Plumber in St. Louis, MO

The Salary Picture: Where St. Louis Stands

St. Louis is a solid market for plumbers, offering a cost of living that’s notably lower than the national average while providing competitive wages. The median salary for a plumber in the St. Louis metro area is $61,791/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.71/hour. This is slightly below the national median of $63,350/year, but the lower cost of living more than compensates for the difference in many cases. The job market is stable, with approximately 563 plumbing jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%, which is steady, if not explosive, reflecting consistent demand in a built-out urban environment.

To understand the earning potential, it’s helpful to see how salaries break down by experience:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range (St. Louis)
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	2-7	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior	7-15	$68,000 - $82,000
Expert/Foreman	15+	$80,000 - $95,000+

Compared to other Missouri cities, St. Louis is a strong contender. The Kansas City metro area tends to have slightly higher wages (closer to the national average) but also a higher cost of living. Springfield and Columbia are smaller markets with lower pay scales but also significantly lower living costs. St. Louis hits a sweet spot for a major metro area in the Midwest, offering a union-heavy market (with the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 being a major force) that can provide benefits and wage protections, especially in commercial and industrial work.

Insider Tip: The $61,791 median is a robust baseline. In the specialized trades, like backflow prevention or medical gas fitting, you can push into the $80,000+ range faster. Your earning potential is directly tied to your license level and your willingness to work on complex projects, from the historic renovations in The Hill to the new commercial builds in the Central West End.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $61,791/year, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, MO state tax of ~4.95%) will be roughly $48,000 - $50,000 per year, or about $4,000 - $4,167 per month. This is a conservative estimate that doesn't account for pre-tax deductions like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.

In St. Louis, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $972/month. This is a key metric—it means housing consumes about 24% of your monthly take-home, well within the recommended 30% threshold.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$972	Can be lower in suburbs, higher in central neighborhoods.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Variable by season; older buildings may have higher costs.
Groceries	$350 - $450	St. Louis has affordable grocery chains (Schnucks, Dierbergs).
Transportation	$300 - $450	Depends on car payment, gas, and insurance. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$200 - $350	Varies widely by employer. Union jobs often have better rates.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$400 - $600	Eating out, hobbies, etc.
Savings/Debt/Investments	$500 - $1,000	After other expenses, you have room to save.
Total	~$2,872 - $3,922	Leaves a comfortable buffer against the $4,000+ take-home.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The St. Louis housing market is one of the most affordable in the nation for a major metro. The median home sale price in the St. Louis area is approximately $265,000. With a 20% down payment ($53,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,400 - $1,600/month. This is only about 400-600 more than the average rent, making homeownership a very attainable goal for a plumber earning the median salary, especially with a partner's income or after a few years of saving and experience.

Where the Jobs Are: St. Louis's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in St. Louis is diverse, with opportunities in residential service, commercial construction, and industrial maintenance. Here are some of the key local employers:

1. Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562: This is the powerhouse of the regional trade. They represent thousands of plumbers and pipefitters and have a massive hiring hall that places members on jobs across the metro. They handle commercial, industrial, and residential construction. Hiring Trend: Consistently strong, especially for large-scale projects like the new St. Louis CitySC stadium and ongoing hospital expansions.

2. B&B Plumbing & Heating: A large, well-established residential and commercial contractor based in St. Louis. They handle new construction, remodels, and service work. Hiring Trend: Active in the growing suburban markets, particularly in St. Charles and St. Louis County.

3. Sacred Heart Hospital (Part of Mercy Health): Large institutions like hospitals are major employers for facilities plumbers. These roles focus on maintaining complex systems, including medical gas lines, and require specialized certifications. Hiring Trend: Steady demand as healthcare systems expand and modernize their campuses.

4. The Korte Company: A national design-build contractor headquartered in St. Louis. They specialize in industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. Plumbers here work on large-scale, complex systems. Hiring Trend: Strong, with a focus on projects in manufacturing, food service, and healthcare.

5. Crown Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning: A leading residential service and repair company in the region. They focus on customer service and offer a clear career path from apprentice to senior technician. Hiring Trend: High turnover in service roles creates consistent openings, and they value long-term employees for leadership positions.

6. McDonald's Corporation (Corporate & Franchise): While not a plumbing company, McDonald's is a major St. Louis employer with a large corporate footprint. They employ facilities managers and in-house technicians to maintain their vast network of restaurants, which requires plumbing expertise. Hiring Trend: A stable, corporate role with benefits, different from the trade contractor model.

7. Metro Wastewater Reclamation District: This public utility employs plumbers and pipefitters for the maintenance and operation of the regional wastewater infrastructure. These are often union positions with excellent job security and benefits. Hiring Trend: Very stable, as public utilities are less susceptible to economic swings.

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri has a clear but strict path to becoming a licensed journeyman plumber. The process is managed by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Board of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling.

Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which typically consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) under a licensed plumber and 240 hours of classroom instruction over 4-5 years.
2. Examination: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Missouri State Plumbing Examination.
3. Application: Submit an application, proof of your apprenticeship hours, and exam scores to the state board. The application fee is currently $150.

Total Timeline & Cost:

• Timeline: 4 to 5 years from the start of your apprenticeship to obtaining your journeyman license.
• Estimated Costs: Apprenticeship programs often have minimal tuition, but you’ll need to pay for your own tools (initial investment of $500-$1,500), textbooks, and exam fees ($100-$200). The total out-of-pocket cost to get licensed is typically under $2,000, making it an affordable entry into a high-paying career.

