Plumber in Richardson, TX

A Career Guide for Plumbers in Richardson, TX

Richardson, Texas, is a unique beast in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It’s not the sprawling suburban newcomer like Frisco, nor is it the historic core of Dallas. It’s a mature, economically diverse city with a strong tech overlay (thanks to the Telecom Corridor), established healthcare systems, and classic Texas neighborhoods. For a plumber, this is a market with deep, consistent demand. The work isn’t just fixing leaky faucets in new-build homes; it’s servicing complex commercial systems, high-rise residential buildings, and the aging infrastructure of a city that’s been around since the 1870s. This guide strips away the marketing fluff and gives you the data-driven, local intel you need to decide if Richardson is the right next step for your career.

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The Salary Picture: Where Richardson Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: the numbers in Richardson are solid, but context is everything. The median salary for a plumber here is $63,977/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.76/hour. That’s a hair above the national average of $63,350/year, which is a good sign for a city with a Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (US avg = 100). You’re earning slightly more than the typical American plumber, and while living costs are a touch above average, the gap isn’t severe.

The 10-Year Job Growth is 6% for the metro area, with 234 jobs currently in the local market. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady, reliable demand. In a stable market like Richardson, that translates to job security, especially for plumbers who are licensed and can handle both residential and commercial work.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in this market. These are realistic estimates based on local job postings and industry benchmarks, aligned with the median data.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Richardson
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$40,000 - $52,000	Basic repairs, drain cleaning, assisting senior techs, learning code.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	$55,000 - $72,000	Full service calls, installations, water heater replacements, troubleshooting.
Senior / Lead Technician	$70,000 - $85,000	Commercial systems, complex diagnostics, project supervision, training apprentices.
Expert / Master Plumber	$85,000+ (often business owners)	Business management, large-scale commercial projects, code compliance, consulting.

Compared to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Slightly higher median pay (~$65k+), but the cost of living and commute are significantly worse. Richardson offers a better balance.
• Fort Worth: Similar salary to Richardson, but the market is more industrial. Richardson has more diverse commercial clients (tech, healthcare).
• Austin: Higher pay potential (~$68k+), but the cost of living is dramatically higher (index ~130). You’d likely take a real pay cut in purchasing power.
• Houston: Similar salary, but the market is heavily oil & gas influenced. Richardson’s economy is more recession-resistant.

Insider Tip: The Telecom Corridor along Campbell Rd and the US-75 corridor means you’ll find high-end residential and commercial clients who expect premium service and are willing to pay for it. Don’t undervalue your expertise here.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $63,977 sounds good on paper, but let’s see what it means for your daily life in Richardson. Using Texas’s relatively low state income tax is a plus, but federal taxes and FICA still take a bite.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after taxes): Approximately $3,900 - $4,100. (Calculated using a typical federal tax filing for a single filer, Texas state tax, and FICA deductions.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Entry/Mid-Level Plumber:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,291/month. This is your biggest fixed cost.
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200 - $250
• Groceries & Household: $400 - $500
• Car Payment & Insurance: $400 - $600 (essential in Richardson)
• Fuel & Maintenance: $150 - $200
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $200 - $400
• Retirement Savings (401k match, etc.): $200 - $300
• Emergency Fund / Misc: $300 - $500
• Total Estimated Expenses: $3,141 - $4,041

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a take-home of around $4,000/month and estimated expenses of $3,300, you’re left with $700/month for savings and discretionary spending. The median home price in Richardson is approximately $350,000 - $400,000. A 20% down payment ($70k-$80k) is a significant hurdle. However, with good credit and a stable job, an FHA loan with a smaller down payment is possible. Many plumbers in Richardson buy homes in the $250k - $300k range in neighborhoods like Lake Highlands (just south of Richardson) or Murphy. It’s doable, but it requires strict budgeting and likely buying a starter home, not a dream home, initially. Renting for 2-3 years to save is a common and smart path.

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Where the Jobs Are: Richardson's Major Employers

Richardson’s job market for plumbers is anchored by a mix of large institutions, established contractors, and the city’s own infrastructure needs. It’s not just a “call a guy with a truck” market; there are structured employers with benefits and career paths.

