The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in Roanoke, VA

If you're a plumber considering a move to Roanoke, you're looking at a city with a stable housing market, a lower cost of living, and a job market that's steadily growing. Roanoke is often called the "Star City of the South," nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a place where you can find a mix of historic homes in older neighborhoods and newer subdivisions in the suburbs. The city has a unique character—it's small enough to feel like a community but large enough to provide steady work.

For a plumber, this means a reliable demand for your skills. You'll find everything from repairing old copper pipes in Victorian homes in the historic district to installing modern PEX systems in new construction near Cave Spring. The job market here isn't booming like in major metros, but it's consistent, with 194 plumbing jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is in line with national trends, offering a stable, long-term career path without the intense competition of larger cities.

This guide is designed to give you a realistic, data-driven look at what it takes to build a plumbing career in Roanoke. We'll cover everything from your potential paycheck to the best neighborhoods for a tradesperson's lifestyle. Let's get started.

The Salary Picture: Where Roanoke Stands

The salary for a plumber in Roanoke is competitive when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for plumbers in the Roanoke metro area is $61,620 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.62 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350 per year, but the lower cost of living in Virginia (and specifically Roanoke) means your money goes further here.

Your earnings will vary significantly based on your experience level, specialization, and whether you work for a union shop, a large construction firm, or a small residential service company. Union plumbers, often affiliated with the United Association (UA) Local 110, typically earn higher wages and better benefits.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different stages of your career in the Roanoke area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$40,000 - $52,000	Assisting with pipe installation, learning code, basic repairs, tool organization.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	3-8 years	$55,000 - $70,000	Leading jobs, interpreting blueprints, complex installations, service calls.
Senior / Lead Technician	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Project estimation, training apprentices, commercial specialized systems.
Expert / Master / Owner	15+ years	$85,000+	Business ownership, master licensing, consulting, large-scale project management.

When compared to other cities in Virginia, Roanoke offers a balanced proposition. Northern Virginia (NoVA) and Richmond have higher median salaries for plumbers, often exceeding $70,000/year, but the cost of living—especially housing—is dramatically higher. For a plumber without a family or with a dual-income household, NoVA can be lucrative. For those seeking a better work-life balance and homeownership, Roanoke is a stronger contender. Here’s how it stacks up:

Virginia City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Housing Cost (1BR Avg)	Verdict for a Plumber
Roanoke	$61,620	90.9	$894/month	Best for balance. Lower costs offset slightly lower pay.
Richmond	$64,500	96.5	$1,350/month	Good opportunity, higher pay, but rising costs.
Northern VA	$72,000+	135.0+	$1,800+/month	Highest pay, but expensive. Best for maximizing income only.
Lynchburg	$58,000	86.2	$795/month	Lower cost, but fewer jobs and lower pay ceiling.

Sources: Data synthesized from BLS, Sperling's BestPlaces, and local job postings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. What does a $61,620 salary actually feel like in Roanoke? We'll break down a monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $61,620
• Monthly Gross: $5,135
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): 22% (This is an estimate; actual varies by deductions). Monthly after-tax take-home: **$4,005**

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$894	Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the metro area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; older apartments may have higher heating costs.
Groceries	$350	Reasonable for one person; Roanoke has several grocery chains (Kroger, Food Lion, Walmart).
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$600	Assumes a car payment; many in Roanoke commute. Public transit (Star Transit) is limited.
Healthcare & Insurance	$250	Varies by employer; union jobs often have better coverage.
Savings & Retirement	$500	Crucial. Aim for 10-15% of take-home pay.
Discretionary (Entertainment, Dining, Misc.)	$611	For hobbies, eating out, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,405
Remaining / Buffer	$600	For emergencies, car repairs, or extra savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Roanoke's biggest advantages. With a $600/month surplus, a plumber can save for a down payment. The median home price in Roanoke is around $275,000. A 20% down payment is $55,000. While that's a significant sum, it's achievable with disciplined saving over 4-5 years. A more common path is an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment (around $9,625), which many first-time homebuyers pursue. With a monthly budget that includes a mortgage payment of ~$1,400 (including taxes/insurance), homeownership is very much within reach for an employed plumber in Roanoke.

