Plumber in Tempe, AZ

The Salary Picture: Where Tempe Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. If you’re a plumber in Tempe, you’re sitting in a solid position. The median salary for the profession here is $64,395/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.96/hour. This isn't just a guess; it’s based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area, which includes Tempe. It’s slightly above the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. That means your skills are valued a bit more here than in many other parts of the country.

But "median" tells only part of the story. Your earning potential will vary dramatically based on your experience, specialization, and the type of work you do (residential service, commercial construction, or industrial maintenance). Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Tempe area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$42,000 - $52,000	Starting out, you'll likely work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Salary is heavily dependent on completing your required apprenticeship hours.
Mid-Career / Journeyman	$58,000 - $72,000	This is where the $64,395 median sits. With your license in hand and a few years of experience, you can command a solid wage, especially if you're skilled in troubleshooting and customer service.
Senior / Lead Plumber	$70,000 - $85,000+	At this level, you're likely supervising crews, handling complex commercial or medical gas systems, or specializing in high-end residential work. Overtime and on-call pay can push this higher.
Expert / Master Plumber / Business Owner	$85,000 - $120,000+	Running your own shop or consulting on large-scale projects (think the ASU research labs or new apartment complexes) is where the top-end earnings are. This requires a Master Plumber license and business acumen.

When you compare Tempe to other Arizona cities, its position is clear. Phoenix, the larger metro center, has a similar salary range but a more competitive job market. Tucson's salaries tend to run 5-10% lower, while rapid-growth areas like Surprise or Casa Grande might pay slightly less but offer different work environments (more new residential construction, for instance). In Tempe, you get the benefit of a major metro job market (there are 379 plumbing jobs in the metro area) with a strong local economy, without the intensity of downtown Phoenix's commute. The 10-year job growth for plumbers in the region is projected at 6%, which is steady and reliable, driven by the constant need for maintenance, renovation, and new construction in a sun-baked city where pipes are under constant stress from hard water and heat.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $64,395 sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life in Tempe? Let’s break down the math. First, the take-home pay.

After federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Arizona state tax (which has a progressive rate), a single filer with no dependents can expect to take home roughly 70-75% of their gross pay. Using a conservative 72% take-home rate, your monthly income would be approximately $3,864.

Now, let’s layer on the cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tempe is $1,424/month. The Cost of Living Index here is 105.5, meaning it’s about 5.5% more expensive than the U.S. average. So, where does that leave you?

Monthly Budget for a $64,395 Earner (Single Filers):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,864	After taxes (72% of gross)
Rent (1BR)	$1,424	Average for Tempe
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Higher in summer due to A/C costs
Groceries	$400 - $500
Car Payment + Insurance	$500 - $700	Tempe is car-dependent; public transit exists but isn't comprehensive.
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$200 - $400
Miscellaneous (Dining, Fun, Savings)	$500 - $600
Remaining	$310 - $890	Buffer for savings, debt, or unexpected costs.

Insider Tip: Your biggest variable is summer electricity. In July and August, A/C bills can easily top $300 for a 1-bedroom apartment. Look for newer builds with better insulation or units with a split system, and set your thermostat wisely (78°F when home, 85°F when away).

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Tempe is hovering around $475,000. With a $64,395 salary, you’re at the edge of affordability for a single income. A 20% down payment is $95,000—likely out of reach for many. However, with a 5-10% down payment and a good credit score, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $2,800-$3,200. That’s roughly 50-60% of your take-home pay, which is very high and leaves little room for error or savings. It’s possible with a dual-income household or if you advance to a senior role, but buying a home solo on a median plumber’s salary in Tempe is a stretch. Renting is the more realistic short-to-mid-term option.

Where the Jobs Are: Tempe's Major Employers

Tempe’s plumbing job market is diverse. You aren’t limited to a few big players; opportunities exist across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. Here are the key employers and hiring trends to know:

1. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service: A national franchise with a strong local presence. They focus on residential and commercial service calls, emergency repairs, and drain cleaning. They hire frequently for licensed journeyman plumbers and apprentices. Hiring is year-round, but they see a spike in demand from April to September.
2. Arizona State University (ASU): ASU is one of the largest employers in the state. Its sprawling campus in Tempe requires a massive, in-house facilities team. Plumbers here work on everything from dormitory maintenance to complex lab and medical gas systems in research buildings. These are salaried positions with excellent benefits and job stability. They often post openings on the ASU HR website.
3. Kearney & Company / PCL Construction: These are the giants of commercial construction. They handle large-scale projects like the new Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport terminals, the ASU Memorial Union renovations, and massive data center builds in the area. They hire plumbers for specific projects—often on a contract basis—with high pay and overtime. Follow their project pipelines; when a new hospital or corporate HQ breaks ground, they need plumbers.
4. Local Mechanical Contractors (e.g., Bell Plumbing and Heating, George Brazil): These established local companies service the Valley. They do a mix of residential new construction, commercial retrofits, and service work. They’re a great place to learn the trade and understand the local building codes. Hiring is consistent, and they often invest in apprenticeship programs.
5. City of Tempe / Tempe Municipal Utilities: Government jobs. These positions are in high demand for their benefits and union protections. The work involves maintaining the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. You’ll need to pass a civil service exam and often need a specific license. Check the City of Tempe’s career page regularly; positions don’t open up often but are worth the wait.
6. Hospitals & Healthcare (e.g., Tempe St. Luke’s, St. Joseph’s Hospital in nearby Phoenix): Medical gas systems are a high-skill specialty. Plumbers with certification in medical gas piping (ASSE 6010) are highly sought after by hospitals and surgery centers. These jobs pay a premium and offer stable, critical work. You’ll need to work under a certified installer to get your credentials.

