Plumber in San Angelo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where San Angelo Stands

If you're a plumber considering San Angelo, the first thing you need to know is that the numbers work in your favor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a plumber in this metro is $61,620. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.62. To put this in perspective, the national average for plumbers is slightly higher at $63,350, but the cost of living here is significantly lower, which gives you more purchasing power.

The job market is stable but not booming. There are currently 194 plumbing jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This is a steady, reliable career path, not a get-rich-quick scheme. San Angelo is a government and military hub, which provides consistent demand for residential and commercial plumbing services, especially around Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will vary based on your experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local data and industry standards:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (San Angelo)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks, drain cleaning, basic repairs, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Running service calls independently, installing fixtures, water heater replacement, basic pipe work.
Senior	8-15 years	$68,000 - $80,000+	Complex diagnostics, commercial projects, mentoring apprentices, specializing in gas lines or hydronics.
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$85,000+	Business ownership, master plumbing license, bidding large commercial/industrial projects.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median salary and local market conditions.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does San Angelo stack up against other Texas metros? It's a mid-tier market. You won't make Dallas or Houston money, but your dollar goes much further.

City	Median Salary (Plumber)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	1BR Avg Rent
Dallas-Fort Worth	$68,140	102.5	$1,350
Houston-The Woodlands	$66,800	98.2	$1,250
Austin-Round Rock	$65,200	114.5	$1,500
San Antonio	$62,850	93.8	$1,050
San Angelo	$61,620	90.9	$927

Sources: BLS, BestPlaces.net, local rental market analysis.

Insider Tip: The key to maximizing income in San Angelo is to pair your plumbing skills with a commercial specialty. Residential service is steady, but the real growth is in servicing the local industrial base, including the oil and gas support industries and municipal water/wastewater projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A salary of $61,620 sounds good, but what’s your actual take-home? We’ll use a single filer with no dependents for this breakdown. Federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and Texas state tax (0% - a major advantage) will apply.

Monthly Budget for a Plumber Earning $61,620 in San Angelo:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,135
• Estimated Monthly Taxes & Deductions: ~$1,080 (approx. 21% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,055
• Average 1BR Rent: $927
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $220
• Groceries & Household: $450
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Car Payment): $500
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $350
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: $400
• Savings & Retirement: ~$1,208

Can a plumber afford to buy a home in San Angelo? Absolutely. With the median home price around $220,000 and a strong 20% down payment, your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,200-$1,300. This is less than 30% of your net monthly income, which is a healthy debt-to-income ratio. San Angelo's housing market is accessible compared to major Texas metros, making homeownership a realistic goal for a working plumber.

Where the Jobs Are: San Angelo's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in San Angelo is driven by a mix of large employers, local contractors, and the military. Here’s who’s hiring and what to expect:

1. San Angelo Public Works & Utilities: The city itself is a major employer for plumbers working on municipal water distribution, wastewater treatment, and infrastructure maintenance. They offer stable hours, benefits, and pensions. Hiring is often through competitive civil service exams.
2. Goodfellow Air Force Base (GAFB): As a major training base, GAFB requires constant plumbing maintenance for barracks, dining facilities, training buildings, and base housing. Contractors often hold these maintenance contracts. Security clearance can be a plus.
3. Angelo State University: The campus has extensive plumbing needs across dormitories, academic buildings, and research facilities. The university facilities department hires directly, and there are also contractor opportunities.
4. Christus Health San Angelo: The main hospital and its clinics require specialized medical gas and high-grade plumbing systems. This work often requires additional certifications and commands a premium wage.
5. Large Local Contracting Firms: Companies like Allied Mechanical Services and Crockett's Plumbing & Heating are well-established, handling both residential and commercial projects. They frequently hire journeyman plumbers and apprentices.
6. Oil & Gas Support Services: While not directly upstream drilling, San Angelo's industrial sector supports the Permian Basin. Companies servicing pipelines, refineries, and related facilities often need licensed plumbers for pipefitting and maintenance.
7. Residential Construction & Remodeling: With steady growth in suburbs like Grape Creek and Twin Buttes, builders like Kerrville Homes and numerous local remodelers provide consistent work for plumbers in new construction and renovation.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward specialization. Plumbers who can handle commercial systems, backflow prevention testing, or medical gas installation are in higher demand and can command wages at the top of the $68,000 - $80,000+ range. General residential service is steady but more competitive.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, structured path to becoming a licensed plumber. It’s regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). You cannot perform plumbing work without a license.

The Pathway:

1. Registered Apprentice Plumber: Start by registering as an apprentice with the TSBPE. You must work under a Master Plumber. There’s no state exam for this. Cost: ~$50 for registration.
2. Journeyman Plumber: After 4 years of documented experience (8,000 hours) as an apprentice, you can take the Journeyman exam. You must also complete 24 hours of approved continuing education. Cost: Exam fee ~$125, license fee ~$125.
3. Master Plumber: Requires at least 10 years of experience as a journeyman, or 5 years as a journeyman and 5 years as a registered apprentice. Must pass a comprehensive exam. This allows you to start your own business. Cost: Exam fee ~$175, license fee ~$175.