Where the Jobs Are: Roanoke's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Roanoke is diverse, spanning residential service, commercial construction, and facilities maintenance. You won't find the massive industrial plants of Richmond or Hampton Roads, but you will find a stable base of employers.

1. Union Contractor (UA Local 110): This is the gold standard for many plumbers. Contractors like H. T. Hackney or W. G. Griffis work on large-scale commercial and industrial projects. They offer excellent pay, benefits, pensions, and steady work during construction booms. Hiring is often through the union hall, and apprenticeships are highly competitive.

2. Large Regional/Local Plumbing Companies: Companies like J. R. Grier and Southern Mechanical are major players in the residential and light commercial service market. They handle everything from emergency calls to system installations. They value reliability and customer service skills. These are great places to start or continue a career, especially if you're not in the union.

3. Healthcare Institutions: Carilion Clinic and LewisGale Medical Center are massive employers in the region. Their facilities departments employ in-house plumbers for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades across their hospitals and clinics. These jobs offer stability, good benefits, and a predictable Monday-Friday schedule (with on-call rotation). They often look for licensed plumbers with experience in medical gas systems and high-pressure environments.

4. Virginia Tech: While the main campus is in Blacksburg, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and research facilities in Roanoke require skilled tradespeople. Facilities management for large campuses is a constant need, making this a potential employer for a plumber with commercial experience.

5. Roanoke City & County Government: Municipalities need plumbers for public works, school systems, and city-owned buildings. These jobs are posted on the official government websites (e.g., City of Roanoke Jobs). They come with government benefits and are relatively secure, though the pay may be slightly lower than top-tier private union shops.

6. Residential Home Builders: In the growing suburbs like Cave Spring and Hollins, developers and builders like Ryan Homes or D.R. Horton (national builders with local crews) subcontract plumbing work. This is cyclical but can be lucrative during housing market upswings.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady. The 6% 10-year growth aligns with new housing developments and the ongoing need to repair aging infrastructure in Roanoke's older neighborhoods. Specializations in trenchless repair, water-efficient systems (PEX), and commercial service are increasingly sought after.

Getting Licensed in Virginia

Virginia has a clear, regulated path to becoming a licensed plumber through the Virginia Board for Contractors. It's not an overly burdensome process, but it's strict and requires proof of experience.

• Journeyman Plumber License:

  • Requirements: You must complete a four-year apprenticeship (8,000 hours of on-the-job training) and pass the Virginia Journeyman Plumber Exam. The apprenticeship can be through a union program or a non-union registered apprenticeship.
  • Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150. Apprenticeship programs may have associated costs for books and materials.
  • Timeline: A full four years from starting an apprenticeship to getting your license.

• Master Plumber License:

  • Requirements: You must hold a Journeyman license for at least one year and have at least two years of additional experience (total 5 years). You must also pass the Master Plumber Exam.
  • Cost: Exam fee is approximately $200.
  • Timeline: Minimum of 5 years total experience.

Insider Tip: The most direct path is to contact the UA Local 110 in Roanoke or the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to find registered apprenticeship programs. Union apprenticeships are structured and offer wage increases as you progress. Non-union programs are often run through community colleges or individual contractors.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Roanoke's neighborhoods are distinct, and some are better suited for tradespeople than others.

1. Hollins (Suburban, Family-Friendly):

   • Vibe: Quiet, suburban feel with good schools. Close to I-81, making commutes to job sites across the region easy.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most downtown job sites. Easy access to major contractors in industrial parks.
   • Rent (1BR): $850 - $1,000
   • Plumber Fit: Excellent for stability. Many newer homes, but also older ones needing service. Close to suppliers.

