The Essential Career Guide for Plumbers in McKinney, TX

If you're a plumber considering a move to McKinney, you're looking at a city that’s growing fast, with a housing market that’s still more affordable than Dallas proper, but with enough demand to keep your wrenches busy. As a local who’s watched this city transform over the last decade, I can tell you that McKinney offers a solid blend of opportunity and community, but it’s not without its challenges. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local landscape, and what it takes to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where McKinney Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In McKinney, the median salary for a plumber is $63,977 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.76. This is slightly above the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. While the difference isn’t massive, it’s significant when you factor in the cost of living and the job market density. The metro area, which includes Allen, Frisco, and parts of Collin County, lists 427 job openings for plumbers, indicating a steady demand fueled by new construction and aging infrastructure. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 6%, a rate that tracks with national trends but is bolstered by North Texas's relentless expansion.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience translates to pay here, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (McKinney)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Assisting senior plumbers, learning code, basic repairs. Often starts as a helper or apprentice.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$60,000 - $72,000	Independent service calls, installations, troubleshooting. Likely holds a Journeyman license.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Complex projects, lead technician, mentoring. May have a Master license.
Expert/Owner (15+ yrs)	$85,000+	Specialty work (gas, medical gas), business ownership, consulting. Income is often variable.

How does this stack up against other major Texas cities? While Houston and Austin may have higher median salaries due to larger markets and higher costs, McKinney offers a compelling balance. For instance, a plumber in Dallas might earn a median of $65,000, but with a higher cost of living and a longer commute. San Antonio's median is closer to $61,000. McKinney’s sweet spot is its location in the booming Collin County corridor, where demand is high but the market isn’t as saturated as in the urban core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after life’s essentials. In McKinney, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,291 per month. The city’s Cost of Living Index is 103.3, meaning it’s about 3.3% more expensive than the national average. This is driven largely by housing costs, which are rising but remain more accessible than in neighboring suburbs like Frisco or Plano.

Let’s run the numbers for a mid-career plumber earning the median salary of $63,977. Using standard deductions for a single filer (federal, state, FICA), the estimated take-home pay is roughly $4,200 - $4,400 per month (this can vary based on 401k contributions, health insurance, etc.).

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,300	After taxes (estimate)
Rent (1BR)	-$1,291	Average for a decent complex.
Utilities	-$180	Electricity, water, trash (higher in summer).
Groceries	-$400	For one person.
Transportation	-$350	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Most need a truck/van.
Health Insurance	-$300	If not covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	-$500	Phone, entertainment, savings, etc.
Remaining	~$1,279	Buffer for savings, debt, or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a challenge, but possible. The median home price in McKinney is around $425,000. A 20% down payment is $85,000. With a monthly take-home of $4,300, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,200/month for that price point, which is over 50% of take-home pay—generally considered unsustainable. However, many plumbers in the area buy homes in neighboring, more affordable towns like Anna or Princeton (15-20 minute drives) or opt for smaller, older homes in established McKinney neighborhoods. Starting with a 3.5% FHA loan is a common path, but you’ll need to budget aggressively for that down payment and closing costs.

Where the Jobs Are: McKinney's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in McKinney is bifurcated: there’s robust new construction work and an equally strong demand for residential and commercial service/repair. Here are the key players:

1. McKinney ISD: The school district is one of the largest employers in the region. With over 24,000 students and a constant stream of new schools and renovations, their facilities department hires in-house plumbers for preventative maintenance and repairs. It’s a stable gig with excellent benefits and a pension.
2. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital McKinney: As the largest hospital in the city, it requires specialized plumbers for medical gas lines, backflow prevention, and high-grade sanitation systems. This work often requires additional certifications and pays a premium.
3. Local Construction Giants (e.g., D.R. Horton, Perry Homes): With new subdivisions like Craig Ranch and Trails of Westridge constantly expanding, these homebuilders subcontract with major plumbing firms. This is the best route for steady new construction work, especially for those looking to specialize in rough-in and finish plumbing.
4. City of McKinney Public Works: The city employs plumbers for maintaining and repairing municipal water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. These are union-backed positions with strong job security, though hiring can be cyclical and tied to bond measures.
5. Commercial Service Companies (e.g., Berkeys, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing): These are the big-name franchises that dominate the residential service call market. They offer structured training programs, brand recognition, and a steady stream of work. The downside? They can be high-pressure sales environments.
6. Local Plumbing Supply Houses: Stores like Ferguson Enterprises or Hajoca aren’t employers of plumbers, but they are critical networking hubs. Knowing the staff here can lead to job leads, especially for independent contractors and smaller shops.

Hiring Trend Insight: The demand is strongest for plumbers who are licensed (Journeyman or Master) and have a clean driving record. The growth in commercial and medical plumbing is outpacing residential, so specializing early can pay off.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but rigorous licensing pathway managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). You cannot work as a plumber without proper licensure.

