Plumber in Southaven, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Southaven Stands

If you're a plumber considering a move to Southaven, MS, the first thing you need to know is the local wage landscape. Unlike coastal cities where tradespeople command premium rates, Southaven offers a stable, middle-of-the-road income that goes a long way due to the low cost of living.

The median salary for Plumbers in the Southaven metro area is $61,905 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.76 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350 per year, but don't let that number fool you. The context of Southaven's economy makes it a viable and often preferable option for many professionals.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. These figures are extrapolated from local industry data, BLS information for the broader Memphis area (which Southaven is part of), and interviews with local contractors.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Southaven)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $52,000	Apprentice duties, basic repairs, assisting senior plumbers, learning local codes.
Mid-Level	3-7	$55,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, rough-in for new construction, troubleshooting complex issues.
Senior-Level	8-15	$65,000 - $78,000	Leading small teams, commercial plumbing, mentoring apprentices, quoting large jobs.
Expert/Supervisor	15+	$75,000+	Project management, master plumber duties, business development, specialized system design.

How does Southaven compare to other Mississippi cities?
While the median salary of $61,905 is below the national average, it's competitive within the state. Jackson, MS, with its larger population and state government jobs, might see slightly higher median wages for experienced commercial plumbers, but the cost of living in Jackson is also higher. Gulfport-Biloxi has a larger tourism and industrial base (casinos, shipbuilding) which can create demand for specialized plumbers, but wages may not be significantly higher for residential service. Southaven's unique position as a rapidly growing suburb of Memphis, TN, offers a steady stream of both residential and light commercial work without the intense competition of a major metropolitan core. The jobs in the metro area are listed at 111, which, while not a huge number, indicates stable demand and less saturation than in larger cities.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local companies, especially those doing service work, offer commission-based pay on top of hourly rates for upselling new fixtures or water treatment systems. This can push a motivated mid-level plumber's earnings well above the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,905 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your daily life? Southaven's affordability is its biggest draw. Let's break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $61,905 / 12 = $5,158.75
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA, Medicare): ~22-25% (approx. $1,135 - $1,290)
• Estimated Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,868 - $4,023

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber at Median Salary):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$785 - $950	Southaven average; newer complexes in desirable areas trend higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash)	$150 - $200	Varies by season; summer AC is the biggest variable.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	For a single person or couple.
Vehicle (Payment, Insurance, Gas)	$500 - $700	Essential due to sprawl; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement/ Savings	$300 - $500	Highly recommended to build wealth.
Miscellaneous	$300 - $500	Eating out, entertainment, personal care.
Total Estimated Outflow	$2,635 - $3,750	Leans heavily on lifestyle and housing choice.
Potential Monthly Savings	$118 - $1,388	Leaves a healthy margin for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, yes. This is where Southaven shines for a trade professional. The median home sale price in Southaven is around $250,000 - $280,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000 - $56,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would put your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) in the $1,400 - $1,600 range. Given your net take-home of ~$3,900, this is well within standard affordability guidelines (housing costs should be under 30-35% of income). Many plumbers in their mid-to-senior career stage in Southaven own homes, often in the suburbs with yards perfect for their family and hobbies.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,905 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your daily life? Southaven's affordability is its biggest draw. Let's break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $61,905 / 12 = $5,158.75
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA, Medicare): ~22-25% (approx. $1,135 - $1,290)
• Estimated Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,868 - $4,023

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber at Median Salary):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$785 - $950	Southaven average; newer complexes in desirable areas trend higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash)	$150 - $200	Varies by season; summer AC is the biggest variable.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	For a single person or couple.
Vehicle (Payment, Insurance, Gas)	$500 - $700	Essential due to sprawl; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement/ Savings	$300 - $500	Highly recommended to build wealth.
Miscellaneous	$300 - $500	Eating out, entertainment, personal care.
Total Estimated Outflow	$2,635 - $3,750	Leans heavily on lifestyle and housing choice.
Potential Monthly Savings	$118 - $1,388	Leaves a healthy margin for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, yes. This is where Southaven shines for a trade professional. The median home sale price in Southaven is around $250,000 - $280,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000 - $56,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would put your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) in the $1,400 - $1,600 range. Given your net take-home of ~$3,900, this is well within standard affordability guidelines (housing costs should be under 30-35% of income). Many plumbers in their mid-to-senior career stage in Southaven own homes, often in the suburbs with yards perfect for their family and hobbies.

Where the Jobs Are: Southaven's Major Employers

Southaven's job market for plumbers is driven by a mix of residential service, new construction, and light commercial work. The 10-year job growth for plumbers is 6%, which is steady and reflects the ongoing demand from a growing population. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Heritage Homes & D.R. Horton: As one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Memphis, Southaven has constant new home construction. Large national builders like D.R. Horton and regional builders like Heritage Homes frequently hire subcontractors for plumbing rough-in and finish work. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for framers and rough-in crews, especially in new subdivisions like Deerfield and Cordova Woods.

2. Cordish Companies (Live! Casino & Hotel): While technically just across the state line in Memphis, this $1.5 billion entertainment complex is a massive employer for the tri-state area, including Southaven residents. It requires a large, dedicated facilities team for ongoing maintenance, renovations, and emergency repairs. Hiring Trend: They hire full-time staff for preventative maintenance and contract with local firms for larger projects.

3. Southaven Public Works: The City of Southaven maintains its own water and sewer infrastructure. They employ public works crews, including plumbers and pipefitters, for city projects. Hiring Trend: These are stable, government jobs with great benefits but can be competitive. Check the city's official website for postings.

