Plumber in Tacoma, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Tacoma Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because the financial reality is what matters most. For a plumber in Tacoma, the career outlook is solid but not spectacular. Based on the most recent data, the median salary for plumbers in the Tacoma metro area is $65,820 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.64. When you stack that against the national average of $63,350, Tacoma comes in slightly ahead, which is a positive sign for cost-of-living adjustments.

However, the local job market is not booming. There are currently 445 plumber jobs in the metro area. That's a manageable number, representing steady demand rather than explosive growth. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is essentially in line with the national average for the profession. This isn't a field where you'll see a sudden influx of openings, but it's far from stagnant.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential over time, here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. These are estimates based on market data and local industry knowledge, reflecting the typical progression in the Tacoma area.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Years in Trade	Tacoma Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$48,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks, assisting journeypersons, basic repairs, material handling.
Mid-Level	3-7	$62,000 - $72,000	Independent service calls, rough-in installations, troubleshooting, customer interaction.
Senior-Level	8-15	$70,000 - $85,000+	Project estimation, crew supervision, complex system design (HVAC, gas lines), commercial work.
Expert/Owner	15+	$85,000 - $120,000+	Business ownership, specialized consulting (e.g., commercial, medical gas), teaching/apprenticeship programs.

How does Tacoma stack up against other major Washington cities? The Puget Sound region is generally a strong market for the trades, but there are nuances.

• Seattle: Salaries are higher ($72,000 - $90,000+ for mid-to-senior roles), but the cost of living is brutally high. The commute from Tacoma to Seattle for work is common but can be exhausting.
• Spokane: Salaries tend to be lower ($58,000 - $68,000 for mid-level), with a significantly lower cost of living. It's a different market—less commercial, more residential and agricultural.
• Olympia: Very similar to Tacoma in terms of salary and job density, with a slightly more government-focused economy.

Insider Tip: The premium in Tacoma is often found in union work (Local 26 or Local 76) or in serving the industrial and commercial sectors around the Port of Tacoma and the manufacturing hubs. Residential service work is consistent but often caps out at a lower rate unless you're running your own crew.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

We need to be blunt about the financial reality. A $65,820 salary sounds good on paper, but in Washington state, take-home pay is lower than you might expect because there's no state income tax, but local taxes and high cost of living eat into it.

Let's break it down for a plumber earning the median Tacoma salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber at $65,820/year)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,485	Before any deductions.
Taxes & Deductions	~$1,200	Includes federal income tax (~$550), FICA ($420), and health insurance premiums ($230).
Net Monthly Income	~$4,285	What you actually see in your paycheck.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,603	This is the city-wide average. See neighborhood section for specifics.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $300	Varies by season; older Tacoma homes can be drafty.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential in Tacoma; public transit isn't sufficient for all job sites.
Food & Groceries	$400 - $500	A realistic budget for a single person.
Other (Debt, Savings, Leisure)	$800 - $1,100	This is your discretionary and savings buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a take-home of ~$4,285 and average rent at $1,603, you have a debt-to-income ratio of about 37% for housing alone. To buy a home, lenders typically want your total debt (including a mortgage) to be under 36-43% of your gross income.

The median home price in Tacoma is approximately $475,000. With a 5% down payment ($23,750), your mortgage (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) would be around $3,000 - $3,200/month. That would put you at over 50% of your net income going to housing, which is not sustainable. The verdict: On a single median plumber's income, buying a home in Tacoma is very challenging. It becomes more feasible with a dual-income household, a significantly higher salary (senior/expert level), or by targeting more affordable homes in the South End or Eastside neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: Tacoma's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in Tacoma is a mix of large commercial contractors, union-affiliated shops, and specialized service companies. The 445 jobs are concentrated in these types of employers.

