The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers Moving to Scranton, PA

Scranton, PA, isn't just the Electric City; it's a city built on a foundation of hard work, resilience, and skilled trades. For plumbers, this is a market with steady demand, a reasonable cost of living, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're a journeyman looking for a change of pace or an apprentice ready to start your career, this guide breaks down the realities of working as a plumber in the Scranton metro area. We'll use hard data, local insights, and a no-nonsense approach to help you decide if this is the right move for you.

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The plumbing trade in Scranton offers a solid middle-class wage, especially when you factor in the city's low cost of living. The median salary for a plumber in the Scranton metro area is $62,019 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.82. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but don't let that number fool you. The cost of living in Scranton is significantly lower, which stretches your dollar much further.

Here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. These are typical ranges you can expect based on local job postings and industry conversations.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Hourly Rate Range	Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$18 - $24	$37,440 - $49,920
Mid-Level / Journeyman	2-8	$26 - $35	$54,080 - $72,800
Senior / Lead Technician	8-15	$32 - $42	$66,560 - $87,360
Expert / Master / Business Owner	15+	$40 - $60+	$83,200 - $124,800+

Insider Tip: The jump from journeyman to senior technician is where you'll see the biggest pay increase. This typically comes with taking on more complex jobs (like commercial boiler installations or medical gas lines) and supervising crews. The $62,019 median is a solid benchmark for a journeyman with a few years of experience who is efficient and reliable.

Comparison to Other Pennsylvania Cities

How does Scranton stack up against other PA cities for plumbers?

• Philadelphia & Pittsburgh: These major metros have higher salaries (often $65,000 - $75,000 for mid-level roles), but the cost of living is dramatically higher. Rent in a decent Philly neighborhood can be double what you'll pay in Scranton.
• Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton (Lehigh Valley): Very similar to Scranton in terms of demand and salary. It's a competitive market, but Scranton's slightly lower rent gives it a slight edge for take-home pay.
• Harrisburg (Capital Region): Salaries are comparable, but the job market here is heavily influenced by state government and related construction. It's a different pace than Scranton's more industrial and residential mix.
• State College: Home to Penn State, this market is driven by university construction and a booming student rental market. Salaries can be higher ($64,000 - $70,000), but the rental market is tight and expensive. Scranton offers a more balanced, established community.

The Bottom Line: Scranton isn't the highest-paying market in PA, but it offers one of the best balances of salary, job availability, and affordability in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after the essentials. Let's build a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary of $62,019/year.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,168
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,150
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,018

Now, let's factor in Scranton's cost of living. The average 1-bedroom apartment rents for $854/month. The overall Cost of Living Index for Scranton is 93.0 (US Avg = 100), meaning you'll spend about 7% less than the national average on goods and services.

Sample Monthly Budget (Single Person, No Dependents):

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$854	A decent apartment in a safe neighborhood.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Groceries	$350	Based on a single person cooking regularly.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car payment and full coverage insurance.
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Scranton is a driving city; commute is key.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$250	A conservative estimate for an individual plan.
Savings/Retirement (20% of net)	$800	Highly recommended.
Discretionary Spending	$1,014	Entertainment, dining, hobbies, etc.
TOTAL	$4,018

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Scranton's biggest draws for skilled tradespeople. The median home price in the Scranton metro area is around $150,000 - $180,000. A plumber earning the median salary can comfortably afford a home in this range.

Let's run the numbers on a $170,000 home:

• 20% Down Payment: $34,000 (This may take a few years to save, but it's achievable)
• Monthly Mortgage (Principal & Interest): ~$750
• Property Taxes & Insurance: ~$300
• Total Housing Payment: ~$1,050

This is only about $200 more per month than the average rent. With a plumber's dual-income potential (many spouses/partners also work in the area) or by taking on side jobs (check local regulations), homeownership is a very realistic goal within 3-5 years of moving to Scranton.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

The plumbing demand in Scranton is driven by a mix of residential service, commercial construction, and institutional maintenance. Job growth is steady, with 151 jobs currently listed in the metro area and a 10-year growth projection of 6%. Here’s where you’ll find the work:

1. Mack Industries: A major local construction and development company. They are always building new residential developments, commercial strip malls, and light industrial facilities around the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre corridor. They hire full-time plumbers for new construction projects. Hiring Trend: Busy with new subdivisions in places like Clarks Summit and Moosic.

2. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine & Geisinger Health System: With a massive campus in downtown Scranton and numerous clinics, this is a huge employer for maintenance and facilities plumbers. Work involves servicing complex medical gas systems, sterilization equipment, and general plumbing in a 24/7 environment. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a preference for licensed plumbers with commercial/medical experience.

3. Lackawanna County Government: Manages the county's buildings, including the courthouse, prison, and various offices. This is a classic institutional plumbing job—stable, union-position potential, and a focus on maintenance and repair rather than new construction. Hiring Trend: Relies on a mix of in-house staff and contracted plumbers; look for postings on the county's official website.

4. The University of Scranton: A large, historic campus with constantly maintained dorms, science labs, and administrative buildings. As a private university, they invest heavily in facility upkeep. This is a great spot for a plumber who enjoys working on a variety of systems, from old boilers to new lab fixtures. Hiring Trend: Steady maintenance hiring, especially ahead of the fall semester.

5. Local Residential Service Companies (e.g., A-Action, Absolute Air, Sweeney's): There are dozens of reputable local HVAC and plumbing companies serving the Scranton metro area. These are your primary employers for residential service and repair work. They often have the best opportunities for apprentices and offer clear paths to journeyman and lead technician roles. Hiring Trend: Always looking for reliable, customer-service-oriented plumbers. The residential market is robust due to the aging housing stock in Scranton's historic neighborhoods.

6. Industrial Plants (e.g., Johnson & Johnson in nearby Dunmore, local food processing plants): While not directly in Scranton, the surrounding industrial parks offer high-paying industrial plumbing work. This involves process piping, steam systems, and wastewater management. Hiring Trend: Opportunities arise through specialized contractors who service these facilities.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania has a straightforward licensing process, managed by the Department of Labor & Industry. You cannot work as an independent plumber without a license, but you can work under the supervision of a licensed plumber as an apprentice.

• Apprenticeship: You must complete an approved apprenticeship program. This is typically a 4-5 year program with 600-800 hours of classroom training and 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training. You can find programs through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry or local union (UA Local 520) and non-union apprenticeship committees.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the state journeyman exam. There is no additional fee for the exam itself, but you must submit an application with proof of your apprenticeship completion. The exam covers the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
• Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber (which allows you to run your own business and pull permits), you need at least 5 years of experience as a licensed journeyman and must pass a more comprehensive exam. The application fee is $150.

Timeline & Cost:

• Time: 4-5 years to become a journeyman. Another 5+ years for master plumber status.
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs often have minimal tuition (sometimes covered by employers or unions). Exam fees are typically covered by your employing contractor. The main cost is your time and tools.

Insider Tip: The UA Local 520 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton chapter is a strong presence. While it's not as large as the Philadelphia local, it's worth inquiring about. Many non-union shops also offer excellent training and competitive pay. Always verify an employer's license status through the PA Licensing System (PALS).

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers to Live

Scranton's neighborhoods each have a distinct character. Commute time is a major factor, as traffic is generally light, but parking can be a challenge in denser areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For...
South Scranton / Green Ridge	A classic Scranton neighborhood. Close to downtown jobs, Geisinger, and the University. Mostly residential with single-family homes. 10-15 min drive to downtown.	$750 - $950	Plumbers who want a short commute and a traditional neighborhood feel. Good for families.
West Side / Minooka	Quieter, more suburban feel. Easy access to I-81 for jobs in Dunmore, Moosic, or Wilkes-Barre. Great for outdoor lovers (Providence Branch trails). 15-20 min to downtown.	$800 - $1,000	Those who prefer a bit more space, a yard, and a short drive to the highway.
Downtown Scranton	Urban, walkable, and energetic. Home to the University, restaurants, and Geisinger's main campus. Parking can be a hassle for tradespeople with work trucks. 5-10 min to most jobs.	$950 - $1,300	Younger plumbers who want city life, no commute, and don't mind a smaller apartment.
Clarks Summit / Abington	A step up in the suburbs. More expensive, with larger homes and top-rated schools. It's a 15-25 minute commute to downtown Scranton, but it's where many established tradespeople live.	$1,000 - $1,400	Plumbers with families, or those who have advanced to senior roles and can afford a higher housing cost.
Moosic / Old Forge	Located south of Scranton along the I-81 corridor. Very convenient for jobs in industrial parks and for commuting to Wilkes-Barre. More affordable with a mix of residential and commercial.	$700 - $900	Plumbers who work in construction (Mack Industries) or for companies based in the industrial parks. Great value.

