The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in Peoria, AZ

As a career analyst who’s watched the plumbing trade evolve across Arizona for over a decade, I can tell you that Peoria offers a unique proposition. It’s not the sprawling, high-cost megalopolis of Phoenix, but it’s deeply connected to its economic engine. For a plumber, this means a stable job market with a cost of living that hasn’t fully caught up to its neighbor. This guide is built on hard data and local insight—no fluff, just what you need to make a smart move.

The Salary Picture: Where Peoria Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. The plumbing trade in Peoria is solid, sitting slightly above the national average but not quite at the tier of major metros. The median salary for plumbers in Peoria is $64,395/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.96. For context, this is just a hair above the national average of $63,350/year. This tells me the market is competitive and values skilled tradespeople, but it’s not an outlier.

Experience is the biggest lever on your paycheck, and it plays out predictably here. While BLS data provides a broad national picture, local job postings and union rate sheets give us a clearer, more granular view of how a plumber's earnings can grow in this specific market.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Peoria
Entry-Level Plumber	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Assisting journeymen, basic repairs, drain cleaning, material handling. Often starts with a residential service company.
Mid-Level Journeyman	3-7 years	$58,000 - $70,000	Leading service calls, complex repairs, rough-in work for new construction, troubleshooting. The core of the workforce.
Senior Plumber	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Project supervision, commercial/industrial systems, mentoring apprentices, bidding jobs. Often specializes in one area.
Expert / Master Plumber	15+ years	$90,000 - $120,000+	Business ownership, large-scale commercial/medical gas systems, consulting, code official roles.

How does Peoria compare to other Arizona cities? It’s a solid middle-ground option. It won’t compete with the high-volume, high-cost market of Scottsdale or the specialized industrial work in Tucson, but it offers more stability and less congestion than both. The 397 jobs currently in the metro area is a healthy number for a city of its size, indicating consistent demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $64,395 sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life? Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median wage, living in a typical 1-bedroom apartment.

• Gross Monthly Income: $64,395 / 12 = $5,366
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): Roughly 22-25% for this bracket = -$1,340
• Net Monthly Income: ~$4,026

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,424
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Trash): -$150
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$500
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): -$200
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$400
• Miscellaneous/Discretionary: -$452

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible. The average home price in Peoria is around $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of roughly $2,400, plus property taxes and insurance. On a $64,395 salary, that would consume over 60% of your net income, which is unsustainable. The path to homeownership here for a single-earner median-wage plumber involves either a significant down payment (more than 20%), a dual-income household, or starting with a more affordable condo or townhome in a neighborhood like Sun City.

Where the Jobs Are: Peoria's Major Employers

Peoria’s job market for plumbers is anchored by a mix of construction, healthcare, and residential service. The 10-year job growth of 6% is steady, driven by the city's consistent population growth and aging infrastructure.

1. Peoria Unified School District: With over 30 schools, the district has a full-time facilities maintenance team. They hire plumbers for preventive maintenance, repair, and new construction projects. It’s a stable, union-backed job with great benefits.
2. Banner Health (Banner Thunderbird Medical Center): One of the largest employers in the region. Hospitals require specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, sterilization equipment, and complex HVAC piping. This is high-value, precision work that pays a premium.
3. D.R. Horton / Lennar / Taylor Morrison: These national homebuilders have significant operations in Peoria's new developments like Vistancia and the subdivisions along the Loop 303. They hire for both new construction rough-in and service work post-completion.
4. Peoria Public Works (City of Peoria): The city itself employs plumbers for maintaining municipal water and sewer lines, parks infrastructure, and public buildings. These are highly competitive, civil service jobs with excellent pensions.
5. Local Union Shops (UA Local 469): The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 469, represents plumbers across the Phoenix metro. They are a primary source for commercial, industrial, and service work. Apprenticeship programs are gold-standard.
6. Service & Repair Companies: Firms like Rainbow Plumbing & Rooter or Parker & Sons are always hiring for residential and commercial service technicians. These roles are often commission-based but offer high earning potential for efficient problem-solvers.
7. Ridgeview Homes: A high-end custom home builder in the area. They seek master plumbers capable of installing advanced systems (e.g., recirculating pumps, water filtration) for luxury builds in neighborhoods like Arrowhead Ranch.

Insider Tip: The commercial and medical gas sectors are where the real money is. If you can get experience with medical gas piping (certified installers are rare and in demand at Banner and other clinics), you can command a salary well above the median $64,395.

Getting Licensed in AZ

Arizona doesn’t have a statewide journeyman license; it’s handled by local jurisdictions. However, the state does require a contractor's license (ROC #) for anyone doing plumbing work valued at $1,000 or more. For an employee plumber, the journeyman card from your local jurisdiction is what you need.