Timeline: The entire process from apprentice to master typically takes a minimum of 10 years. However, you can start earning as an apprentice from day one. Many local unions (like the United Association Local 286 in San Antonio, which covers the area) or trade schools offer structured apprenticeship programs.

Insider Tip: The TSBPE website is your best friend. Keep meticulous records of your work hours. San Angelo has several community colleges and trade schools that offer relevant courses to help you meet your education requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. San Angelo is spread out, so choosing the right spot is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Central / Downtown	Urban, walkable to shops/restaurants. Short commute to most jobs, including the hospital and university.	$850 - $1,050	Those who want a social scene and minimal drive time.
South / Ben Ficklin	Quiet, established, family-oriented. Easy access to I-35 and Goodfellow AFB.	$800 - $950	Plumbers working on base, military families, or those seeking a quieter pace.
North / Goodfellow	Closer to the base and shopping (Sunset Mall area). Mix of older homes and new developments.	$825 - $975	Convenience for base workers and those who want quick access to amenities.
West / El Paseo	More suburban, with newer housing tracts. Commute to the west side of the city is easy.	$875 - $1,000	Growing families or those wanting more space and newer infrastructure.
East / Angelo State Area	College-town feel, close to the university. More rental properties, lively atmosphere.	$900 - $1,050	Younger plumbers, apprentices, or those who want to be near campus events.

Insider Tip: If you're working for a contractor that handles a lot of residential work in the growing suburbs like Twin Buttes or Grape Creek, living on the west or north side can shave 10-15 minutes off your daily drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in San Angelo isn't just about fixing leaks; it's about building a long-term, stable future.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing can significantly boost your income. A plumber certified in backflow prevention can earn an extra $5-$10 per hour. Medical gas installation certification can add a 15-20% premium. Pipe welding and fusion for industrial work is another high-demand, high-wage skill.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service/Installation Plumber: Master the residential and commercial basics.
  2. Service Manager: Oversee a team of plumbers, handle scheduling, and complex diagnostics.
  3. Project Estimator/Manager: Transition to the office side, bidding on commercial projects.
  4. Business Owner: With a Master Plumber license, you can start your own company. The overhead is lower than in major metros, and the market is receptive to reliable local businesses.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is tied to the need to replace retiring plumbers and the steady demand from existing housing stock and military infrastructure. Your job security is high if you build a good reputation. The move toward water-efficient fixtures and systems will also create ongoing work for service plumbers. The key is to stay certified and adapt to new technologies.

The Verdict: Is San Angelo Right for You?

San Angelo offers a compelling balance for a plumber: solid wages, a very low cost of living, and a stable job market. It’s not a city of explosive growth, but it’s a place where you can build a comfortable, debt-free life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in Austin or Dallas.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Quieter than major metros; less variety in entertainment.
Stable Job Market: Military and government presence provides consistent demand.	Limited Specialization: Fewer ultra-high-end or niche commercial projects than in Houston.
Homeownership is Achievable: The housing market is accessible on a plumber's salary.	Geographic Isolation: 2-3 hours from major cities like San Antonio or Midland.
Strong Community: It’s a "big small town" where reputation matters.	Slower Pace: Not ideal for those seeking constant excitement or rapid career jumps.
No State Income Tax: A huge financial advantage.	Weather: Hot, dry summers and occasional severe weather.

Final Recommendation: San Angelo is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It’s ideal for those early in their career (as an apprentice) looking to learn without big-city costs, or for experienced plumbers ready to put down roots and buy a home. If you’re a specialist in high-demand areas or dream of owning your own business, San Angelo provides a fertile, supportive ground to do so. It’s a place where you can earn a good living and truly own your life.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new journeyman plumber in San Angelo?
A: It’s moderately competitive. There are jobs, but employers value local reputation and reliability. Networking with other tradespeople and getting your name in with local contractors (like Crockett's or Allied) through informal chats can give you an edge. It's less about cold applications and more about connections.

Q: Do I need a truck or my own tools to get hired?
A: As an apprentice, no. Most contractors provide service vehicles and major tools. As a journeyman, some companies may expect you to have your own hand tools (wrenches, drain snakes, etc.), but they should provide the vehicle and power tools. When starting your own business, a truck is essential.

Q: Is the work seasonal or consistent year-round?
A: It’s relatively consistent. There’s a slight dip in new construction during the hottest summer months, but service and repair work (especially water heater calls) stays steady. The military and municipal contracts provide a baseline of work regardless of the season.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new plumbers make in San Angelo?
A: Underestimating the heat. Working in attics, crawlspaces, and on roofs in 100°F+ summers is brutal. Invest in quality cooling gear, hydration packs, and learn to schedule smartly. Also, not keeping close records of your work hours for license progression is a common error.

Q: How does the military base affect the local plumbing market?
A: It creates a unique segment. Contractors who work on base need to be able to handle security clearances and follow strict military specifications. It’s a niche that pays well but requires attention to detail and compliance. For the average residential plumber, the base is a source of steady employment through its maintenance contractors.