Plumber in Ogden, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Ogden Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out Ogden's job market, I can tell you that plumbing isn't a get-rich-quick trade here, but it's a stable, solid middle-class living. The numbers prove it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, the median salary for plumbers in Ogden is $62,418/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.01/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, which makes sense given Ogden's lower cost of living compared to major coastal cities.

The local market is tight but growing. There are approximately 174 plumbing jobs in the Ogden metro area, which covers Weber, Morgan, and Davis counties. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady, not explosive. This growth is driven by new residential developments in the suburbs and the constant need for renovations and maintenance in the city's older housing stock. Ogden's metro population is 87,272, which is a manageable size. You're not competing with thousands of your peers like you would in Salt Lake City, but you're also not in a rural area with a single employer.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports, sitting around the median.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level Apprentice	0-2 years	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level Journeyman	2-5 years	$58,000 - $68,000
Senior-Level Technician	5-10 years	$65,000 - $75,000
Expert / Master / Owner	10+ years	$75,000+ (often with profit-sharing)

To put Ogden's $62,418 median in context, let's compare it to other Utah cities. Salt Lake City, the state's economic engine, offers a higher median salary (around $68,000) but comes with significantly higher rent and competition. Provo, with its tech-driven economy, sits closer to Ogden's median but has a younger, more volatile rental market. Ogden is often called the "Gateway to the Rockies," and its job market reflects that—it's less about high-flying tech and more about steady, essential services. My insider tip: If you're a journeyman looking for a balance of good pay and lower living costs, Ogden is a sweet spot. However, if you're aiming for the absolute highest earning potential, you'd commute to Salt Lake City or specialize in high-demand niches like medical gas fitting or industrial pipefitting.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A median salary of $62,418/year sounds good, but what's the take-home in Ogden? After federal taxes, Utah state taxes (5% flat), and FICA (7.65%), your net monthly pay is approximately $4,150. This is a conservative estimate that doesn't account for deductions like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.

Now, let's layer in the key local cost: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Ogden costs $1,108/month. This gives us a clear picture of affordability.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Ogden Plumber (Median Salary)

• Net Monthly Income: $4,150
• Average Rent (1BR): $1,108
• Remaining for Expenses & Savings: $3,042
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): ~$250
• Car Payment/Insurance (Utah has high insurance rates): ~$500
• Groceries & Personal: ~$400
• Savings/Retirement/Discretionary: $1,892

This is a healthy financial picture. You can live comfortably in a 1-bedroom apartment and still have nearly $1,900 left for savings, debt repayment, or fun. The Cost of Living Index of 95.1 (US avg = 100) works in your favor. This means your dollar goes about 5% further than the national average. Most of that savings comes from housing and utilities.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is where Ogden truly shines. The median home price in the Ogden metro is roughly $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), you're looking at a monthly mortgage around $1,800-$2,000. Given your net income of $4,150, a mortgage at ~45% of your take-home would be tight for a single-income household. However, it's very feasible if you have a partner working or if you move into a senior role ($75,000+) where your income increases. My insight: Many local plumbers buy homes in the suburbs like Roy or Clearfield where prices are slightly lower, or they buy older homes in neighborhoods like East Central and renovate them over time. It's a common and smart path here.

Where the Jobs Are: Ogden's Major Employers

Ogden's plumbing job market is a mix of commercial, residential, and municipal work. You won't find massive corporate HQs, but you'll find stable, long-term employers. Here are the key players:

1. Ogden City Public Works Department: This is the municipal employer. They handle all city-owned infrastructure—water mains, sewer lines, city buildings, and parks. Jobs here are highly competitive but offer excellent benefits, a pension, and job security. Hiring is slow and often based on civil service exams. The city's ongoing efforts to upgrade old water systems (some from the mid-20th century) create steady long-term projects.

2. Weber County Water District & Weber Basin Water Conservancy District: These entities manage water rights and bulk water delivery. They need plumbers and pipefitters for large-scale irrigation, pump stations, and treatment facilities. This is industrial/commercial work, often requiring a CDL and specialized training. It's a niche with less competition.

