Plumber in South Jordan, UT

The Salary Picture: Where South Jordan Stands

South Jordan sits in the heart of the Salt Lake County metro, and the pay reflects that. It’s not the highest in the state, but the cost of living is a key factor that makes it competitive. For a plumber here, the median salary is $62,665/year. That breaks down to a solid $30.13/hour. It’s a hair below the national average for plumbers, which is $63,350/year, but don’t let that number fool you. The cost of living index in South Jordan is 96.4 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further than in a major city like Salt Lake City itself or Park City.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 169 plumbing jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This translates to a steady demand, driven by new construction in the Daybreak area and consistent maintenance needs in older neighborhoods like Eastlake.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market trends and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$58,000 - $70,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$85,000+ (can exceed $100k with specialization)

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where you’ll see the biggest pay increase. Plumbers with experience in commercial work or specialized systems (like hydronic heating) often command rates toward the top of the senior bracket.

How South Jordan Compares to Other Utah Cities:

• Salt Lake City: Average salaries are slightly higher ($65,000+), but rent and living costs are 10-15% higher. Commuting from South Jordan to downtown SLC is common (20-30 mins).
• Provo/Orem: Home to many trade schools, so there’s more competition for entry-level jobs. Salaries are comparable to South Jordan ($61,000 - $64,000).
• St. George: A booming retirement and desert community. Plumbers here can often earn a premium due to high demand and extreme weather conditions (hard water, high heat), with averages closer to $68,000.
• Park City: A different league entirely. Seasonal work and high-end residential projects can push salaries over $80,000, but the cost of living is dramatically higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A median salary of $62,665 in Utah means your take-home pay after taxes will be roughly $48,000 - $50,000 annually, depending on filing status and deductions. That’s about $4,000 - $4,200 per month.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in South Jordan is $1,301/month. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a plumber earning the median, assuming a single filer with no dependents:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,100	After federal/state taxes, FICA, & health insurance
Rent (1BR)	$1,301	Can vary from $1,100 to $1,600+
Utilities	$200	Power, gas, internet (Xfinity/Verizon)
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Utah has lower insurance rates, but a car is essential
Gas/Commuting	$150	Average 15-20 mile commute round-trip
Food & Groceries	$400
Health/Disability Ins.	$150	If not fully covered by employer
Savings/Retirement	$500	401(k) or IRA
Miscellaneous	$300	Tools, clothes, entertainment, etc.
Remaining Buffer	$649	For emergencies, car repairs, or saving for a home

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires careful budgeting and likely a dual-income household. The median home price in South Jordan is approximately $525,000. With a 20% down payment ($105,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of around $2,600 (including taxes/insurance). This is challenging on a single plumber’s median salary. However, many plumbers here work overtime, take on side jobs (where legal), or have a spouse/partner with an income. Building equity is a long-term goal that’s achievable with a strategic financial plan.

Where the Jobs Are: South Jordan's Major Employers

South Jordan’s economy is a mix of healthcare, tech (in the broader Salt Lake Valley), and construction. Plumbing jobs are found with specialized trade companies, not large corporations.

1. Masters Plumbing & Heating (Local): A well-established, mid-sized contractor that services the entire Salt Lake Valley. They do a high volume of residential new construction in Daybreak and repair/remodel work in older areas. Known for steady, year-round work and a strong apprenticeship program.
2. Moon Mechanical (Based in West Valley, serves S. Jordan): A major mechanical contractor focusing on commercial and large residential projects. They handle complex systems for schools, hospitals (like Riverton Hospital), and large apartment complexes. Hiring trends show a need for plumbers with commercial experience and medical gas certification.
3. Comfort Engineers (Multiple locations): An HVAC and plumbing company with a strong presence in the South Jordan/Draper corridor. They specialize in high-efficiency systems and smart home integration, a growing niche. They often seek plumbers who are also comfortable with basic electrical work.
4. MacDonald’s Plumbing & Heating (Based in Sandy): Serves the entire south valley. They have a reputation for quality residential service and repair. Hiring is often seasonal, peaking in spring and fall for maintenance checks. Good for those who prefer a mix of installation and service calls.
5. Local Independent Contractors: A significant portion of the market. Many experienced plumbers strike out on their own after 10+ years, operating as LLCs. They focus on high-margin remodels and service calls in affluent neighborhoods like Eastlake or The Oaks. Networking through the Utah Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association (UPHCA) is crucial here.
6. Riverton Hospital (Intermountain Health): While not a direct plumbing employer, the hospital’s facilities department hires plumbers with specialty licenses (like medical gas) for maintenance and renovation projects. These are stable, union-eligible jobs with excellent benefits.

Hiring Trends: The biggest demand is for plumbers who can work independently on complex residential or light commercial jobs. There’s also steady work in the service and repair sector, especially with the aging housing stock in neighborhoods like Eastlake.

Getting Licensed in UT

Utah has a clear but multi-step licensing process through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

1. Apprentice Plumber:

• Requirement: 12,000 hours of on-the-job training (typically 4-5 years) under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. You must also complete 144 hours of classroom instruction per year (often provided by apprenticeship programs).
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs (like those run by the United Association Local 140) may have small fees, but many are free or low-cost as you earn while you learn. Registration with DOPL is minimal.
• Timeline: Immediately. You can start working as an apprentice as soon as you find a sponsor.

2. Journeyman Plumber:

• Requirement: Completion of 12,000 hours of training and passing the Utah Journeyman Plumber Exam (which is based on the International Plumbing Code with Utah amendments).
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150. License fee is around $100 annually.
• Timeline: After 4-5 years of apprenticeship.

