Plumber in Newport News, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Newport News Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the plumbing trade here evolve with the city’s growth. Newport News isn’t a standalone metro; it’s a key part of the Hampton Roads region, which includes Norfolk and Virginia Beach. This means local job demand is tied to both residential and massive institutional projects, from military bases to shipyards.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a plumber in Newport News is $62,855/year, translating to an hourly rate of $30.22/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, which makes sense when you factor in our local cost of living. For context, the Newport News metro area has 366 jobs for plumbers, with a 10-year job growth of 6%. That growth is steady, not explosive, reflecting a stable market anchored by long-term institutions.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Local Salary Range (Est.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $52,000	Apprenticeship, basic installations, service calls, trenching.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$58,000 - $70,000	Independent repairs, complex system diagnostics, new construction rough-ins.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$68,000 - $85,000+	Project lead, commercial system design, mentoring apprentices, specialized systems.
Expert/Specialist	$80,000 - $100,000+	Master plumber status, medical gas systems, industrial piping, business owner.

Compared to other VA cities: You’ll find similar salaries in Richmond ($63,110 median) and Virginia Beach ($61,790 median). Northern Virginia (Alexandria/Arlington) commands significantly higher wages ($70,000+ median) but comes with a much higher cost of living. Newport News offers a competitive wage for its region with a notably lower living cost.

Insider Tip: The $62,855 median is your baseline. Union plumbers (Local 540) with experience at major contractors often push into the $70,000+ range. Non-union residential service techs can sometimes earn more through commission structures, especially for emergency services.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the monthly reality for a plumber earning the median $62,855/year. This is a practical look at your bottom line.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes):
Assuming single filer, standard deductions, and Virginia state tax (~5.75%), your take-home is approximately $3,850/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,287/month (This is a citywide average. You can find cheaper options in specific neighborhoods, which we’ll discuss.)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water): $200/month (Note: Your plumbing expertise might save you on water/sewer bills!)
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): $500/month (Newport News is car-dependent; public transit is limited.)
• Groceries & Necessities: $450/month
• Health Insurance (Employer-sponsored): $300/month (Estimate for a good plan)
• Retirement Savings (401k, 5%): $265/month
• Discretionary/Other: $848/month (This covers eating out, entertainment, clothes, etc.)

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with a strategic plan. The median home price in Newport News is around $285,000. With a $62,855 salary, a 20% down payment ($57,000) would be a significant hurdle. However, many local buyers use FHA or VA loans (popular due to the military presence) with 3.5-0% down.

A more realistic path: Budget aggressively for 5-7 years for a down payment, or consider a dual-income household. Monthly mortgage payments on a $285,000 home (with a modest down payment) would be roughly $1,600 - $1,800, which is manageable but tight on a single plumber’s salary. The Cost of Living Index of 97.4 (slightly below the US average of 100) works in your favor here.

Where the Jobs Are: Newport News's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of large institutional contracts, residential builders, and service companies. You won’t find the tech boom of Northern Virginia, but you’ll find stable, long-term work.

1. Newport News Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls Industries): The city’s largest employer. They have their own maintenance crews and hire contractors for massive projects. This is industrial plumbing at its peak—high-pressure steam, distilled water systems, and fire suppression. Union jobs here are gold-standard.
2. Local 540 (Plumbers & Pipefitters Union): The union hall is a hub for commercial and industrial work. They manage apprenticeships and place members on projects across the region, including the shipyard, military bases (Fort Eustis, Langley AFB), and large hospitals.
3. Sentara Healthcare (Regional Medical Center): Sentara RMH and the main Newport News campus require specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, high-temperature sterilization, and complex HVAC piping. These are often contracted through firms like Calpine Mechanical or Thompson Creek Mechanical.
4. Residential & Custom Home Builders: Companies like D.R. Horton, Lennar, and local firm Mungo Homes have ongoing projects in areas like Kiln Creek and Port Warwick. This is new construction rough-in and finish work.
5. Local Service Companies: Allied Plumbing, Drain & Utilities, Mister Plumber, and Heil Plumbing are some of the largest residential service providers. They’re always looking for skilled service technicians to handle repairs, water heater installations, and emergency calls.
6. Public Institutions: The Newport News Public Schools district and the City of Newport News have facilities maintenance departments. These jobs offer great benefits and job security, though starting pay can be slightly lower than private sector union work.

Hiring Trend: The demand is for technicians who can handle both old and new systems. Many older homes in neighborhoods like Hilton and North End have cast iron and galvanized pipes, while new construction uses PEX. Versatility is key.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia doesn’t have a statewide journeyman/plumber license, but it does require Apprenticeship Registration and Contractor Licensing for business owners.

Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Virginia:

1. Apprenticeship: Register with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). You need 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 240 hours of classroom instruction over 2-4 years. Union apprenticeship programs (Local 540) are the most structured path. Non-union, you can apply through contractors.
2. Journeyman Status: After completing your apprenticeship, you can work independently under a master plumber. There’s no state exam to become a journeyman in Virginia.
3. Master Plumber License (To Own a Business): Must have a Class A or B Contractor License from DPOR. Requirements include 5 years of full-time experience, passing a state exam, and proof of insurance/bonding. The exam fee is $150, and the license application is $100.