3. Major Local Construction & Service Companies:

   • A-1 Plumbing & Drain Cleaning: A large, well-known local residential and commercial service company. They are frequently hiring apprentices and journeymen. They handle everything from emergency calls to new construction. A good place to get broad experience.
   • Mountain View Mechanical: Focuses on commercial and industrial projects. They work on schools, hospitals (like McKay-Dee Hospital), and large retail centers. This is where you get experience with specialized systems like medical gas or large-scale boilers.
   • Barnes & Sons Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing local firm with a strong reputation. They do a mix of residential service and new construction. They are known for training and are often the first call for many homeowners in the North Ogden area.
   • Kearns & Sons Plumbing: Another established local company with a focus on high-end residential and commercial remodels. They often seek skilled technicians for complex projects.

4. McKay-Dee Hospital (Intermountain Healthcare): While not a plumbing company, Intermountain is the largest healthcare provider in the region. Their facilities department employs in-house plumbers and pipefitters for critical systems. These are union or highly skilled positions with excellent benefits and are less vulnerable to market fluctuations.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a growing demand for plumbers who can work on new smart home technologies, water-efficient fixtures, and trenchless pipe repair methods. Companies are looking for technicians who can do more than just fix a leak; they can diagnose complex systems and offer modern solutions. The residential side is consistently busy due to the influx of new families moving to the Wasatch Front.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah has a clear, structured path to licensure, managed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Here’s the breakdown:

1. Apprentice Plumber:

• Requirement: You must be registered with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) as an apprentice.
• Process: You need to be employed by a licensed master or journeyman plumber. Your employer will sponsor your registration. There's no state exam; it's a form you file with a fee (around $100).
• Timeline: You can start immediately upon finding an employer.

2. Journeyman Plumber:

• Requirement: Complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) as a registered apprentice and pass a state-approved apprenticeship program OR complete 8,000 hours of OJT without a formal program. Additionally, you must have 272 hours of classroom instruction.
• Exam: Pass the Utah Journeyman Plumber Exam, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $180. License fee is about $120 (renewed every 2 years).
• Timeline: From starting as an apprentice, it takes a minimum of 4 years to get your journeyman's license.

3. Master Plumber:

• Requirement: Hold a journeyman's license for at least two years, plus complete additional classroom hours (typically 48 hours of advanced code and business courses).
• Exam: Pass the Utah Master Plumber Exam.
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $240. License fee is about $200.
• Timeline: A minimum of 6 years from the start of your apprenticeship.

Insider Tip: Utah's apprenticeship programs are robust. The Utah Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 140 offers a formal, 5-year apprenticeship program that combines paid OJT with classroom instruction. This is the gold standard. The program is free if you are accepted (you pay for books and materials). The waiting list can be long, so get your application in early. Union plumbers in Ogden often earn at or above the median salary, especially with overtime.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your rent. Ogden has distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe.

• East Central (Downtown Ogden):

  • Lifestyle: Urban, historic, walkable. You're near 25th Street's restaurants and bars. A mix of older, beautifully renovated homes and some apartments.
  • Commute: Excellent if you work downtown or for a company based in the city center. You can bike or walk to many jobs.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,300/month for a 1BR apartment or a small house.
  • Plumber's Perspective: Great for younger journeymen who want to be where the action is. You might not need a car for daily errands, saving money.

• North Ogden / Pleasant View:

  • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-oriented, quiet. Lots of newer developments, great views of the mountains. Strong community feel.
  • Commute: 10-20 minutes to downtown Ogden. Easy access to I-15 for jobs in Clearfield or Layton. North Ogden has its own small downtown with essentials.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month for a 1BR or a small townhouse.
  • Plumber's Perspective: Ideal for plumbers with families or those who want more space. Many local contractors are based in this area, so you might have a shorter commute to work sites.

• Roy:

  • Lifestyle: A classic suburb. Affordable, functional, with all the big-box stores (Costco, Home Depot) you need. Less scenic but very convenient.
  • Commute: 15 minutes to Ogden. Very close to Hill Air Force Base, a major employer for contractors.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200/month for a 1BR apartment; very affordable single-family home rentals.
  • Plumber's Perspective: The budget-friendly choice. If your goal is to save aggressively for a house, Roy is a top contender. The commute is easy, and you're central to the Weber County job market.

