Plumber in Portsmouth, VA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Portsmouth, Virginia.

---

A Career Analyst's Guide for Plumbers in Portsmouth, VA

Portsmouth isn't the biggest city in Hampton Roads, but for a skilled plumber, it’s a solid, steady market. You’re not competing with the massive Navy infrastructure of Norfolk, but you have a dense, historic housing stock, a naval shipyard, and a network of suburbs that all need reliable water and waste services. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven breakdown of what your life as a plumber would actually look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Portsmouth Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the plumbing profession in the Portsmouth metro area is stable. The median salary for a plumber here is $62,855/year, with an hourly rate of $30.22/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but the cost of living in Portsmouth is also lower than the national average, making your dollar stretch further.

The job market is tight but growing. There are approximately 193 plumbing jobs in the Portsmouth metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which aligns with national trends. This means there’s steady demand for replacements and new construction, but it’s not an explosive boom market. You’ll need to be skilled and reliable to carve out your niche.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earnings will climb with experience and licensing. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect in Portsmouth:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Apprentice / Helper	$38,000 - $48,000
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Journeyman Plumber	$55,000 - $70,000
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Service Tech / Lead Installer	$68,000 - $85,000
Expert (15+ yrs)	Master Plumber / Business Owner	$85,000 - $120,000+

Note: Expert-level salaries can vary widely based on business ownership, specialized commercial work, or union positions.

Comparison to Other Virginia Cities

Portsmouth is a mid-tier market in Virginia. It’s important to see how it stacks up against its neighbors, especially with the cost of living in mind.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Take-Home Feel
Portsmouth	$62,855	97.4	Strong purchasing power
Richmond	$64,200	100.5	Slightly higher pay, higher costs
Norfolk	$63,500	98.1	Very similar market, more competition
Virginia Beach	$65,100	101.2	Higher pay, significantly higher rent
Alexandria	$72,000	151.9	High pay, but cost of living is prohibitive

Portsmouth offers a "sweet spot." You earn a solid median salary while your housing costs are nearly 2.6% below the national average. In Alexandria, you’d earn more but likely spend over 50% more on rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $62,855 salary breaks down to about $5,238/month before taxes. After federal, state (Virginia has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, your net take-home pay is approximately $4,150/month (this is an estimate; your actual take-home depends on deductions).

The Rent Factor:
The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Portsmouth is $1,287/month. This is your biggest fixed cost. Let’s look at a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,287	31%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$250	6%
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	11%
Groceries & Household	$400	10%
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	7%
Retirement Savings (5%)	$210	5%
Taxes & Miscellaneous	$1,253	30%
Remaining (Discretionary)	$0	0%

This budget is tight but manageable. It assumes a single-person household with no car debt and employer-provided health insurance. The "Taxes & Miscellaneous" bucket covers federal/state taxes, payroll deductions, and any unexpected expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a monthly take-home of $4,150, a plumber is on the edge of homeownership. The median home price in Portsmouth is around $285,000. A 20% down payment is $57,000—a significant hurdle. With a 30-year mortgage at current rates, the monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,800 - $2,000. This would consume nearly 50% of your net income, which is not recommended by financial advisors. A plumber would likely need to be a senior-level ($75,000+) or have dual income to comfortably buy a home here.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbers build their business and buy a home in a neighboring, more affordable area like Suffolk or Chesapeake, commuting into Portsmouth for work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $62,855 salary breaks down to about $5,238/month before taxes. After federal, state (Virginia has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, your net take-home pay is approximately $4,150/month (this is an estimate; your actual take-home depends on deductions).