1. Apprenticeship: Start with a 4-8 year apprenticeship (typically 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year) under a licensed Master Plumber. You must also complete a minimum of 248 hours of classroom instruction. Many local unions (like the United Association Local 100) and community colleges (like Collin College) offer accredited programs.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the Journeyman exam. The exam fee is $135. You must provide documentation of your training and hours. Once licensed, you can work independently.
3. Master License: To become a Master Plumber, you need at least 12 years of journeyman-level experience (or a combination of education and experience). The Master exam fee is $135. This license allows you to pull permits, start your own business, and supervise others.

Timeline to Get Started: From zero to a Journeyman license typically takes 4-5 years. The total cost, including exam fees and study materials, is around $500-$1,000. Insider Tip: Start by applying to union apprenticeships or large plumbing companies that sponsor apprentices. The process is competitive, but the structured path is worth it. Always verify your journeyman’s license status on the TSBPE website before starting work for them.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s take on key areas:

1. Downtown McKinney (Historic District): Charming, walkable, and full of character. You’re close to the city’s best restaurants and events. Commute to job sites is minimal if you work locally. However, housing is expensive and scarce. Rent for a 1BR in a historic building can be $1,400+.
2. Craig Ranch: A master-planned community with newer homes, pools, and parks. Very family-friendly. Commutes to the major construction sites in north McKinney are short (10 mins). Rents for a 1BR in a complex start around $1,350.
3. East McKinney (near 75/Collin College): More affordable and centrally located. You have easy access to US-75 for commutes to Plano or Dallas. The area is a mix of older homes and new apartments. Rents can be found for $1,100 - $1,250 for a 1BR.
4. The Colony/Heights (North McKinney): Adjacent to The Colony, this area is booming with new apartments and retail. It’s a straight shot to major employers like McKinney ISD and hospital. Rents are competitive, averaging $1,200 - $1,300.
5. Outskirts (Anna/Princeton): If you don’t mind a 15-20 minute drive, these towns offer vastly lower housing costs. Anna, in particular, has seen a surge in new apartment complexes. You can find a 1BR for under $1,000, freeing up cash for a future home. Commute times are manageable as long as you avoid peak rush hour on US-75.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in McKinney isn’t linear; it’s about specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums: Earning certifications in areas like medical gas installation (adds $5-$10/hour), backflow prevention testing (crucial for commercial clients), or green plumbing/water efficiency can significantly boost your income. The demand for these skills is growing with new hospital builds and eco-conscious building codes.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber. The smart money, however, is on pivoting into estimating, project management, or sales for a large firm. These roles often come with salary increases and bonuses tied to project profitability. The ultimate goal for many is starting their own one- or two-truck service company, which can be highly profitable but carries the risks of business ownership.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid, but it’s not just about more jobs. The work is evolving. Smart water systems, tankless water heaters, and PEX piping are now standard. Plumbers who stay current with technology and code changes will be in the highest demand. The rise of “project plumbing” for remodels and additions, especially in older McKinney homes, is a growing niche.

The Verdict: Is McKinney Right for You?

To summarize, here’s a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable demand from new construction and service.	Competition is growing, especially in the residential service sector.
Above-average salary relative to the national standard.	Housing costs are rising, making homeownership a stretch on a single income.
Manageable commute times compared to major metros.	Summers are brutally hot, which can make outdoor work physically demanding.
Growing city with a strong community feel and amenities.	Traffic on US-75 can be a major headache during peak hours.
Access to specialty work in medical and commercial plumbing.	Licensing process requires a significant time investment upfront.

Final Recommendation: McKinney is an excellent choice for a plumber who is either early in their career (looking for apprenticeship opportunities) or mid-career and ready to specialize. It’s ideal for someone who values a suburban, family-oriented lifestyle but doesn’t want to be far from a major job market. If you’re debt-averse and can stomach a 15-minute commute from a more affordable town like Anna, the financial math becomes even more compelling. For a plumber who thrives on the constant challenge of a growing city and is motivated to build a long-term career, McKinney is a very solid bet.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be licensed to work as a plumber’s helper in McKinney?
A: No, you can work as a helper or apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Plumber. However, you must be enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program and not performing work that requires a license.

Q: Is the market saturated with plumbers?
A: Not saturated, but competitive. The key differentiators are a clean record, a valid license, and good communication skills. There’s a constant churn in the residential service sector, and quality plumbers are always in demand.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship in the area?
A: Start with the North Texas Chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) or Local 100 of the United Association. Also, check job boards for larger plumbing companies in McKinney and Plano that offer “trainee” or “helper” positions.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for the licensing exam?
A: The TSBPE provides a candidate information bulletin. Invest in a reputable study guide (like the Plumber’s Exam Prep Guide). Many apprenticeship programs include exam prep as part of the curriculum. Focus heavily on the Texas Plumbing Code.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Yes, but with extreme caution. As a journeyman or master, you can take on side jobs, but you must have proper liability insurance. Many plumbers build their business this way before going full-time independent. Always check local city regulations for permitting requirements on side jobs.