The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in North Las Vegas, NV

Welcome to North Las Vegas. If you’re a plumber considering a move here, you’re looking at a market that’s distinct from the glitz of the Strip but equally demanding and, for many, more stable. This isn’t a tourist economy; it’s a growing, working-class city with a strong construction and service base. As a local, I can tell you that the plumbing trade here is less about casinos and more about the relentless expansion of suburbs like Aliante and the maintenance of an aging housing stock in older neighborhoods. Let’s break down the math, the jobs, and the reality of building a life and career here.

The Salary Picture: Where North Las Vegas Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The data here is crucial because Nevada’s job market for trades is unique—no state income tax helps your paycheck, but the cost of living is catching up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state labor data, here’s how plumbing salaries stack up in this region.

The median salary for a plumber in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV metro area is $62,855/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $30.22/hour. It’s important to note that this median sits slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but that’s a common trade-off for the Nevada lifestyle. The metro area, which includes North Las Vegas, has 569 plumbers currently employed, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady growth driven by ongoing development and infrastructure needs.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Expected Annual Salary	Expected Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level	$38,000 - $48,000	$18.25 - $23.00	Usually as a helper or 1st-year apprentice. Focus on learning and safety.
Mid-Career	$52,000 - $72,000	$25.00 - $34.60	Licensed journeyman with 3-7 years of experience. This is the bulk of the workforce.
Senior	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.85	Master plumber, foreman, or specialist. High demand for commercial/industrial skills.
Expert	$85,000+	$40.85+	Business owners, niche specialists (medical gas, high-rise), or union leaders.

How does this compare to other Nevada cities?

• Las Vegas Metro (which includes NLV): As noted, median is $62,855. The market is large and competitive.
• Reno: Salaries are often 5-10% higher due to a tighter labor market and proximity to California, with medians closer to $65,000 - $68,000. The trade-off is a higher cost of living, especially housing.
• Carson City: Similar to Reno, often slightly higher than the Vegas metro, with a more stable, government-driven demand.

Insider Tip: In North Las Vegas, union plumbers (UA Local 525) can command higher wages, especially on commercial projects. Non-union residential service is more variable but can be lucrative for those with strong sales skills in a commission-based structure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what a $62,855/year salary means for your daily life here. Nevada has no state income tax, which is a significant benefit. Your take-home pay will be about 75-80% of your gross, depending on deductions. For a plumber earning the median salary, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown.

Monthly Budget for a Plumber Earning $62,855/year (Single Earner, No Dependents):

Category	Estimated Cost	Details
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,238	$62,855 / 12
Take-Home Pay	~$4,100	After federal tax, FICA, and health insurance.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,314	The citywide average. A 2BR averages $1,650.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$250	Higher in summer due to A/C; NV Energy is the main provider.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential. Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Gas & Maintenance	$200	Commutes can be long, especially if you live in NLV and work in Vegas proper.
Food & Groceries	$400	Cooking at home is key. Eating out is similar to national averages.
Health (out of pocket)	$150	Co-pays, prescriptions, etc.
Misc./Savings	$1,286	The rest. This allows for savings, student loans, or discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The short answer is yes, but it’s a stretch on a single median income. The median home price in North Las Vegas is around $380,000. Let's do the math:

• A 20% down payment is $76,000. Saving this would take years on this budget.
• With a 3.5% FHA loan down payment (~$13,300), your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would be around $2,400-$2,600. This would be over 50% of your take-home pay, which is financially risky.

Insider Tip: Most tradespeople I know who own homes here either have a dual income (a partner who works), bought before the 2022 price surge, or moved to a more affordable nearby city like Mesquite or Henderson. Renting in NLV is the most straightforward option for a single plumber starting out.

Where the Jobs Are: North Las Vegas's Major Employers

The job market isn’t just one big pool. It’s segmented, and knowing where to look is half the battle. North Las Vegas is part of the larger Clark County construction and service economy.

1. Union Contractors (UA Local 525): The largest source of stable, high-paying work. Contractors like Las Vegas Valley Plumbing, Inc., Royal Plumbing, Inc., and Brennan Plumbing are major players on commercial jobs. These jobs are often project-based, so you need a strong reputation. Hiring is often based on union hall dispatches, but they also post on union job boards and sometimes Indeed.
2. Residential Service Companies: This is the largest segment. Companies like Las Vegas Plumbing Pros, PuroClean of Las Vegas, and Champion Plumbing are always hiring for service technicians. These jobs are often commission-based or have a base + commission structure for emergency calls. Turnover can be higher, but there’s always demand.
3. Large Commercial & Institutional Employers:
   • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) & NSU: They have in-house facilities teams. These are stable, 9-to-5 jobs with excellent benefits but are competitive to get into.
   • Clark County School District (CCSD): Maintains thousands of facilities. A great government job with a pension.
   • Centennial Hills Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare): As the area grows, so does the need for medical-grade plumbing and maintenance.
   • City of North Las Vegas: Public works department for municipal projects. Again, government job stability.
4. Construction & Development Firms: With constant expansion in the Aliante and Providence areas, large residential builders like Lennar, Pulte Homes, and Toll Brothers subcontract a huge volume of plumbing rough-in and finish work. Check job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn for "plumber" with these big builders.

Hiring Trends: There’s a significant demand for journeyman and master plumbers. Helpers are always needed, but advancement requires getting licensed. The commercial sector is seeing slower growth post-pandemic, while residential service and remodel work are booming.

Getting Licensed in NV

Licensing is non-negotiable in Nevada. You cannot work as a plumber without proper credentials from the State Contractors Board (SCB).

Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): Typically 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You must register with the state as an apprentice. The local union (UA 525) runs an excellent apprenticeship program, but non-union paths exist through trade schools.
2. Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship and hours, you apply to take the journeyman plumber exam. It’s a state-proctored test covering plumbing codes (IPC), safety, and theory. Exam Fee: ~$150.
3. Master Plumber Exam: Requires at least 2 years as a journeyman. This is for those who want to pull their own permits, run a business, or oversee large projects. Exam Fee: ~$150.

Timeline & Cost:

• To start as an apprentice: You can begin immediately after securing a job with a licensed contractor. Registration is straightforward.
• To become a journeyman: Minimum of 4 years, often longer if you work part-time. Total cost (books, exams, licensing) is approximately $500-$800, not including tuition for any trade school courses.
• Crucial Note: Nevada has reciprocal agreements with some states, but verify with the SCB if you’re already licensed elsewhere. The SCB website is your primary resource.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your budget, and your lifestyle. North Las Vegas is vast and diverse.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Aliante	Master-planned, quiet, family-oriented. 15-20 min to major NLV employers. Safe and clean.	$1,400	Those seeking a stable, suburban home life without a long commute.
Providence	Similar to Aliante but slightly newer, more upscale. Close to US-95 for easy access to Vegas.	$1,450	Plumbers with families or who value newer amenities.
Old North Las Vegas	The historic core. Much more affordable, but older housing stock means more repair work. Commute to Vegas is short.	$1,100	Budget-conscious plumbers, especially those focused on residential service.
Skye Canyon	Northwest NLV, very new, with mountain views. Growing fast but can feel isolated from central Vegas.	$1,350	Those who want a new apartment and don’t mind a 25-30 min commute to central Vegas.
Centennial Hills	Technically in Vegas but borders NLV. Highly sought-after, great schools, but more expensive.	$1,500	Plumbers who want the best schools and are willing to pay a premium for location.

Insider Tip: If you work commercial in the heart of Vegas and live in NLV, your commute on I-15 or US-95 can be brutal during tourist season (Nov-Apr). Consider a schedule with an early start (5 AM) to avoid the worst of it.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in North Las Vegas isn’t just about fixing leaks. It’s about specialization and owning your expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving into a niche can boost your income by 20-40%.
  • Medical Gas Piping: Certifications here are gold, especially with the growth of hospitals and clinics. Can push a mid-career salary to over $80,000.
  • Commercial/Industrial: Working on large-scale projects (like the new data centers coming to the region) or industrial facilities pays significantly more than residential service.
  • Water Treatment & Backflow: Specialized, in-demand skills for commercial properties and municipal work.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Helper → Apprentice → Journeyman → Foreman → Superintendent. The ultimate goal is Master Plumber and starting your own business. Many successful local plumbers started with a service truck and built a reputation through word-of-mouth in neighborhoods like Old North Las Vegas.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% growth): This growth is steady, not explosive. It means opportunities will remain, but competition for the best jobs (union, commercial, municipal) will be strong. Being a licensed master plumber with a clean record and a good reputation will always be in demand.

The Verdict: Is North Las Vegas Right for You?

Pros	Cons
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.	High Summer A/C Costs: Your energy bill will spike 3-4 months a year.
Steady Demand: Constant growth and an aging housing stock mean consistent work.	Car-Centric Culture: A reliable vehicle is not optional; it’s a requirement for the job.
Union Presence: UA Local 525 offers strong wages, benefits, and pension.	Competitive Market: You must be skilled, licensed, and professional to stand out.
Lower Cost of Living vs. National Average: Rent and general expenses are manageable.	Extreme Summer Heat: Working outside or in attics in July/August is brutally hot.
Diverse Job Market: From residential service to large commercial projects.	Limited Public Transit: Makes your commute entirely dependent on your car.

Final Recommendation:
North Las Vegas is an excellent choice for a licensed journeyman or master plumber who is motivated to work hard and specialize. The median salary of $62,855 provides a solid foundation, especially with no state tax. It’s a fantastic market for those in the union or for entrepreneurial types looking to build a service business. However, if you’re just starting out, be prepared for a modest apprenticeship income and a competitive path to getting licensed. For a single plumber, renting in a neighborhood like Old North Las Vegas or Aliante is the most practical approach. If you have a family or a dual income, the dream of homeownership becomes much more realistic. Do your homework, get licensed, and be ready to hustle—this city rewards those who show up and fix the problem.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be licensed to work as a plumber in North Las Vegas?
A: Yes. Absolutely. Nevada requires a state-issued license for any plumbing work that requires a permit. You can work as an apprentice under a licensed plumber, but you cannot perform journeyman-level work or run projects without the proper license from the State Contractors Board.

Q: Is the union (UA Local 525) the only way to get good work?
A: No, but it’s a major advantage. The union provides structured training, higher wages on union jobs, and excellent benefits. Many non-union companies also pay well, especially in commercial and specialty sectors. The key is to get your license and build a reputation for quality work.

Q: How hot does it get, and how does that affect my work?
A: Summer highs regularly exceed 100°F, and can hit 110°F+. This is a major factor. You’ll work in attics, under slabs, and in direct sun. Hydration, proper PPE, and a good vehicle A/C are essential. Many companies adjust schedules or provide extra breaks in peak summer.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job as a plumber here?
A: For union jobs, contact UA Local 525. For non-union residential/commercial, check Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites of local firms like Las Vegas Valley Plumbing or Brennan Plumbing. For government jobs (school district, city), check the official Clark County and City of North Las Vegas job portals.

Q: Can I live comfortably on a single plumber's salary in NLV?
A: Yes, comfortably, but not lavishly. You won’t be dining out every night or buying a new car every three years, but you can afford a decent apartment, a reliable used car, and have money left for savings and fun. It gets much easier with experience (reaching the mid-career and senior brackets) and especially if you have a second income in your household.