3. Master Plumber:

• Requirement: Must hold a journeyman license for at least 4,000 hours, pass the Master Plumber Exam, and have no violations on record.
• Cost: Exam fee ~$200, license fee ~$150 annually.
• Timeline: Typically 8+ years total from starting as an apprentice.

Insider Tip: The most common path in Utah is the United Association Local 140 apprenticeship program. It’s highly respected, provides structured training, and often leads to jobs with signatory contractors. The journeyman exam is notoriously difficult; invest in a good prep course from Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) of Utah.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

South Jordan is a suburban city, so a car is non-negotiable. Commute times are generally short within the city.

1. Daybreak (Southwest): The newest and fastest-growing area. A network of new construction and remodels. Plumbers here work for the major developers (e.g., Hillwood Communities). Commute to job sites is minimal (10-15 mins). Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800 for a 1BR.
2. Eastlake (Central): Established area with older homes (1970s-1990s) that are ripe for remodels and repairs. High demand for service and repair plumbers. Excellent central location, 10-minute commute to anywhere in South Jordan. Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
3. The Oaks (North): Affluent neighborhood with larger, custom homes. Work here often involves high-end fixtures, complex systems, and remodels. Good for building a reputation for quality work. Slightly farther from Daybreak job sites. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000+ for a 1BR (often renting a room in a shared house is more common here).
4. Riverton (Adjacent to South Jordan): A family-oriented suburb with a mix of older and newer homes. Many plumbers choose to live here for the community feel. Commute to South Jordan job sites is 10-20 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
5. Historic District (Near Main Street): Not a large neighborhood, but a small pocket of older homes. Service work is consistent here. Walkable to some amenities, but you’ll still drive for work. Rent Estimate: Hard to find a 1BR; often converted units. Assume $1,200+.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth over 10 years is steady, not booming. Where you’ll see real growth is in specialization and moving into management or ownership.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with certifications in medical gas (ASSE 6010), backflow prevention, hydronic heating, or green/low-energy systems can command a 10-20% premium over the standard journeyman rate. These are often required for commercial and institutional work (schools, hospitals, labs).
• Advancement Paths:
  • Foreman/Project Manager: Overseeing crews on larger residential or commercial jobs. Requires strong communication and organizational skills. Pay can reach $85,000 - $95,000.
  • Business Owner: Starting your own shop is the most lucrative but also the riskiest. It requires a master plumber’s license, business acumen, and insurance. Successful owners in South Jordan can earn well over $100,000.
  • Inspectors: City or county plumbing inspectors are a common second career for experienced plumbers. It offers great benefits and a 35-40 hour work week. Pay starts around $70,000.
• 10-Year Outlook: The need for plumbers won’t disappear. New construction in the Daybreak expansion and ongoing maintenance in older parts of the valley will sustain demand. The biggest shift will be toward plumbers who are tech-savvy and can work with smart water systems and energy-efficient designs. The key to long-term growth is to move beyond basic installation and service into a specialty or leadership role.

The Verdict: Is South Jordan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Living: Lower cost of living than SLC proper, making a $62,665 salary go further.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You must have a reliable vehicle.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from new construction and an aging housing stock.	Competition: You’ll compete with licensed plumbers from the entire Salt Lake Valley.
Balanced Lifestyle: Safe, family-friendly suburbs with easy access to outdoor recreation (Oquirrh Mountains, Jordan River Parkway).	Slower Career Climb: Unlike tech or healthcare, trades grow steadily, not exponentially.
Strong Union Presence: Good benefits and training through Local 140.	Wage Ceiling: Without specialization or business ownership, salaries cap around $85,000.
Proximity to Salt Lake City: Easy to tap into the larger metro market for work or entertainment.	License Reciprocity: If you’re coming from out of state, you’ll need to go through Utah’s licensing process.

Final Recommendation: South Jordan is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, a good work-life balance, and a reasonable cost of living. It’s particularly well-suited for those in the mid-career stage looking to buy a home and start a family, or for apprentices who want to join a strong union program. If you’re chasing the absolute highest salary potential and thrive in a dense, fast-paced urban environment, you might look closer to downtown Salt Lake City or Park City. But for most, South Jordan offers a compelling, practical path to a solid career and life.

FAQs

1. I’m a licensed plumber from another state. Can I just start working in South Jordan?
No. Utah does not have full reciprocity with other states. You will need to apply for a Utah journeyman or master plumber license through DOPL. This may involve submitting proof of your hours, passing the Utah exam, and possibly completing a shorter Utah-specific apprenticeship if your training didn’t cover local codes. Contact DOPL directly for a determination.

2. How competitive is the job market for a new journeyman?
It’s competitive, but there is steady demand. The key is to get experience. Even with a journeyman license, many employers prefer 2-3 years of documented experience. Starting with a larger contractor (like Masters or Moon Mechanical) can provide that breadth of experience quickly. Networking through the UPHCA or Local 140 is essential.

3. Do plumbers in South Jordan need a vehicle?
Absolutely. Most jobs are at different sites each day, and you’ll be carrying tools. A truck or van is a standard part of the job. Many employers provide a take-home vehicle for service plumbers, but for construction, you’ll use your own. Factor in vehicle costs when budgeting.

4. What’s the best way to find side jobs or extra work?
Utah law requires you to have a master plumber’s license and business entity to do legal side work. However, many plumbers in the early stages of their career work overtime for their primary employer or assist on projects for friends/family. The best way to build a side business is to first excel at your main job, get your master’s license, and then slowly build a client base through word-of-mouth. Always carry proper insurance.

5. Is the work seasonal?
There is some seasonality. New construction slows in deep winter (Dec-Feb) but continues otherwise. Service and repair work can be busier in the spring (clogged drains from melting snow) and fall (heating system checks). Overall, the work is fairly consistent year-round, especially for service-focused plumbers.