Plumber in Paterson, NJ

The Salary Picture: Where Paterson Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: Paterson isn’t the highest-paying city in New Jersey for plumbers, but it’s solidly competitive and offers a lower cost of living than many of its neighbors. The median salary for a plumber in Paterson is $65,725/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.6/hour. This is a few thousand dollars above the national average of $63,350/year, which is a good sign for a city of its size.

The metro area, which includes Paterson and surrounding suburbs, has an estimated 312 jobs for plumbers. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady—reflecting the constant need for maintenance, renovation, and new construction in an older city like Paterson with its aging housing stock and ongoing infrastructure projects.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on regional data and typical career progression.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown for Plumbers in Paterson, NJ

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Career	3-9	$55,000 - $75,000
Senior-Level	10-20	$75,000 - $95,000
Expert/Supervisor	20+	$95,000+ (can exceed $110K with specialization)

How Paterson Stacks Up Against Other NJ Cities:

• Newark: Median salary is closer to $70,000, but the cost of living and rent are significantly higher.
• Jersey City: Salaries can reach the $72,000+ range, but it's one of the most expensive markets in the state.
• Trenton: Similar cost of living to Paterson, with salaries in the $62,000 - $68,000 range.
• Atlantic City: Lower salaries (around $60,000 median), but with a completely different tourism-based economy.

Insider Tip: Paterson’s plumbing market is heavily driven by residential service calls and small commercial jobs. The union (Local 24) has a strong presence in northern NJ, and union scale for journeymen can push you well above the $65,725 median, often into the $80,000+ range with overtime. However, non-union shops offer more flexibility in schedule and sometimes faster advancement for those who hustle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Making $65,725 sounds decent, but you need to see the real numbers. Paterson’s cost of living index is 112.5 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 12.5% more expensive than the national average, though cheaper than many NJ metros.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median salary. We’ll assume the standard federal tax filing (single, 1 allowance) and NJ state taxes (which are high).

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,477
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,300
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,177/month

Now, the biggest expense: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Paterson costs $1,743/month. This leaves a remaining $2,434 for all other expenses (utilities, car payment/insurance, food, gas, savings, and entertainment).

Can you afford to buy a home?
It’s a tight squeeze on a single median income. The median home price in Paterson is roughly $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a mortgage on the remaining $280,000 would be around $1,800-$1,900/month (including taxes and insurance), which is more than the average rent. This would consume over 40% of your net income, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in Paterson live in nearby suburbs like Haledon, Prospect Park, or even parts of Clifton for slightly lower rent and better parking, commuting 10-20 minutes to the city. This can significantly improve your housing affordability.

Where the Jobs Are: Paterson's Major Employers

The job market in Paterson is a mix of large union contractors, mid-sized family companies, and independent shops. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Sullivan & Associates: A large, union-affiliated mechanical contracting firm based in nearby Fair Lawn but handles major projects in Paterson, especially commercial and institutional (schools, hospitals). They are a go-to for steady, project-based work. Hiring trend: Consistent, especially for licensed journeymen.
2. Paterson Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing local institution. They focus heavily on residential service and repair in Paterson's historic districts like the Great Falls neighborhood. They offer a family-shop feel with a steady stream of work from the city's older housing stock. Hiring trend: Always looking for reliable service techs, especially those with Spanish language skills (a huge plus in Paterson).
3. NJ Mechanical Contractors: Based in the South Paterson area, they do a lot of work for local businesses, restaurants, and multi-family buildings. They are a key employer for commercial plumbing. Hiring trend: Tied to the local business economy; steady expansion in the South Paterson commercial corridor.
4. Roto-Rooter (Local Franchise): The national service giant has a strong presence in the Paterson area. They offer 24/7 service, which means shift work but also overtime and potential for high earnings through commission and on-call pay. Hiring trend: Frequent turnover but constant need for drivers and service technicians.
5. Paterson Public Schools: The district is a major employer for maintenance plumbers. The job involves working on boiler systems, piping for athletic facilities, and general upkeep across dozens of schools. It’s a stable, city-government job with good benefits and a pension. Hiring trend: Public sector jobs are competitive; openings are posted on the City of Paterson's official job board.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative work is often in the "Great Falls Historic District" and the "Civic Center" areas. These neighborhoods have a mix of century-old homes requiring delicate repairs and new redevelopment projects. Building relationships with contractors in these zones can lead to consistent referrals.

Getting Licensed in NJ

New Jersey has a strict licensing system. You cannot work as a plumber without one.

1. Apprenticeship: First, you must complete a 4-5 year registered apprenticeship program. This combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 500 hours of classroom instruction. You’ll earn while you learn, starting at a percentage of the journeyman wage (often 40-50%).
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the New Jersey Master Plumber examination. This is a comprehensive test on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted by NJ. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Master Plumber License (Optional but Recommended): To open your own business, you need a Master Plumber license, which requires 2,000 additional hours of work as a journeyman and passing another exam.
4. Costs: Apprenticeship programs often have minimal tuition (union programs are typically free, non-union may have some fees). Factor in tools (~$1,500-$2,500 for a basic kit) and exam fees. You may also need to join the local union (Local 24), which has initiation fees and monthly dues.
5. Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to becoming a licensed journeyman, expect 4-5 years.