1. Puget Sound Plumbing & Heating: A major residential and light commercial contractor based in Lakewood, serving the entire South Sound. They are consistently hiring apprentices and journeymen, with a focus on service and repair. They have a reputation for investing in their team's training.
2. Local 26 (United Association of Plumbers, Fitters & Welders): The union has a massive footprint in the region. Working for a union contractor (like Pacific Plumbing & Heating or Abbott Construction) provides access to higher wages, structured benefits, and pension plans. The apprenticeship program is competitive but pays you to learn.
3. Port of Tacoma Industrial Contractors: The Port is a hub of activity. Companies like Bristol Bay Native Corporation (industrial construction) or Cianbro (large-scale projects) hire plumbers and pipefitters for industrial, commercial, and marine projects. These jobs are often project-based but pay well.
4. Multi-Family & Commercial Developers: With Tacoma's ongoing growth, developers like Westmark and Columbia Ventures are building apartment complexes and commercial spaces. They typically hire plumbing contractors, creating consistent work for journeymen.
5. Hospitals & Large Institutions: Major employers like St. Joseph Medical Center (part of Catholic Health Initiatives) and MultiCare Tacoma General have in-house facilities teams. These are stable, benefits-heavy jobs with a focus on medical gas systems, HVAC, and complex plumbing in critical environments.
6. Specialty Service Companies: Companies like Allred Heating & Cooling or Bowers Plumbing focus on high-margin service work, often including drain cleaning, water heater replacement, and emergency repairs. These roles are excellent for those who enjoy customer interaction and problem-solving.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand for service plumbers. Commercial and industrial work is cyclical, tied to construction projects. The biggest challenge for employers is finding qualified apprentices. If you have a clean driving record and an apprenticeship card, you're a valuable candidate.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has a clear, structured path to becoming a licensed plumber, but it requires commitment. The process is managed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Plumbing and Electrical Division.

1. Step 1: Become a Registered Apprentice. You must be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (union or non-union) or register as an individual apprentice with L&I. There's a small registration fee (~$52). You'll need to work under the supervision of a licensed plumber for a set number of hours.
2. Step 2: Complete the Apprenticeship. This typically takes 4 years and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. Apprentices earn a percentage of a journeyperson's wage (starting at 40-50%).
3. Step 3: Become a Journeyperson. After completing your hours and training, you must pass the Washington State Plumbing Examination. The exam fee is $250. Once you pass, you become a licensed journeyperson plumber.
4. Step 4: Specialist Licenses (Optional but Lucrative). To advance, you can pursue specialty licenses, which require additional experience and exams:
   • Plumbing Contractor License: Requires 4 years as a journeyperson + passing a business/plumbing exam. Fees: ~$300 for the license exam.
   • Medical Gas Installer Certification: High-demand specialty for hospital work. Requires specific training and exam.
   • Backflow Preventer Tester Certification: Another valuable specialty for commercial and residential systems.

Total Estimated Cost to Journeyperson (excluding school tuition if not union): $300 - $500 in fees. Union apprenticeship programs often cover exam fees and provide tools. Timeline: Minimum of 4 years to become a fully licensed journeyperson.

Insider Tip: Start your apprenticeship application early. Union apprenticeships have waitlists. Non-union paths can be faster but require you to find an employer willing to sponsor you.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

While you can't always choose your job site, you can choose where you live to balance commute, cost, and lifestyle.