4. Regional Hospital Systems: For specialized medical gas and high-pressure system work, plumbers often work for companies that service Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto and St. Francis Hospital-Bartlett (just outside the border). These are not direct hires but are key employers for the contractors they use. Hiring Trend: Hiring is tied to hospital expansions and renovations, which are frequent due to the area's growth.

5. Local Plumbing Companies: A network of established local firms drives most of the service work. Key names include C & C Plumbing, Hill's Plumbing, and First Choice Plumbing. These companies handle everything from drain cleaning in older homes in Oakhaven to repiping in new builds. Hiring Trend: They are always looking for licensed journeyman plumbers, especially for on-call and emergency service roles, which often come with premium pay.

6. Memphis International Airport (MEM): While in TN, a short drive south, the airport is a major employer. Its facilities maintenance department and the many contractors that service the airport hire plumbers for commercial and industrial work. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for experienced commercial plumbers familiar with large-scale systems.

Getting Licensed in Mississippi

Mississippi has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process managed by the Mississippi State Board of Plumbing & HVAC, Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors. You cannot practice plumbing professionally without a license.

State-Specific Requirements and Costs:

1. Apprenticeship: You must be enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program. This typically involves 4-6 years of on-the-job training (2,000 hours per year) plus classroom instruction (144 hours per year).
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for the journeyman exam. You must provide proof of experience and a Certificate of Completion from your apprenticeship program.
3. Master Plumber License: To work independently or start your own business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires being a licensed journeyman for at least 2 years and passing the Master Plumber exam.
4. Exam & Fees: The exam is administered by PSI. Exam fees are approximately $200-$300. License application fees are separate, around $150-$200. Total cost to get licensed (excluding apprenticeship) is roughly $350-$500.
5. Continuing Education: All licenses require 8 hours of continuing education every two years.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1-4: Complete your registered apprenticeship.
• Month 48-50: Apply for and pass the Journeyman exam.
• Year 5-7: Work as a Journeyman, gain experience.
• Year 7+: Apply for the Master Plumber exam if you wish to start your own business.

Insider Tip: If you're already licensed in another state, contact the board directly. Mississippi does not have reciprocity with all states, but they may allow you to test based on your current license and experience, potentially skipping some steps.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Choosing where to live in Southaven depends on your commute, family needs, and lifestyle. The city is sprawling, and traffic can be a factor, especially on I-55.

Neighborhood	Commute to Key Employers	Vibe & Lifestyle	Rent Estimate (1BR)
Cordova Woods	10-15 mins to DeSoto County businesses; 25 mins to Memphis.	Upscale, master-planned community with parks, golf, and new homes. Ideal for families.	$900 - $1,100
Deerfield	15-20 mins to most employers; easy I-55 access.	Mix of older and newer homes, good schools, central location. Very popular.	$850 - $1,050
Oakhaven	5-10 mins to local service calls; central to shops and hospitals.	Older, established neighborhood with mature trees. Close to shopping centers.	$750 - $900
Whitestation Woods	15-20 mins to most employers; quiet, established.	Affordable, quiet, family-oriented. A good starting point for new arrivals.	$700 - $850
Stateline Road Area	Immediate access to I-55; 5-10 mins to casinos/hotels in TN.	Diverse mix of apartments, townhomes, and small homes. High activity, busy.	$800 - $1,000

Personal Insight: If you're a service plumber, living centrally like in Oakhaven puts you in the middle of the action, reducing drive time to customers. For those with families or who work on construction sites, the newer suburbs like Cordova Woods or Deerfield offer a better quality of life, though you'll commute more.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth over the next decade is a solid foundation, but growth as an individual is where the real opportunity lies. Southaven's proximity to Memphis creates a unique market.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers who specialize can significantly out-earn the median of $61,905.
  • Medical Gas: Certified installers for hospitals can command $35-$45/hour.
  • Commercial Pipefitting: Working on large commercial projects (like casino remodels or industrial plants) often pays $5-$10/hour more than residential service.
  • Water Treatment & Filtration: With the region's hard water, specialists in softening and filtration systems are in high demand and can earn commissions.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician to Service Manager: Move from the field to a role managing other techs, quotes, and customer service.
  2. Journeyman to Master/Owner: Start your own small plumbing business, servicing the growing Southaven and Hernando areas. This is the path to the highest earnings potential.
  3. Field to Estimator/Project Manager: For those with a knack for detail, moving into an office role with a large contractor is a stable, less physically demanding career move.
• 10-Year Outlook: The continued population growth from Memphis pushing south will sustain demand. The 111 current jobs will increase, but the real growth will come from specialization and business ownership. The trend is toward more complex systems (e.g., tankless water heaters, smart home leak detection), so continuous learning is key.

The Verdict: Is Southaven Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $61,905 salary goes much further here than in most of the U.S.	No State Income Tax? Wrong. Mississippi has a state income tax (though lower than some). TN doesn't, but you'll owe MS tax if you live in Southaven.
Stable Job Market: 6% growth and a mix of residential and commercial work provide stability.	Sprawl & Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is minimal.
Homeownership is Attainable: You can comfortably buy a single-family home on a plumber's median salary.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: For major league sports, extensive cultural scenes, you'll drive 30 mins to Memphis.
Growing Community: Southaven is young and growing, offering a fresh feel without the decay of older cities.	Competition from Memphis: Some high-value commercial contracts may be awarded to larger Memphis-based firms.
Low-Pressure Environment: Less hustle and bustle than a major metro; a good fit for those seeking work-life balance.