Timeline & Costs:

• Apprenticeship: 2-4 years. Cost is minimal; you earn while you learn. Union dues apply.
• Master Contractor License: 5+ years total experience. Fees: ~$250 for exam and license.
• Total Time to Independent Contractor: Approximately 6-8 years from starting as an apprentice.

Insider Tip: The DPOR website is your best friend. Many local employers, especially in commercial, will sponsor your apprenticeship if you show commitment. The union apprenticeship is fiercely competitive but offers the best training and future earning potential.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Your commute, lifestyle, and rent budget are crucial. Newport News is spread out, so location matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Hilton Village	Historic, walkable, close to downtown & shipyard. Older homes need constant repair work.	$1,400 - $1,600	Prime for service plumbing. Quick commute to downtown jobs.
Kiln Creek	Suburban, family-friendly, near I-64. Newer construction, close to many new build sites.	$1,250 - $1,450	Great for new construction plumbers. Easy highway access to whole region.
North End / Downtown	Urban, revitalizing, near the marina and restaurants. Mix of old and new buildings.	$1,100 - $1,350	Central to everything. Lower rent, but parking can be tough.
Port Warwick	Upscale, planned community near Oyster Point Park. High-end residential work.	$1,500 - $1,700	Network with homeowners who can afford premium plumbing upgrades.
Denbigh / Warwick	Traditional suburbs, more affordable, longer commute to downtown but easy access to Route 17.	$950 - $1,150	Lower cost of living, stable neighborhoods with older homes needing updates.

Commute Reality: Most plumbing work in Newport News is within a 20-30 minute drive, except for jobs in York County or Hampton. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The $62,855 median is a starting point. Your long-term earning potential is defined by specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: Requires additional training and certification. Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate for hospital/medical facility work.
• Backflow Prevention: A state-required certification for commercial and many residential properties. It’s a quick course and opens doors to inspection and maintenance contracts.
• Industrial Piping (Shipyard/Manufacturing): Highest paying sector. Union scale can exceed $45/hour for journeymen with experience in high-pressure systems.
• Business Ownership: As a Master Plumber with a Class A license, you can start your own company. This is where the ceiling breaks. Successful small businesses in Hampton Roads can see owner incomes of $100,000+, though it comes with the risks of running a business.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The demand won’t vanish. The region’s aging housing stock (many homes built 1950s-1970s) guarantees repair work. New military and healthcare construction projects provide commercial opportunities. The biggest threat is a shortage of new apprentices to replace retiring tradespeople. If you're skilled and reliable, you'll never be out of work.

The Verdict: Is Newport News Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Living (97.4 COL Index) allows a decent life on a middle-class wage.	Limited Public Transit means you need a car, adding to monthly costs.
Stable Job Market anchored by the shipyard, military, and healthcare.	Wage Ceiling is lower than Northern Virginia or national averages in major metros.
Variety of Work from historic home repairs to industrial systems.	Weather: Humid summers and the occasional hurricane threat.
Proximity to Beaches (30 mins to Virginia Beach) and outdoor activities.	City Services: Public schools are average; amenities vary by neighborhood.
Union Presence (Local 540) offers strong benefits and wage standards.	Competition for union apprenticeships can be fierce.

Final Recommendation:
Newport News is an excellent choice for a plumber seeking stability and a balanced cost of living. It's not the place to get rich quick, but it's a place to build a solid, middle-class career. If you value job security, don't mind the coastal humidity, and can handle a car-dependent lifestyle, the math works. Your best path is to aim for a union apprenticeship or secure a role with a reputable commercial contractor. This gives you the training, benefits, and path to clear the $70k+ mark. If your goal is to own a business in a medium-sized market with steady demand, Newport News is a viable launchpad.

FAQs

Q: Is the union necessary to make good money here?
A: No, but it helps. Union plumbers (Local 540) have a guaranteed wage scale, excellent benefits, and pension. You can make comparable money in the non-union commercial sector or as a top-performing service tech, but you’ll need to negotiate benefits yourself.

Q: How competitive is the apprenticeship market?
A: Very competitive, especially for the union program. Having a clean record, a valid driver's license, and showing up early to interviews is critical. Some non-union contractors have less competitive entry points.

Q: What’s the best way to get my first plumbing job in Newport News?
A: Start by contacting the local union hall (Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 540) or applying to apprenticeship programs through DPOR. Also, walk into local supply houses (like Ferguson Enterprises on Jefferson Ave) and talk to the counter staff—they know who’s hiring.

Q: Do I need to worry about licensing if I’m just moving here as an apprentice?
A: No. You just need to register as an apprentice with the state. Your journeyman status from another state may transfer, but you’ll need to check with DPOR for specifics. For your own business, you’ll need the state contractor license.

Q: Is the job market affected by military base spending?
A: Absolutely. A significant portion of commercial plumbing work is tied to contracts with Fort Eustis and Langley AFB. This creates a cyclical but predictable demand based on federal budget cycles. It's a key reason jobs are stable, not booming.

Sources: Salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), O*NET, and local union wage agreements. Licensing information from Virginia DPOR. Cost of Living Index from BestPlaces.net. Population and rent data from U.S. Census and local real estate aggregates.