• The Path: Most start as an apprentice. Arizona doesn’t mandate a state apprenticeship program, but joining the UA Local 469 apprenticeship is highly recommended. The program is 5 years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You’ll earn while you learn, starting at a percentage of journeyman wage and increasing annually.
• Testing & Costs: To become a journeyman, you’ll test with the City of Peoria or the jurisdiction you work in. The exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Exam fees are typically $150 - $250. Study materials and code books can cost another $200 - $400.
• Timeline: From apprentice to licensed journeyman is 5 years. For a contractor’s license (if you go solo), you need 4 years of journeyman-level experience, which can be accelerated with military or relevant education.
• Resources: The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) is your one-stop shop for contractor licensing. For journeyman info, contact the City of Peoria Development & Engineering Department.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, cost of living, and lifestyle. Peoria is vast, and choosing the right spot can save you hours in traffic.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Why It’s Good for a Plumber
Arrowhead Ranch	Upscale, established, central. 15-20 min to most job sites.	$1,550 - $1,700	Proximity to major hospitals, commercial centers, and the I-17 corridor. Great for service plumbers.
Vistancia	Master-planned, family-friendly, west Peoria. 25-30 min commute.	$1,350 - $1,500	Where all the new construction is happening. Ideal for apprentices or those in residential building.
Sun City	55+ community, but has younger renters. Very low cost.	$1,100 - $1,250	Insider Tip: Many plumbers live here to save money. The retiree population means constant service work (repiping, faucet replacements). Commute to central Peoria is easy via Bell Rd.
Old Town Peoria	Historic, walkable, near the Peoria Sports Complex.	$1,300 - $1,450	Great for those who work on the east side or in the city core. More character, but older homes can mean more repair calls.
Dysart & Cactus	Affordable, no-frills, central access.	$1,200 - $1,350	A strategic base for someone working across the metro. Easy access to I-10, I-17, and Loop 101.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth over 10 years is your baseline. To outpace it, you need specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Medical Gas Installation: 15-25% above standard journeyman rates.
  • Backflow Prevention Certification: A must-have for commercial work; adds $5-$10/hour.
  • PEX & PEX-A Systems: Expertise in modern materials is increasingly valuable.
  • Estimating/Project Management: Transition from hands-on to office-based, often with a salary increase.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Tech to Service Manager: At a company like Parker & Sons, you can move from field work to managing a team.
  2. Journeyman to Master Plumber / Business Owner: With your state contractor’s license, you can start your own shop. Peoria’s growth and aging housing stock provide a steady client base.
  3. Public Sector Master Plumber: The City of Peoria and school districts offer senior roles overseeing entire facility portfolios.
• 10-Year Outlook: The trend is toward green and efficient systems. Plumbers who can install and service tankless water heaters, greywater systems, and high-efficiency fixtures will be indispensable. The demand for service and repair will remain robust as Peoria’s housing stock (much of it built in the 90s and 2000s) enters its prime repair window.

The Verdict: Is Peoria Right for You?

Peoria isn’t for everyone, but for a plumber with a plan, it’s a fantastic launchpad.

Pros	Cons
Stable, growing market with 397 jobs and 6% growth.	Salary ($64,395) is solid but not exceptional; high earners need specialization.
Cost of living (105.5) is manageable compared to Scottsdale or national tech hubs.	Summer heat is intense; outdoor work can be brutal from June to September.
Diverse employers from hospitals to builders to the city.	Car-dependent city; you need a reliable truck/van for work.
Strategic location with easy access to the entire Phoenix metro.	Water scarcity can mean more work on conservation systems, but also regulatory hurdles.
Good apprenticeship pathways via UA Local 469.	Union vs. Non-Union divide is significant; know the local landscape before choosing a path.

Final Recommendation: Peoria is an ideal city for a mid-career plumber looking to settle down, buy a home, and build a stable career. It’s less suited for a novice starting out (unless entering a formal apprenticeship) or a master plumber seeking the highest possible income. For the journeyman ready to specialize and the apprentice ready to learn, it’s a place where your skills are valued and your life can be balanced.

FAQs

1. Is the plumbing trade in Peoria unionized?
Yes, but not exclusively. UA Local 469 is a major force, especially in commercial and industrial work, offering structured training and benefits. Many residential service companies and smaller shops are non-union. Research companies like D.R. Horton (often union) versus a local mom-and-pop service company (likely non-union).

2. Do I need a truck for my job?
For service and repair roles, yes. Most companies provide a service van, but you’ll need a personal vehicle to get to the shop. For construction work (new builds), you usually don’t need your own vehicle. However, having a truck is a major asset if you go independent.

3. How competitive is the apprenticeship program with UA Local 469?
Very competitive. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED, pass a basic aptitude test, and show up for interviews. Persistence pays off. Many applicants are also working as helpers at non-union shops to gain experience before applying.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Peoria?
The summer heat is the most immediate physical challenge. But the long-term strategic challenge is the water supply. Plumbers who become experts in water-saving technologies, leak detection, and reclaimed water systems will be ahead of the curve as the city manages its resources.

5. Can I make more than the median salary as a service plumber?
Absolutely. The median $64,395 is a floor for a competent, efficient service tech. Top performers at companies like Rainbow Plumbing & Rooter or independent contractors can earn $80,000 - $100,000+ through a combination of commission, efficiency, and building a loyal customer base. It requires hustle and excellent customer service, not just technical skill.