The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in Round Rock, TX

Round Rock, Texas, isn't just the home of Dell Technologies or a familiar stop on I-35. For a plumber, it's a city with a specific rhythm, a specific set of housing stock, and a job market that reflects the broader Central Texas boom. This guide is for the skilled tradesperson who wants the facts, not the fluff. We're diving into the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world costs of building a life and career here.

The numbers tell a clear story: The median salary for a plumber in Round Rock is $62,893/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.24/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but context is everything. With a cost of living index of 97.6 (where the US average is 100) and a metro population of 131,735, Round Rock offers a more affordable gateway to the Austin metro area's opportunities. There are 263 plumbing jobs in the metro, and a 10-year job growth projection of 6% indicates steady, stable demand rather than a volatile boom.

This isn't a sales pitch. It's a breakdown of what your life as a plumber would look like in Round Rock, from the paycheck you take home to the neighborhoods you might call home.

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

Salary is the foundation of any career move. For plumbers in Round Rock, the compensation landscape is defined by a median that sits close to the national mark but is bolstered by the city's strategic position in the Austin metro.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown
While the median provides a snapshot, your earning potential scales directly with experience, specialization, and the type of employer. The following table outlines typical salary progression. These figures are estimates based on local job postings, industry data, and the provided median of $62,893/year.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice tasks, drain cleaning, basic fixture installation, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Running service calls independently, rough-in plumbing for remodels, water heater installations.
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$65,000 - $78,000	Complex commercial work, leading small crews, system design, troubleshooting major failures.
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$75,000+	Master plumber (business owner/crew lead), medical gas, backflow prevention, large-scale commercial projects.

Insider Tip: The $30.24/hour median rate is a solid baseline. In Round Rock, union shops (less common in Texas) or large commercial contractors often pay at the higher end of these ranges. For service and repair technicians, commission-based models can push earnings over the median, especially for those with strong sales skills.

Round Rock in the Texas Context
Round Rock's salary is competitive when viewed against other Texas cities of similar size and cost of living. It's not aiming to compete with Houston or Dallas for raw numbers, but it offers a better balance than some of its direct competitors.

City	Median Salary (Plumber)	Cost of Living Index	Key Characteristic
Round Rock	$62,893	97.6	Austin metro access, stable growth, suburban feel.
Austin	~$68,000	118.1	Higher pay, but drastically higher rent and competition.
San Antonio	~$61,500	94.7	Larger city, more diversified economy, lower pay.
Waco	~$58,000	88.2	Smaller market, lower cost of living, less job density.
Dallas-Fort Worth	~$65,500	101.2	Larger market, higher pay, but more congestion and sprawl.

Data Source Note: Salary ranges are synthesized from industry averages (BLS data for Austin Metro) and local job boards. The median of $62,893 is the anchor. The cost of living indices are from national aggregators.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $62,893 annual salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life? Let's factor in Texas's no-state-income-tax advantage and Round Rock's housing costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $62,893

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,241
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, etc.): ~$1,000 (Varies by deductions)
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: $4,241

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,635
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): $550
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $424
• Miscellaneous (Food Out, Entertainment, Tools): $200
• Total Expenses: $3,709

Surplus: $532

This surplus is your safety net and discretionary spending. It's manageable but not lavish. The key is controlling the three biggest variables: rent, transportation (living close to work), and avoiding high-interest debt.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Round Rock is approximately $395,000 (as of late 2023/early 2024). For a plumber earning the median salary, a 20% down payment ($79,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with the $532 monthly surplus, saving aggressively for a down payment would take years unless you have existing savings.

More realistically, a plumber in Round Rock would consider:

1. A Condo or Townhome: Lower price points (often $250,000 - $300,000).
2. Dual-Income Household: Partnering with another income earner makes home ownership far more feasible.
3. FHA Loan (3.5% down): A $13,825 down payment on a $395k home is more attainable, but you'll pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

Verdict: On a single plumber's median income, buying a home is a stretch without significant savings or a partner. Renting is the practical choice for most new arrivals, especially as you establish yourself locally.

The Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in Round Rock is a mix of local service companies, regional contractors, and the ripple effect of large employers. The 263 jobs in the metro are spread across these types of employers.

1. Local Service & Repair Companies: These are the backbone of residential plumbing. Companies like Precision Plumbing and Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning (headquartered in nearby Austin) have a significant presence. They focus on water heater repairs, drain cleaning, and fixture installation. Hiring trends show a constant need for service technicians, especially those with strong customer service skills.

2. Commercial & Residential Builders: Round Rock is still growing. Major homebuilders like Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Perry Homes have active communities (e.g., in the Teravista and Round Rock West neighborhoods). They hire plumbers for rough-in and finish work on new constructions. Commercial builders like Hensel Phelps or Manhattan Construction (working on projects for the city or Dell) need plumbers for larger-scale projects.

3. Institutional & Municipal Employers:

   • Round Rock ISD: The school district employs in-house maintenance plumbers for its more than 50 campuses. These are stable, union-like jobs with excellent benefits.
   • Dell Technologies: While not a direct plumbing employer, Dell is the city's largest economic engine. Its facilities require a small army of maintenance technicians, including specialized plumbers for data center cooling systems and facility management.
   • St. David's Round Rock Medical Center & Baylor Scott & White: Major healthcare systems require plumbers certified in medical gas and backflow prevention. These are high-skill, high-pay niche jobs.