1. City of Richardson Public Works: The city maintains its own water and wastewater systems. They hire plumbers and pipefitters for municipal projects and maintenance. These are stable, government jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring is competitive and often requires a city-specific hiring exam.
2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Richardson: One of the largest hospitals in the area. They have a dedicated facilities team for medical gas systems, sterilization equipment, and complex plumbing needs. Hospital work is specialized, requires background checks, and pays a premium. This is a high-value client for any contractor.
3. Collin College – Richardson Campus: The college has multiple campuses and buildings, all requiring ongoing maintenance and renovation work. Institutional clients like this offer steady, predictable projects, especially during summer breaks.
4. Motorola Solutions (The “Big Red” Campus): Located in the heart of the Telecom Corridor, this massive corporate campus is a prime example of the high-end commercial work available. They require sophisticated plumbing for labs, data centers, and employee facilities. Contractors who service these tech giants often have long-term service contracts.
5. Local & Regional Contractors: Established firms like Parker & Sons (a large regional player), Blue Eagle Plumbing, and All Service Plumbing are always looking for licensed techs. They handle the bulk of residential and light commercial work in the area. Check their websites and LinkedIn for postings; many hire through word-of-mouth and local trade schools.
6. Apartment Complex Management Companies: Richardson has a high density of apartments (from student housing near UTD to luxury complexes in the CityLine area). Companies like Greystar and Lincoln Property Company manage many of these and need reliable plumbing contractors for turnovers and repairs. Building a relationship with one can lead to consistent subcontract work.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward commercial and institutional work. While residential service is always steady, the growth is in maintaining complex systems for hospitals, tech campuses, and large apartment buildings. Plumbers with experience in medical gas, backflow prevention, and commercial code are in high demand.

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Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, regulated path to licensure, which is crucial for your earning potential and legal ability to work independently.

State Requirements (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners - TSBPE):

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber. This is typically a 4-year program.
2. Classroom Training: Complete a minimum of 240 hours of approved classroom instruction. This can be done through trade schools like North Lake College (which has a plumbing program) or online through approved providers.
3. Journeyman Plumber License Exam: Once you meet the hours, you must pass the state exam. The fee is approximately $175 for the application and exam.
4. Master Plumber License: Requires at least 48,000 hours (5 years) of experience as a licensed journeyman and passing the master plumber exam. This allows you to own a business and pull permits.

Timeline to Get Started:

• 0-4 Years: Apprenticeship and Journeyman license. You can start earning from day one as an apprentice.
• 4-5 Years: Become a licensed Journeyman, qualifying you for mid-level to senior roles and the median salary range.
• 5+ Years: Pursue Master Plumber license for business ownership and top-tier earnings.

Costs: Beyond exam fees, expect to invest in tools (a good service truck setup can cost $10k-$20k) and ongoing continuing education (required for license renewal). Trade school tuition can range from $3,000 to $10,000, but many employers offer tuition reimbursement.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your bible. Keep meticulous records of your hours from day one. Richardson’s proximity to Dallas means there are more union apprenticeship opportunities (UA Local 100) than in pure suburbia—worth exploring if you want structured training and benefits.

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Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, client base, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 key areas, assuming a commute to Richardson’s central job hubs (like the Telecom Corridor or major hospitals).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Richardson Core (East of 75)	Established, family-friendly, close to everything. Easy commute to most jobs.	$1,300 - $1,500	Plumbers with families, those who want a short commute, and access to Richardson ISD schools.
Lake Highlands (Dallas)	Just south of Richardson, more affordable, strong community feel. 10-15 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	Plumbers starting out, buying a first home, or who want more house for their money.
CityLine (East Richardson)	Modern, walkable, high-density apartments and townhomes. Direct access to DART and major employers.	$1,500 - $1,800	Younger plumbers who want an urban vibe, no car reliance, and are okay with higher rent.
Murphy (East of Richardson)	Quiet, upscale suburb, more single-family homes. 15-20 min commute to Richardson.	$1,350 - $1,600	Plumbers looking to buy a home in a safe, quiet area. The commute is worth it for the lifestyle.
Plano (West of Richardson)	Similar to Richardson but more corporate. Very close to Richardson jobs.	$1,350 - $1,600	Plumbers who work in the western part of Richardson or want a more upscale, polished environment.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers live in Lake Highlands or Garland (adjacent to Richardson) to save on rent, then service clients in the more affluent Richardson and Plano areas. Your zip code doesn’t define your service area.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Richardson, your career path isn’t just about fixing toilets. It’s about specialization and business acumen.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial Plumbing: +15-25% over residential service rates. Requires knowledge of larger systems, backflow prevention, and commercial code.
• Medical Gas: +20-30%. Requires specific certification (ASSE 6000 series) and is essential for hospital work.
• Water Treatment/Softening: High-demand niche in Texas’s hard-water region.
• Gas Line Work: Always in demand, especially for tankless water heater installations and outdoor kitchens.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Tech to Lead Tech: You’ll manage a truck, train apprentices, and handle complex jobs.
2. Lead Tech to Project Manager: For contractors, you’ll oversee timelines, budgets, and crews for larger installations.
3. Journeyman to Business Owner: With a Master Plumber license, you can start your own shop. Richardson’s diverse economy means you can target niches (e.g., “Richardson’s Commercial Plumbing Experts”).