• South Ogden / Washington Terrace:

  • Lifestyle: Established, quiet, and close to the mountains. A mix of older mid-century homes and some newer infill.
  • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown. Easy access to I-15 south to Layton and Salt Lake City.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month.
  • Plumber's Perspective: A great middle-ground option. You get a quieter, more residential feel without being far from work. Good for those who might commute to Davis County (Layton, Kaysville) for jobs.

Insider Tip on Commuting: Ogden's traffic is not like Salt Lake's, but the I-15 corridor can get congested during rush hour. If you work in construction, your "commute" is to the job site, which changes daily. Living centrally in Ogden or North Ogden gives you the most flexibility.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's salary in Ogden doesn't have to plateau at $62,418. With strategic moves, you can significantly increase your earnings.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Piping: Certified medical gas installers can command a 10-15% premium. This is critical for work at McKay-Dee Hospital and other healthcare facilities.
• Industrial Pipefitting: Working on high-pressure systems, steam lines, and process piping for manufacturing or power generation (like at the nearby Geneva Steel site, now an industrial park) can boost your hourly rate by $5-$10/hour.
• Trenchless Technology: Expertise in pipe bursting and lining is in high demand for repairing aging sewer lines without digging up yards. This can lead to higher-paying service manager roles.
• Management/Estimation: Moving from the field to an office role as a service manager or estimator can increase salary to the $70,000-$90,000 range, especially at a mid-sized firm like A-1 Plumbing.

Advancement Paths:

1. Apprentice -> Journeyman: The first step. Focus on mastering all aspects of the trade and passing your exam.
2. Journeyman -> Master: This is the key to running your own business. It requires two more years of experience and passing a harder exam.
3. Master Plumber -> Business Owner: Many successful Ogden plumbers start their own small service companies. The market is large enough to support them, especially if they focus on a specific area (e.g., eco-friendly retrofits, high-end residential).
4. Union Path: Joining Local 140 opens doors to large-scale commercial and industrial projects (power plants, refineries) that pay the highest wages and benefits in the state. It provides pension and annuity funds that are invaluable for long-term security.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% growth is reliable. The aging housing stock in Ogden (much of it built in the 1950s-70s) means constant re-piping and fixture upgrades. The expansion of Hill Air Force Base and the growth in residential areas like West Haven and Farr West will fuel new construction demand. The biggest threat to the field is not a lack of work, but a lack of new entrants. The skilled plumber shortage means experienced professionals will have significant leverage for better pay and working conditions for the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Ogden Right for You?

Choosing a city for your trade is a big decision. Here’s a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons of making Ogden your home base.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your salary of $62,418 goes farther here than in Salt Lake City or Logan.	Lower Peak Earnings: The median salary is below the national average and less than major metros.
Stable, Growing Market: 6% job growth and a diverse mix of employers (residential, commercial, municipal).	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer opportunities for ultra-niche fields like sub-sea pipefitting or massive industrial projects.
Accessible Homeownership: The path to buying a home is realistic for a journeyman plumber.	Colder, Longer Winters: The weather can be a factor for outdoor work, especially for new construction plumbers.
Outdoor Recreation: World-class skiing (Snowbasin, Powder Mountain), hiking, and climbing are minutes away.	Air Quality: Inversion layers in the winter can trap pollution in the valley, affecting respiratory health.
Manageable City Size: You'll build a reputation and network quickly. Industry connections are easier to forge.	Less Diverse Economy: Heavily reliant on defense (Hill AFB) and healthcare. Less tech-driven than Salt Lake.

Final Recommendation:

Ogden is an excellent choice for plumbers who prioritize a balanced life and financial stability over chasing the absolute highest salary. It's perfect for you if you are:

• A journeyman or apprentice looking for a strong apprenticeship program and affordable living.
• A family-oriented person wanting a safe community with access to outdoor recreation.
• A career-focused plumber who wants to eventually own a small business in a supportive market.

Ogden may not be the right fit if your primary goal is to earn over $100,000 within five years without going into business for yourself, or if you require the amenities and career opportunities of a top-20 U.S. metro area