Plumber in Shreveport, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Shreveport Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Shreveport’s plumbing market is steady but not booming. The median salary for a plumber here sits at $60,898 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.28. That’s slightly below the national average of $63,350, but it’s a solid wage given the city’s low cost of living. The metro area supports about 354 active plumbing jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%—slower than the national average, but stable. This isn’t a city where you’ll find explosive growth, but it offers reliable work for those who know the trade.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries break down by experience level:

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Median)	Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $50,000	$19.23 - $24.04	Basic pipe fitting, drain cleaning, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,898 (median)	$29.28	Full installations, water heater replacements, service calls.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87	Complex systems, commercial work, project supervision.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$90,000+	$43.27+	Business ownership, specialized industrial work, consulting.

Compared to other Louisiana cities, Shreveport is a middle ground. New Orleans offers higher wages (median around $65,000) but a much higher cost of living. Baton Rouge is similar to Shreveport in both pay and cost. Lafayette’s market is slightly more competitive but pays on par. For a plumber valuing affordability and steady work, Shreveport makes sense.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A plumber earning the median $60,898 in Shreveport takes home approximately $45,200 after federal, state, and local taxes (assuming a single filer with standard deductions). That’s about $3,767 per month. With the average one-bedroom rent at $927/month, housing is very affordable here.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a mid-career plumber:

Category	Cost	Notes
After-Tax Income	$3,767	Based on $60,898 salary
Rent (1BR average)	$927	Can be lower outside downtown
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, water, internet
Groceries	$400	Shreveport has affordable grocery options
Transportation	$350	Gas, insurance, maintenance (no car payment)
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer
Miscellaneous	$300	Tools, clothing, entertainment
Remaining	$1,340	For savings, debt, or hobbies

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Shreveport is around $180,000–$200,000. With $1,340/month in disposable income, a plumber could save $12,000+ per year for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $190,000 home is $38,000—achievable in 3 years of saving. This is one of Shreveport’s biggest draws: attainable homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Shreveport's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by local companies and some regional players. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Cajun Industries: A major player in industrial and commercial construction. They frequently bid on projects at the Port of Shreveport and local factories. Hiring trend: steady for experienced commercial plumbers.
2. Spangler Plumbing: A large, family-owned residential and commercial service company. They’re one of the biggest employers for service techs. Hiring trend: consistent, especially for licensed journeyman plumbers.
3. Roto-Rooter: The national franchise has a strong presence in Shreveport. It’s a good entry point for new plumbers looking for steady hours and on-call pay. Hiring trend: high turnover, always looking for reliable techs.
4. The Christus Health System: With facilities like Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier, they have in-house maintenance teams. These jobs offer stable hours, benefits, and no on-call work. Hiring trend: competitive; often requires a broader facility maintenance skill set.
5. Bossier Parish School Board: Public institutions need plumbers for facility upkeep. These are union or civil service positions with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring trend: openings are rare but highly coveted.
6. Local Construction Firms: Companies like Darsey & Company or H.J. Carroll Construction hire for new residential builds, especially in growing areas like South Highlands. Hiring trend: cyclical, tied to the local housing market.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often found through word-of-mouth at supply houses like Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery on Youree Drive. Chatting with the counter staff can lead to leads on companies that aren't actively advertising.

Getting Licensed in Louisiana

Louisiana’s licensing is handled by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Here’s the path:

• Apprentice License: You can start as an apprentice. You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma/GED, and work under a licensed plumber. No state exam is needed for this level.
• Journeyman License: Requires 8,000 hours of documented work experience (about 4 years full-time) and passing the state journeyman exam. The exam fee is $100. You must also provide proof of experience from your supervising plumber.
• Master Plumber License: Requires 12,000 hours of experience (6 years) and passing the master’s exam. You’ll also need to show proof of financial responsibility (bonding). This license allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-6: Find an apprenticeship. Enroll in a local program like the one at Bossier Parish Community College (they offer a pre-apprenticeship certificate).
• Years 1-4: Work full-time, log your hours meticulously. Study for the journeyman exam.
• Year 4: Apply for the journeyman license, pass the exam.
• Years 4-6+: Work as a journeyman, gain experience, and prepare for the master plumber exam if you want to own a business.