The Rent Factor:
The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Portsmouth is $1,287/month. This is your biggest fixed cost. Let’s look at a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,287	31%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$250	6%
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	11%
Groceries & Household	$400	10%
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	7%
Retirement Savings (5%)	$210	5%
Taxes & Miscellaneous	$1,253	30%
Remaining (Discretionary)	$0	0%

This budget is tight but manageable. It assumes a single-person household with no car debt and employer-provided health insurance. The "Taxes & Miscellaneous" bucket covers federal/state taxes, payroll deductions, and any unexpected expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a monthly take-home of $4,150, a plumber is on the edge of homeownership. The median home price in Portsmouth is around $285,000. A 20% down payment is $57,000—a significant hurdle. With a 30-year mortgage at current rates, the monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,800 - $2,000. This would consume nearly 50% of your net income, which is not recommended by financial advisors. A plumber would likely need to be a senior-level ($75,000+) or have dual income to comfortably buy a home here.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbers build their business and buy a home in a neighboring, more affordable area like Suffolk or Chesapeake, commuting into Portsmouth for work.

Where the Jobs Are: Portsmouth's Major Employers

Portsmouth’s job market is anchored by healthcare, the military, and public works. Here are the key players for plumbers:

1. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP): A massive facility with constant maintenance needs. They hire in-house plumbers for their facilities department. These are stable, union-adjacent jobs with great benefits. Hiring Trend: Steady, with openings for experienced journeymen.
2. Portsmouth Public Schools: The district maintains dozens of older buildings. A facilities maintenance team is always needed for repairs and upgrades. Hiring Trend: Public sector jobs, so openings are posted on the city’s website and are competitive.
3. Sentara Healthcare: While Sentara’s main hospital in Norfolk is larger, they have clinics and facilities in Portsmouth. Their facilities management teams often contract with local plumbing firms or hire directly. Hiring Trend: Privatized contracts are common; building relationships with their preferred vendors is key.
4. City of Portsmouth Public Works: This is the core municipal employer. They handle city-owned building maintenance, sewer line repairs, and stormwater management. Hiring Trend: Stable, with retirements creating openings. Often requires a Class A or B CDL for operating heavy equipment.
5. Local Construction Firms (e.g., W.M. Jordan, Clayco): These major regional contractors handle new commercial and residential projects in the area. They hire subcontractors and sometimes have in-house plumbing teams. Hiring Trend: Tied to the construction cycle; currently steady with new commercial developments.
6. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Norfolk Naval Shipyard): While technically in Norfolk, it’s immediately adjacent and a huge employer for skilled trades. Plumbers work in shipyard facilities and on base. Hiring Trend: Federal hiring can be slow, but jobs are highly secure and pay well above median.
7. Old Town Portsmouth Restoration Firms: The historic district is full of century-old homes needing specialized, careful plumbing work. Niche firms and independent contractors specialize in this. Hiring Trend: High demand for craftsmen who can work on historic structures without compromising integrity.

Insider Tip: The best way to find these jobs is through local unions (Local 100 for Pipefitters & Plumbers) and networking on sites like LinkedIn. Many jobs aren’t advertised publicly.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia has a strict, clear licensing process managed by the Virginia Board for Contractors. You cannot work independently without a license.

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program. You can work under a licensed contractor while attending classes at a technical school like the Tidewater Community College campus in Chesapeake.
2. Journeyman Exam: After apprenticeship, you take the Virginia Journeyman Plumber Exam. This is a state-administered test. You need 4 years of experience (including apprenticeship).
3. Master Plumber Exam: To open your own business or supervise others, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires at least 2 additional years as a journeyman and passing the Master exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: ~$2,000 - $5,000 (often reimbursed by employers).
• Exam Fees: ~$150 per exam.
• License Application Fee: ~$150 - $300.
• Total Time to Licensure: 5-6 years from starting as an apprentice to becoming a licensed journeyman.

Insider Tip: Virginia does not have statewide reciprocity with all states. If you’re moving from another state, check the Board’s reciprocity agreements. You may need to provide proof of hours and potentially take the Virginia exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Portsmouth’s geography is unique—it’s a peninsula between the Elizabeth and Nansemond Rivers. Traffic can be bottlenecks at the tunnels. Choosing your home base is critical.