1. North End (Proctor, Ruston): Established, affluent neighborhoods. Homes are older, which means frequent repair and renovation work for plumbers. Commute: Easy access to downtown, but can be congested on I-5. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,100 for a 1BR.
2. West End (Stadium, Old Tacoma): Historic charm, near Wright Park. Similar to the North End in terms of older homes and repair work. Close to downtown job sites. Commute: Minimal if you work downtown; otherwise, easy I-5 access. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900 for a 1BR.
3. South End (South Tacoma, Lakewood): More affordable, with a mix of older and mid-century homes. Home to many plumbing contractors and service companies (like Puget Sound Plumbing). Commute: Central to many job sites; easy access to I-5 and Hwy 16. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650 for a 1BR. Best for value and commute.
4. Eastside (Salmon Beach, Jellystone): Working-class, industrial-adjacent areas. Close to the Port of Tacoma and industrial job sites. Less expensive but can be noisy. Commute: Excellent for Port/industrial jobs, okay for downtown. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
5. Downtown/Central: Lofts and apartments. Very walkable, but expensive and parking is a nightmare for a work truck/van. Best for someone working for a contractor that provides parking or for a union job with a company yard downtown. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,200+ for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career path isn't just about waiting for a raise. It's about strategically adding value and specialties.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding a Medical Gas Installer cert can add $5-$10/hour to your rate. Backflow Testing certification allows for side income or higher pay. Industrial Pipefitting for the Port or refineries pays at the top of the scale.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyperson → Service Technician: Focus on diagnostics and repair. Higher earning potential through commissions.
  2. Journeyperson → Foreman/Project Manager: Move into supervision, estimating, and client management. Requires strong organizational skills.
  3. Journeyperson → Business Owner: Start your own service company. This is high-risk but the highest reward. Tacoma has a market for reliable, local plumbing businesses.
  4. Specialist → Consultant: Expertise in commercial systems, code compliance, or green plumbing (rainwater harvesting, greywater systems) can lead to consulting work.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady. The biggest factor impacting your career will be the aging workforce. Many journeypersons are retiring, creating opportunities for those who are licensed, reliable, and tech-savvy (familiar with digital diagnostic tools and customer management software). The push for energy-efficient and water-conserving systems will also create new niches.

The Verdict: Is Tacoma Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Union-Supported Market: Strong union presence means good wages and benefits for those who get in.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are high relative to the median salary of $65,820.
Diverse Employment Sectors: Jobs in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional settings.	Moderate Job Competition: With only 445 jobs, openings aren't falling off the truck. You need to be qualified and persistent.
Central Puget Sound Location: Easy to access other WA cities for opportunities or weekend trips.	Traffic Congestion: Commutes can be long, especially from the South End to the North or to Seattle.
Growing City with Aging Infrastructure: Constant need for repairs and upgrades in both homes and city systems.	Weather: The gray, rainy climate can be draining for some and can impact outdoor work schedules.
No State Income Tax: Helps offset some of the high cost of living.	Limited High-Rise Skyscrapers: Fewer ultra-large commercial projects compared to Seattle, limiting some peak earning opportunities.

Final Recommendation: Tacoma is a good, solid choice for an established journeyperson plumber, especially if you can get into union work or a stable commercial/industrial role. It's less ideal for a new apprentice trying to get started on a single income, due to the high living costs relative to starting wages. If you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood like the South End or Eastside and are proactive about securing apprenticeship hours, it can be a very rewarding long-term career base.

FAQs

1. Is it worth joining the union in Tacoma?
For most, yes. The wage scale is higher, and the benefits package (health, pension, training) is comprehensive. The apprenticeship is excellent. The trade-off is that you may have to travel to job sites across the region and work for different contractors. It's less stable than a steady job with one company but more secure long-term.

2. How competitive is the apprenticeship?
Very competitive, especially for the union program. You'll need a good math background, a clean driving record, and the ability to pass a basic aptitude test. Non-union apprenticeships are easier to get into but require you to find an employer first.

3. What's the demand for residential vs. commercial work?
Demand is strong in both. Residential service work is consistent year-round. Commercial and industrial work offer higher pay but can be cyclical, based on construction cycles. Many plumbers do both to stay busy.

4. Do I need my own tools and van?
As an apprentice, you'll need basic hand tools. Many companies provide vans for service techs, but for journeypersons in smaller shops, you may need your own vehicle. As a contractor, you'll need a fully outfitted work van, which is a major investment.

5. How does the cost of living affect a plumber's lifestyle in Tacoma?
It's a tight budget. On a median salary of $65,820, you can live comfortably but not lavishly. Owning a home is difficult without a partner's income or moving up to a senior/expert salary. You'll prioritize a reliable vehicle and a stable, affordable apartment or shared housing. The key is to live within your means and use the city's parks, community events, and outdoor access for low-cost recreation.