Cost Breakdown: Apprenticeship programs are often sponsored by employers. The main costs are exam fees ($100 for journeyman, $150 for master) and study materials. Total upfront cost is typically under $500.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Here are four areas plumbers often choose:

1. South Highlands: A charming, established neighborhood with older homes that need consistent plumbing work. It’s close to the LSU Health Shreveport campus and major streets like Youree Drive. Commute to most job sites is 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is around $900-$1,100.
2. Shreve Island: More suburban, with newer construction and larger lots. Great for plumbers who service residential developments. It’s a bit further out, but a straight shot down Airline Drive to the I-20 corridor. Rent is similar to the city average, around $900.
3. Downtown/Shreveport Common District: Ideal for plumbers who work on commercial/restaurant renovations in the historic district. Walkable, with a mix of older apartments and new lofts. Rent can be higher ($1,000-$1,300), but you’re in the heart of the action.
4. Bossier City (East Bank): Technically across the Red River, but a major part of the metro area. Home to Barksdale Air Force Base, providing steady commercial and residential work. Commute into Shreveport is 10-20 minutes. Rent is slightly lower, averaging $850-$950.

Commute Reality: Shreveport traffic is minimal. A 15-mile commute rarely takes more than 25 minutes. This is a huge quality-of-life benefit for service plumbers on call.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Shreveport, career growth is less about rapid salary jumps and more about specialization and business ownership.

• Specialty Premiums: Master plumbers or those with expertise in medical gas (crucial for hospitals like Christus) or industrial pipefitting (for the petrochemical industry) can command 10-20% above the median. Commercial work, especially with unions, often pays more than residential service.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from apprentice to service technician to crew lead or estimator. The real jump is in becoming a Master Plumber and starting your own company. Many successful local businesses are 1-3 person operations.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth aligns with slow but steady demand. The key driver will be the maintenance of aging infrastructure (Shreveport’s water lines and sewer systems are decades old) and potential industrial expansion at the Port. The rise of smart home technology and water efficiency systems will create new niches for tech-savvy plumbers.

Insider Tip: Specializing in commercial work for institutions like Bossier Parish Community College or Southern University at Shreveport offers union-level pay and benefits, and these facilities have large, complex systems that require specialized knowledge.

The Verdict: Is Shreveport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $60,898 salary goes very far. Housing is affordable.	Slower Job Growth: The 6% growth is modest. Don’t expect a hiring frenzy.
Stable, Steady Work: A 354-job market is reliable for a mid-sized city.	Lower Ceiling: The median salary is below the national average. Major wealth is in owning your business.
Manageable Commutes: Short drives mean more time at home and less fuel cost.	Limited Nightlife: It’s a family-friendly city; your social scene may be quieter.
Strong Sense of Community: You’ll work with the same people for years.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms can be tough on the job.
Homeownership is Realistic: This is a city where you can plant roots.	Industrial Base is Shifting: Some traditional industries are declining, though the Port is a constant.

Final Recommendation: Shreveport is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a balanced lifestyle over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s perfect for someone who wants to buy a home, start a family, and build a long-term career without the pressure of a cutthroat market. It’s less ideal for a plumber seeking fast-paced career advancement in a major metropolis or who thrives on constant new construction. If you’re a solid, reliable tradesperson, you can do very well here.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a new journeyman plumber?
It’s moderately competitive. While there are 354 jobs, openings for licensed journeyman plumbers at the top companies (Spangler, Cajun) can fill quickly. Your best bet is to network at supply houses and be willing to start with a smaller residential company to get local experience.

2. Do I need my own truck and tools?
For most service jobs, yes. Employers like Roto-Rooter and Spangler typically require you to have a reliable vehicle and basic hand tools. Some may provide a service van for the shift, but you’re expected to supply your own hand tools. For union or construction jobs, tools are often provided.

3. What’s the on-call work like?
For residential service companies, on-call is common, especially for emergency calls after hours and on weekends. This can significantly boost your income through overtime. Commercial and in-house (hospital/school) jobs usually have no on-call.

4. Is licensing portable from another state?
Louisiana does not have reciprocity with any other state. If you’re licensed in Texas, Arkansas, or Mississippi, you’ll still need to apply for a Louisiana license by endorsement, which requires proving your experience and may involve an exam. Contact the LSLBC for specifics.

5. What’s the best way to find housing as a transplant?
For renters, use Apartments.com or Facebook Marketplace. For buying, connect with a local realtor who knows the areas. South Highlands and Shreve Island are popular with young professionals. Always check the flood zone map—some areas near the river are prone to flooding.

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Data Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), Bureau of Economic Analysis (Cost of Living Index), U.S. Census (Metro Population), Zillow (Rent/Home Price Data).