key to staying relevant is embracing technology (e.g., pipe inspection cameras, trenchless repair methods) and maintaining relationships with the local employers listed above. Retirements will open up positions in unions and government entities.

The Verdict: Is Manhattan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable demand with a 10-year growth outlook.	Lower absolute pay than national hotspots.
Very low cost of living (Index 90.3), making your $61,506 salary stretch far.	Job market is smaller, limiting immediate specialization options.
Diverse employers from KSU to hospitals to residential contractors.	Winter weather can impact outdoor work and commute (but is manageable).
Community feel with a big-city K-State energy. Great for families.	Limited nightlife/entertainment compared to a major metro.
Accessible licensing path and a clear route to business ownership.	Heavy dependence on the K-State academic calendar (slows in summer, picks up in fall).

Final Recommendation: Manhattan, KS is an excellent choice for plumbers seeking stability, work-life balance, and a tangible career path. It's ideal for those who want to avoid the chaos of a huge city but still have access to consistent work and reasonable pay. It’s particularly well-suited for a plumber who values community, plans to start a family, or dreams of owning their own business in a supportive market. If you're an ambitious specialist looking for the absolute highest-paying, ultra-competitive market, you might look elsewhere. For everyone else, Manhattan offers a compelling, realistic, and rewarding career in the trades.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to join a union to find work in Manhattan?
A: No, but it helps. The plumbers and pipefitters union (UA Local 271) has a strong presence, especially at K-State and on larger commercial jobs. Many non-union residential service companies (like Shane's) hire directly. It's a personal choice based on your preference for benefits vs. flexibility.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for a plumber new to Manhattan?
A: Building a local network. Manhattan is a "who you know" town. Getting your name out through quality work for the first few clients—often found via word-of-mouth, Facebook community groups, or Nextdoor—is crucial. Show up on time, do clean work, and the referrals will follow.

Q: How does the cost of living really compare?
A: With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (vs. U.S. avg of 100), your dollar goes about 10% further. The biggest savings are in housing. An apartment that would cost $1,200/month in a major metro might be $817 here. This makes saving for a down payment or a work van much more achievable.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: There's a slight seasonal ebb and flow. New construction slows in the winter, but service and repair work actually increases as frozen pipes and heating issues arise. The university schedule creates a busy period in late summer/fall for campus housing projects.

Q: What's the best way to start looking for an apprenticeship or job?
A: Start with the Kansas Department of Labor’s apprenticeship listings. Then, directly contact the HR departments of the major employers listed (Barricade, Shane's, KSU Facilities). Also, visit the local supply houses like Ferguson Enterprises or the Manhattan Home Depot—they often have bulletin boards with job listings and know who's hiring.