Insider Tip: The most common path is to join Local 562, which has a registered apprenticeship program that meets and exceeds state requirements. They handle the classroom portion and place you with signatory contractors, providing a structured path to your license. You can also apply directly to the state board if you find an employer willing to sponsor your apprenticeship.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

St. Louis is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and where you live can impact your commute and lifestyle. Here are four areas that offer a good balance for working plumbers:

1. South City (Benton Park, Tower Grove South):

   • Why: Central location with great access to downtown, the medical district, and the I-44/I-55 corridors. A vibrant, walkable area with a mix of young professionals and longtime residents. Many older homes here need consistent plumbing maintenance and renovation.
   • Commute: Excellent to most job sites.
   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $900 - $1,100/month.

2. St. Louis County (Maplewood, Richmond Heights):

   • Why: A classic suburban choice with a strong community feel. Maplewood has a revitalized downtown with restaurants and shops. These areas are close to major commercial corridors (like Manchester Rd.) and offer easy highway access. The housing stock is a mix of post-war bungalows and newer, larger homes.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown, often via I-64 or I-170.
   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $950 - $1,200/month.

3. St. Charles County (St. Charles, O'Fallon):

   • Why: This is where the construction growth is happening. New subdivisions and commercial centers are constantly being built. If you're in new construction, living out here can mean a very short commute. It’s more car-dependent and family-oriented.
   • Commute: 30-45 minutes to downtown, but potentially under 10 minutes if working on local projects.
   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $900 - $1,050/month.

4. The Central West End (CWE):

   • Why: If you work at Barnes-Jewish Hospital or the Cortex Innovation District, this is the ultimate live-work neighborhood. It’s dense, historic, and walkable. You can live without a car if you work nearby. However, it’s the most expensive rental market.
   • Commute: Walk or bike to major employers.
   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $1,300 - $1,800+ month.

Insider Tip: For a plumber, living in a central location like South City or Maplewood is often the best bet. It gives you flexibility to work across the metro, and you're never far from a hardware store or a good lunch spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing is a career with a clear ladder.

• Advancement Path: Apprentice → Journeyman Plumber → Foreman → Project Manager / Estimator → Business Owner. The jump to foreman often comes with a pay increase and a shift from hands-on work to management. The next step, project estimator, requires strong math and computer skills.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas Fitter: Can add $5-$10/hour to your wage. Requires additional certification (ASME/NFPA 99).
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester: A certification that allows you to test and certify backflow devices (required for commercial properties). This can be a lucrative side business or a full-time specialty.
  • Industrial/High-Pressure Systems: Working in manufacturing or power plants on specialized systems commands a premium due to the complexity and safety requirements.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is reliable. The need will be driven by an aging housing stock (St. Louis has many homes 50+ years old needing repiping and modernization), ongoing commercial development, and the constant need for maintenance on the public infrastructure. The rise of green technologies, like tankless water heaters and high-efficiency systems, also creates a demand for plumbers who are trained in these newer installations.

The Verdict: Is St. Louis Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Union-Friendly Market: Local 562 provides excellent training, wage floors, and benefits.	Slower Growth: Job growth is steady but not booming like in Sunbelt cities.
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here, especially for homeownership.	Car-Dependent: Outside of a few central neighborhoods, you'll need a reliable vehicle.
High Job Stability: A mix of residential repair, commercial construction, and public works means less reliance on any single sector.	Older Housing Stock: While a source of jobs, it can mean dealing with challenging, outdated systems (cast iron, galvanized pipe).
Diverse Work: You can work on a 100-year-old home in The Hill, a new hospital tower, or a brewery downtown.	Winter Work: Cold winters mean more frozen pipe calls and need for careful weather planning on job sites.
Gateway to the Midwest: A central location with a major airport (STL) for travel or future opportunities.	Public Perception: The city has some negative stereotypes, though those familiar with it know the reality is more nuanced.

Final Recommendation: St. Louis is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community. It’s ideal for those looking to put down roots and buy a home early in their career. If you’re motivated by high-growth markets and are willing to hustle for every job, you might look elsewhere. But for a balanced, sustainable career with a high quality of life, St. Louis is a top-tier option.

FAQs

1. Do I need a license to work as a plumber's helper in St. Louis?
No, you do not need a state license to work as a helper or apprentice. However, you must be enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program to log your hours toward a journeyman license. Unlicensed individuals cannot pull permits or do work on their own.

2. Is it better to join a union or work non-union in St. Louis?
The union (Local 562) is a dominant force, especially in commercial and industrial work. It offers structured training, predictable wage increases, and strong benefits. Non-union work is common in residential service and small commercial jobs. Both paths can be successful; the union route provides more security, while the non-union route can sometimes offer faster advancement in small companies.

3. What tools should I buy as a new apprentice?
Start with the basics from the Local 562 recommended list: a good 100-foot tape measure, a 20oz claw hammer, a set of screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, an adjustable wrench, a tubing cutter, a basin wrench, and safety gear (gloves, glasses, knee pads). Your employer will provide specialized tools. Expect to spend $500-$800 to get started.

4. How do I find an apprenticeship?
Your best bet is to apply directly to the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 apprenticeship program. They have open enrollment periods. You can also contact the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for a list of registered apprenticeship sponsors or approach non-union contractors directly to inquire about hiring a helper to start your OJT.

5. What's the weather really like for a plumber?
Be prepared for four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), so hydration and heat safety are critical. Winters can be cold with lows in the teens and snowfalls. Frozen pipes are a major winter job, but outdoor work can be challenging. Spring and fall are generally the best times for outdoor construction. You'll need a full set of seasonal clothing and gear.