1. Old Town Portsmouth:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, full of restaurants and charm. Right next to the naval hospital and downtown jobs.
   • Commute: Excellent for downtown and hospital jobs. Easy walk or bike.
   • Rent: High. A 1BR in a historic building can be $1,400 - $1,800.
   • Best For: Plumbers who work downtown and value lifestyle over space.

2. Crawford/Bickford Neighborhood:

   • Vibe: Working-class, residential, with classic brick ranches and colonials. Close to I-264 and I-664.
   • Commute: Good access to the entire region via the tunnels. 15-20 mins to most jobs.
   • Rent: Reasonable. 1BR apartments start around $1,100 - $1,300.
   • Best For: Plumbers with a car who want a balance of affordability and convenience.

3. Parkview:

   • Vibe: A mix of older homes and some new infill development. Quiet, established streets.
   • Commute: Central location. Easy to get to Naval Medical Center or the Shipyard.
   • Rent: Moderate. Expect $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR or small house.
   • Best For: Plumbers seeking a family-friendly atmosphere with a manageable commute.

4. Portsmouth Highlands:

   • Vibe: Commercial corridor with some residential pockets. Close to shopping and I-264.
   • Commute: Very direct access to the main highways. 10-15 mins to most points.
   • Rent: Affordable. 1BR units can be found for $1,000 - $1,200.
   • Best For: Plumber who prioritizes a short commute and low rent over neighborhood charm.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Portsmouth, the long-term growth path is either specialization or business ownership.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial/Industrial: Working on large systems (hospitals, shipyards) often pays 10-20% above residential rates.
• Gas-Fitting: Virginia requires a separate gas fitter license. Plumbers with this can handle more complex heating systems, increasing their value.
• Medical Gas: This is a highly specialized, high-paying niche. Certification is required and is in demand at hospitals and the shipyard.

Advancement Paths:

• Path 1: Journeyman -> Senior Tech -> Service Manager -> Operations Manager (at a large firm).
• Path 2: Journeyman -> Master Plumber -> Business Owner. This is the highest earning potential. Portsmouth has a stable market for small, reputable plumbing businesses, especially those serving the historic district.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The 6% growth means demand will remain steady. The aging workforce (retirements) will create openings. Plumbers who are tech-savvy (using diagnostic tools, customer relationship software) and licensed will have the most opportunities. The naval and healthcare sectors will remain stable employers, insulating plumbers from the worst of construction cycles.

The Verdict: Is Portsmouth Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in Virginia Beach or Norfolk.	Tunnel Traffic: The HRBT and Midtown Tunnel can create significant delays during peak hours.
Stable Job Base: Naval and healthcare institutions provide recession-resistant employment.	Limited High-End Market: Fewer ultra-luxury homes compared to Virginia Beach or Chesapeake, limiting top-tier service opportunities.
Diverse Work: Mix of historic residential, modern commercial, and industrial work.	Older Housing Stock: While a source of work, it also means dealing with lead pipes and outdated systems, which can be challenging.
Central Location: Easy access to all of Hampton Roads via tunnels (when traffic is light).	Public School Challenges: The local school system has struggled, which may be a concern for families.

Final Recommendation:
Portsmouth is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber (journeyman level) seeking to buy a home and build a stable life without the high competition and cost of coastal Virginia Beach. It’s not the best market for an apprentice just starting out, as wages may be tight, and it’s less ideal for someone seeking the highest possible income without running their own business. The city rewards reliability, skill, and the ability to navigate its unique geography and historic infrastructure. If you value job security and a lower cost of living over a flashy lifestyle, Portsmouth is a smart fit.

FAQs

Q: Is the union strong in Portsmouth?
A: Yes. Local 100 of the United Association (Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders) has a strong presence in Hampton Roads. Union work is prevalent on major projects at the shipyard and large commercial sites. Non-union residential and service work is also plentiful.

Q: How do the tunnels affect my commute?
A: Plan for it. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) and Midtown Tunnel are major choke points. If your job is on the other side of a tunnel (e.g.,