Insider Tip: The New Jersey Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers is the authority. Always verify your apprenticeship program is registered with the state. Unregistered programs won't count toward your licensing hours.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, housing costs, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of Paterson neighborhoods and nearby areas popular with tradespeople.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
South Paterson	Busy, commercial, dense. Central to many service calls.	$1,600 - $1,900	Walk to work. Close to major employers like NJ Mechanical. Parking is tough.
Great Falls Historic	Scenic, residential, tight streets. Older homes need constant work.	$1,550 - $1,850	Prime area for high-end service and repair work. High foot traffic for entrepreneurs.
Civic Center	Government buildings, some apartments. Quieter at night.	$1,500 - $1,750	Close to schools (public sector jobs) and municipal buildings. Easy highway access.
Haledon (Suburb)	Quiet, single-family homes, good parking. 10-min drive to Paterson.	$1,400 - $1,700	More space, lower rent. Popular with tradespeople for family life.
Prospect Park (Suburb)	Very quiet, residential, family-oriented. 15-min drive.	$1,450 - $1,750	Excellent value. Close to major highways (Route 80, 21) for quick job access.

Insider Tip: If you buy a van for your business, parking is a major consideration. South Paterson and the Historic District have very limited off-street parking. Suburbs like Haledon or Prospect Park almost always come with driveways, which is a huge practical advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s earning potential in Paterson doesn’t flatline at the median. Here’s how to increase your income and job security.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come from specialization.
  • Gasfitting: Certification for gas lines is in high demand for appliance installation and heating systems. Can add $5-$8/hour to your rate.
  • Medical Gas: Working on hospitals and clinics (like St. Joseph’s University Medical Center) requires certification and pays a significant premium.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification for testing and installing backflow devices is a required service for many commercial properties and can be a lucrative side business.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Foreman: Leads a crew on larger jobs. Requires strong communication and organizational skills. Pay can jump to $80,000+.
  2. Estimator: Moves from the field to the office, preparing bids for projects. Less physical, but requires precision and knowledge of codes.
  3. Business Ownership: As a Master Plumber, you can start your own shop. The ceiling here is much higher ($120,000+), but it comes with the risks and headaches of running a business.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% job growth): This growth is tied to Paterson’s ongoing revitalization. The city is investing in infrastructure and attracting new businesses. While residential work will always be the base, commercial and institutional contracts will offer the most growth. Green plumbing (water-saving, tankless water heaters) is also a growing niche.

Insider Tip: The union (Local 24) offers excellent training programs for specialties like medical gas and welding. Even if you're non-union, check if they have open enrollment for these courses—they're often the best in the state.

The Verdict: Is Paterson Right for You?

Pros and Cons for Plumbers in Paterson

Pros	Cons
Strong Demand: Constant need for service and repair on older housing stock.	High Taxes: NJ property and income taxes are among the highest in the U.S.
Competitive Salary: $65,725 median is solid for the cost of living.	Rent Pressure: The $1,743 average rent is high relative to the take-home pay.
Diverse Job Market: Mix of residential, commercial, and institutional work.	Parking & Traffic: Can be challenging, especially in dense neighborhoods.
Central Location: Easy access to NYC, Newark, and the Jersey Shore for work or play.	Union vs. Non-Union Divide: Navigating the two can be tricky; each has pros/cons.
Lower Barrier to Entry: Compared to NYC or Jersey City, Paterson is more accessible.	Old Infrastructure: While good for business, it means working in sometimes challenging conditions.

Final Recommendation:
Paterson is an excellent choice for an ambitious plumber, especially those just starting out or looking to start a family without the extreme costs of NYC or central Jersey. It offers a real, working-class city feel with a steady, reliable plumbing market. However, it’s not a place to get rich quickly. Success here depends on building a solid reputation, possibly specializing, and managing your finances carefully.

If you’re willing to live in a suburb for better housing value and are prepared to hustle for the best jobs (like union work or public sector roles), Paterson provides a stable and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need to speak Spanish to work as a plumber in Paterson?
While not a formal requirement, it is a major advantage. Over 50% of Paterson’s population is Hispanic, and many residential clients are Spanish-speaking. Being bilingual can set you apart and open up a much larger client base for service calls.

2. Is union membership common in Paterson?
Yes, Local 24 of the United Association is very active. Many of the larger mechanical contractors are signatory to the union. Union scale is higher, and the benefits (healthcare, pension) are typically excellent. However, there are also many successful non-union shops. Research both paths.

3. What’s the best way to find a job as a new apprentice?
Contact the New Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association or Local 24 directly for apprenticeship programs. Also, visit local supply houses like Ferguson Enterprises in nearby Fairfield—they are hubs where contractors often leave job postings or you can network with employees.

4. How does the cost of living in Paterson really compare to NYC?
Significantly lower. While Paterson’s cost of living index is 112.5, NYC’s is over 140. An apartment in Paterson renting for $1,743 could easily be $3,500+ in Brooklyn or Queens. However, salaries are also lower in Paterson, so the relative affordability is key.

5. What’s the winter like for working outside?
Northeastern NJ winters are cold and can be snowy. As a plumber, you’ll still be on call for frozen pipes, boiler breakdowns, and sewer backups. A reliable heated van and high-quality weather gear are essential investments. The upside: emergency call pay during storms can be very lucrative.