Hiring Trends: There is a high demand for plumbers who are comfortable with both traditional copper/PEX work and modern PEX systems. Commercial experience is a differentiator. Companies are also increasingly looking for techs with basic diagnostic software skills (for smart home systems) and who have a clean driving record for company trucks.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). You cannot legally perform plumbing work for hire without a license.

The Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship (4,000 hours): You must work under a licensed Master or Journeyman Plumber. This is typically a 2-4 year program. Many apprentices combine on-the-job training with classes at Austin Community College (ACC) or a trade school.
2. Journeyman License: After your apprenticeship, you must pass the Texas Journeyman Plumber exam. The exam fee is $115. Once licensed, you can work independently under a Master Plumber.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires 12,000 hours of experience (including the 4,000 as an apprentice) and passing the Master Plumber exam ($115 fee). A Master Plumber can own a business and supervise Journeyman and apprentices.

Timeline and Costs:

• Total Time: 4-6 years from apprentice to Master.
• Total Cost (Exams + Application): ~$300-$500 (excluding apprenticeship program tuition, which varies).
• Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your best friend. Bookmark it. Texas does not have reciprocity with many states, so if you're moving from elsewhere, check their "Out-of-State" guidelines immediately.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, with a plumber's practicality in mind.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Fit for a Plumber
Round Rock Historic District	Walkable, charming, older homes. Close to downtown jobs.	$1,500 - $1,800	Easy commute to local service companies. Older homes mean more repair/remodel work nearby.
Teravista	Master-planned, family-oriented, golf courses. Far from I-35.	$1,700 - $2,000	Newer homes (less immediate repair work), but close to new construction sites. Longer commute.
Round Rock West	Established, mid-century homes, good value. Near I-35.	$1,400 - $1,650	Affordability meets access. Older housing stock for service work, quick highway access for commercial jobs.
Forest Creek	Upscale, near golf course, quiet.	$1,800+	Higher rent, but stable neighborhood. Good for senior plumbers with established income.
Pflugerville (Adjacent)	Slightly lower cost of living, growing.	$1,300 - $1,550	For budget-conscious plumbers. Pflugerville feeds into Round Rock's job market.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Round Rock isn't just about fixing leaks. It's about specialization and path.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing can boost your income 10-25% above the median. In-demand specialties in Round Rock include:

  • Medical Gas Certification: Crucial for hospital work.
  • Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for commercial and irrigation systems.
  • Gas Line Licensing: For outdoor kitchens, grills, and gas appliance lines.
  • Hydronic/Boiler Systems: For high-end homes and some commercial buildings.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech to Lead Tech: Oversee a team, handle complex diagnostics.
  2. Commercial to Project Manager: Move from tool-in-hand to plans-and-budgets.
  3. Journeyman to Master/Owner: Start your own small service company. The Round Rock market supports small, reputable local shops.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady. The Austin metro's continued expansion (tech, biotech, healthcare) ensures ongoing demand for both residential and commercial plumbing. The biggest risk? Being left behind by technology. Smart home integration and advanced water-saving systems are becoming standard. Plumbers who adapt will thrive; those who don't may see their work commoditized.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros and Cons for a Plumber

Pros	Cons
Stable, Growing Market: The 6% growth and 263 jobs provide security.	Slightly Below National Pay: The median ($62,893) is a hair below the national average.
Affordable Cost of Living: Index of 97.6 vs. Austin's 118.1.	Competition from Austin: Some high-end work or clients may look to Austin firms.
Access to Austin's Economy: Tap into a massive, diverse job pool 20-30 mins away.	Housing Pressure: The $1,635 average rent is rising, squeezing the budget.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	Suburban Sprawl: Requires a reliable vehicle for service calls.
Diverse Work: From historic homes to new construction to medical facilities.	Weather Challenges: Intense summer heat can stress systems; freeze events (like 2021) create urgent repair work.

Final Recommendation:
Round Rock is an excellent choice for plumbers at the mid-to-senior level who value stability, a lower cost of living than Austin, and access to a robust, growing metro area. It's ideal for someone looking to buy a home in the medium-term (with a partner or after saving) or who wants to build a long-term client base in a community. For entry-level apprentices, it's a good training ground with ample opportunities to join established companies. If you're chasing the absolute highest salary and a dense urban environment, Austin might be a better fit. If you want balance, steady work, and a community feel, Round Rock offers a compelling package.

FAQs

1. Do I need my Texas license before moving to Round Rock?
No, but you should start the process. You can work as an apprentice under a licensed plumber while you complete your hours. Having a Journeyman or Master license from another state doesn't automatically transfer, so check the TSBPE website for evaluation requirements.

2. What's the competition like from larger Austin plumbing companies?
It's real but manageable. Many Austin-based companies service Round Rock, but local residents often prefer Round Rock-based businesses for faster response times and community connection. Building a reputation locally is key.

3. Is the work seasonal in Round Rock?
Yes, but not drastically. Summer is peak for AC and water heater issues. Winter sees a spike in frozen pipe emergencies. Spring and fall are steady for remodels and maintenance. Having a diverse skill set (service, install, repair) smooths out the seasonal dips.

4. What's the biggest challenge for a new plumber in Round Rock?
Establishing a client base or finding the right company fit. The market is healthy but not infinite. Networking with other trades (electricians, HVAC techs) at suppliers like Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Round Rock can lead to referrals.

5. Can a plumber make more than the median in Round Rock?
Absolutely. The median ($62,893) is a starting point. Specializing in commercial work, earning commissions in a service company, or becoming a Master Plumber who owns a business can push earnings well into the $75,000 - $100,000+ range. It's about skill, certification, and entrepreneurial drive.