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The growth is steady, not explosive. The key to long-term success will be adaptation. Expect more demand for green plumbing (high-efficiency toilets, tankless heaters) and inspection-based maintenance plans for commercial clients. Plumbers who pair their trade skills with basic business management (scheduling, client relations) will out-earn those who don’t. The 6% growth means competition is present but not cutthroat; a solid reputation in Richardson will keep you busy for decades.

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The Verdict: Is Richardson Right for You?

Richardson is a pragmatic choice for a plumber. It’s not the highest-paying market in Texas, but it offers a superior balance of income, cost of living, and job stability compared to Austin or Dallas proper.

Pros	Cons
Stable, diverse economy (tech, healthcare, education) less prone to boom/bust cycles.	High competition from a large pool of licensed plumbers in the DFW metro.
Median salary ($63,977) is competitive with a cost of living (103.3) that won’t break the bank.	Traffic on US-75 can be brutal; a short commute can be a long drive.
Strong demand for commercial/ institutional work (hospitals, tech campuses) for higher pay.	Rising rents are putting pressure on take-home pay for new arrivals.
Central location in DFW, giving you access to a massive service area.	Established neighborhoods mean older plumbing systems, which can mean more repair work than new installs.
Good public schools (Richardson ISD) and amenities for families.	Summers are hot, which can mean busy seasons for A/C and water line breaks, but also brutal working conditions.

Final Recommendation:
Richardson is an excellent choice for mid-career plumbers (Journeyman level) who want to specialize in commercial, institutional, or high-end residential work. It’s a good choice for apprentices who can find a local employer to sponsor their hours. It’s a challenging start for brand-new, entry-level plumbers unless you have a specific job lined up, as the entry-level pay can be tight with rising rents. If you value a stable job market, a reasonable commute, and the ability to build a career (not just a job), Richardson should be at the top of your list.

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FAQs

1. Do I need to join a union to work in Richardson?
No, Texas is a right-to-work state. Union membership (like UA Local 100) is optional, but it’s a strong path to structured apprenticeship, benefits, and pension. Many non-union shops also offer excellent benefits. It’s a personal choice based on your career goals.

2. How is the job market for female plumbers in Richardson?
The trade is still male-dominated, but Richardson’s large healthcare and education sectors (Baylor Scott & White, UTD) are often more progressive and value diversity. There are active networks like Women in Plumbing and Piping that can provide support and opportunities. Your skills will be the ultimate measure.

3. What’s the best way to find a job here?

• Trade Schools: North Lake College’s program has direct ties to local employers.
• Local Contractors: Directly contact firms like Blue Eagle or Parker & Sons.
• City of Richardson: Check their public works job board regularly.
• LinkedIn: Surprisingly active for skilled trades in DFW. Connect with local plumbing business owners.

4. Is the water in Richardson really that hard?
Yes. North Texas has some of the hardest water in the country. This means constant demand for water softener installation and maintenance, and more frequent pipe scaling issues. Expertise in water treatment is a reliable revenue stream.

5. How do I handle the Texas summer heat?
It’s part of the job. Invest in a high-quality cooling vest, stay hydrated, and plan heavy outdoor work for early mornings. Many commercial buildings you’ll service have excellent A/C, which is a perk. The busy season for A/C-related plumbing (condensate lines) is June-August.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national and metro-level data, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) for licensing info, Zillow and RentCafe for rent and home price data, City of Richardson demographic reports, and local job postings (Indeed, LinkedIn) for employer trends.