Personal Insight: If you're starting out, South Scranton or Green Ridge offers the best balance of affordability and commute. As you move up, the West Side or Clarks Summit become very attractive for the quality of life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Scranton doesn't have to plateau at journeyman level. Here’s how to increase your earnings and responsibility over the long term.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified to install and maintain medical gas systems in hospitals and clinics (like Geisinger) can command a 15-25% premium over a standard journeyman's wage. This is a high-demand, low-competition niche.
  • Industrial/Commercial Boilers: Expertise in large-scale hydronic and steam systems for factories, schools, and hospitals is always needed. This work is often union-adjacent and pays very well.
  • Welding & Pipefitting: Adding welding certifications (especially in stainless steel and black iron) opens doors to industrial and commercial projects that are outside the scope of basic residential plumbing.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Foreman/Lead Technician: You'll manage a small crew, handle scheduling, and be the point of contact for clients. Typically a $5-$8/hour increase.
  2. Service Manager: Oversee all service technicians, manage inventory, and handle larger accounts. This is an office-based role but requires deep technical knowledge.
  3. Business Owner: Start your own shop. Scranton's market is competitive but not saturated. With a focus on excellent customer service and reliable work, you can build a strong local reputation. The potential here is the highest, but it comes with business management risks.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 6% job growth rate, demand will remain steady. The aging of Scranton's housing stock (much of it built in the mid-20th century) guarantees a continuous need for replacement and repair work. New commercial and institutional projects, driven by Geisinger and the university, will provide opportunities for new construction specialists. The key to long-term success will be specialization and reputation. Plumbers who are known for being reliable, clean, and fair will never be short of work in this town.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Scranton isn't a boomtown; it's a steady, reliable market with a fantastic quality of life for a skilled tradesperson. The decision comes down to your personal priorities.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: The median salary of $62,019 goes very far here. Homeownership is highly accessible.	Lower Ceiling: While you can live well, the absolute top-end salaries are higher in larger metros.
Steady Demand: 151 jobs, 6% growth, and an aging infrastructure ensure consistent work.	Limited High-End Luxury Market: You won't find the same volume of multi-million dollar mansion plumbing as in a place like Philadelphia's Main Line.
Strong Community: Scranton has a tight-knit trades community. Word of mouth is everything, which is great if you're good at your job.	Weather & Seasonality: Winters can be harsh (think frozen pipes and boiler repairs), leading to busy seasons. It's not a year-round outdoor paradise.
Variety of Work: From historic home repairs to new commercial construction and medical facilities, you won't get bored.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit isn't a great option for tradespeople.
Manageable Commute: Traffic is minimal. Most plumbers live within a 15-25 minute drive of their job site.	Slower Pace: If you're coming from a major coastal city, Scranton's pace can feel slow. It's a city that values tradition.

Final Recommendation:
Scranton is an outstanding choice for plumbers who prioritize a balanced lifestyle. If your goal is to earn a solid middle-class wage without being crushed by housing costs, to build a stable career in a market with steady demand, and to live in a community with real character, Scranton is for you. It's particularly well-suited for apprentices starting their journey, journeymen looking to buy their first home, and senior plumbers who want to establish a long-term reputation. It may not be the place for someone chasing the absolute highest salary or the fastest-paced urban environment, but for most in the trade, it offers a near-perfect balance.