2. Cave Spring (Southwest, Growing):

   • Vibe: One of the fastest-growing areas. Mix of new subdivisions and established neighborhoods. Great for family life.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown. Traffic can build up on electric road during rush hour.
   • Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,100
   • Plumber Fit: High demand for new construction plumbing and service work in new homes. A hub for residential service companies.

3. Grandin Village / Wasena (Urban, Hip):

   • Vibe: Walkable, artsy, with a mix of young professionals and long-time residents. Historic homes with character.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown core. Easy access to service calls in the city.
   • Rent (1BR): $950 - $1,200 (higher due to demand)
   • Plumber Fit: Perfect if you work for a downtown contractor or prefer a short commute. Many older homes need plumbing updates, a steady source of service work.

4. Northeast (Established, Affordable):

   • Vibe: One of the more affordable areas, with a mix of historic and post-war homes. Gentrification is happening slowly.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown. Central location.
   • Rent (1BR): $750 - $900
   • Plumber Fit: Great for starting out. Lower rent means more savings. The older housing stock requires constant maintenance and repair.

5. Downtown Roanoke (Urban Core):

   • Vibe: Business district, lofts, and apartments. More for singles or couples without kids.
   • Commute: You might be able to walk to some jobs. Easy access to the central business district.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,000 - $1,400
   • Plumber Fit: Best for those who work for a downtown-based company or prefer a car-free lifestyle. More commercial plumbing opportunities in the area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Roanoke isn't a dead-end job; it's a path with clear advancement if you're strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: While Roanoke doesn't have the demand for oil & gas pipeline work found in other regions, specialties can still boost your income:

  • Medical Gas: Working on hospitals and clinics can add 10-15% to your wage.
  • Commercial Service: Troubleshooting complex systems in offices or factories pays more than residential service.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification to test and repair backflow preventers is a valuable add-on skill.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech → Lead Tech: Move from individual service calls to managing a team and larger repair projects.
  2. Field Technician → Project Estimator/Manager: Use your field knowledge to bid on jobs and manage timelines.
  3. Journeyman → Master Plumber → Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. With a Master's license, you can pull your own permits and start a small business. In a city like Roanoke, a reputable local plumbing company can thrive.

• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 6% Growth):
  The outlook is stable and positive. The 194 current jobs are projected to grow by about 12 jobs over the next decade. That's not explosive growth, but it means demand will consistently outpace the supply of new plumbers. This leverage can help you negotiate better wages, especially if you have a Master's license or a clean record. The ongoing need to replace aging lead and galvanized pipes in Roanoke's historic housing stock ensures a long-term service market.

The Verdict: Is Roanoke Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,620 salary goes much further than in major cities. Homeownership is attainable.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in NoVA or Richmond. Earning over $100,000 as a pure tradesperson is harder.
Stable Job Market: 194 jobs and 6% growth offer security without the volatility of boom-and-bust towns.	Limited Diversity: The market is less specialized than in larger metros. Fewer opportunities for ultra-niche specialties.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, a relaxed pace, and outdoor access (Blue Ridge Parkway) reduce burnout.	Slower Pace: If you crave the energy of a major city, Roanoke might feel too quiet. Nightlife and cultural events are limited.
Strong Trade Community: UA Local 110 and local contractors provide a tight-knit professional network.	Car Dependency: You'll need a reliable vehicle. Public transit (Star Transit) is not practical for a plumber's daily work.

Final Recommendation:
Roanoke is an excellent choice for plumbers who value stability, a high quality of life, and homeownership. It's ideal for those in the mid-career stage looking to settle down, or for apprentices seeking a manageable city with a clear path to a license. If your primary goal is to maximize income above all else, you might look to Northern Virginia. But if you want a career that can support a comfortable life in a friendly community, Roanoke is a fantastic bet.

FAQs

1. Is it worth joining UA Local 110 in Roanoke?
Yes, for most. Union plumbers in Roanoke earn higher hourly wages (often $35-$42/hour plus benefits) compared to non-union. The pension and health benefits are significant. The