Hiring Trend Insight: The biggest driver in the next 5 years will be the retrofit and maintenance market. As Tempe’s housing stock ages (much of it built from the 1970s-2000s), there’s a massive demand for repipes, sewer line replacements, and fixture upgrades. Simultaneously, the explosive growth of data centers in the Phoenix metro (powered by reliable water and electricity) creates high-paying, specialized work for plumbers familiar with large-scale industrial piping.

Getting Licensed in AZ

Arizona’s licensing is straightforward but requires dedication. You cannot work as a plumber without a license. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) oversees the process. Here’s the road map:

1. The Path to a Journeyman License:

• Apprenticeship: You must complete a minimum of 4 years of on-the-job training (OJT) under a licensed plumber, totaling at least 6,400 hours. Many pair this with a formal apprenticeship program through a local union (UA Local 469) or a non-union training center.
• Classroom Instruction: You’ll need to complete at least 288 hours of related classroom instruction.
• The Exam: Once your hours are verified, you apply to take the Journeyman Plumber exam. It’s a closed-book, national exam (based on the Uniform Plumbing Code) administered by a third party. Study hard—this is the main hurdle.

2. Master Plumber License:

• Requires being a licensed Journeyman for at least 4 years.
• Pass the Master Plumber exam, which is more advanced and includes business and law.
• With a Master license and a separate ROC contractor’s license, you can start your own plumbing business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Often, you get paid while you learn. Union programs are free; non-union may have small fees. Expect to invest your time.
• Exam Fees: Roughly $150-$200 for the journeyman exam.
• Licensing Fee: A journeyman license costs about $50 for the initial card.
• Total Time: From starting as an apprentice to holding a journeyman license typically takes 4-5 years.

Insider Tip: Start with the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration for certification details (they handle the exams). Also, join the Arizona Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (APHC-AZ). Their membership gives you networking opportunities, code updates, and mentorship that can accelerate your career.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Tempe means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Your choice of neighborhood affects both your daily drive and your budget. Here are the top options for a working plumber:

1. South Tempe (Ahwatukee Foothills Village): This is the quiet, suburban heart of Tempe. It’s dominated by single-family homes, many built in the 1980s-90s. Perfect if you work for a residential service company. Commutes to the main Tempe commercial corridors are short (10-15 mins). It’s family-friendly with good schools. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,350/month; 2BR - $1,650/month.
2. Downtown Tempe / University Area: High energy, walkable, and right near ASU. This is the hub for commercial and institutional work (ASU, restaurants, bars). Commuting by bike or light rail is a real option here. Parking can be a nightmare for your work truck, and rent is higher. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,600/month; 2BR - $2,000/month.
3. West Tempe (near the I-10 corridor): This area is a mix of older neighborhoods and industrial parks. You’re close to the Phoenix border, putting you 15-20 minutes from downtown Phoenix jobs. Rents are more affordable, but the area is less scenic and more car-centric. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,250/month; 2BR - $1,500/month.
4. East Tempe (near the Loop 202): This area is booming with new construction and corporate offices (like the massive Intel campus in nearby Chandler). If you’re in new construction or commercial service, you’re close to the action. It’s newer and more suburban, with a bit of a commute to downtown Tempe. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,400/month; 2BR - $1,700/month.
5. Guadalupe (just south of Tempe): A small, distinct community with a rich cultural history. It’s more affordable and has a tight-knit feel. Commutes to Tempe are easy via the I-10. It’s a good spot if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a slightly longer drive to the core. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,200/month; 1BR - $1,450/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a career with clear advancement paths and opportunities to increase your income significantly.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Medical Gas Piping: As mentioned, this certification can add $5-$10/hour to your wage. It’s a niche, in-demand skill.
• Backflow Prevention: Certification to install and test backflow prevention devices is required for many commercial clients. It adds another layer of expertise and pay.
• Industrial/Process Piping: Working on data centers, semiconductor plants, or food processing facilities is highly specialized and pays a premium. You’ll need skills in welding, PEX, and high-pressure systems.
• Management/Sales: Move from a wrench to a desk. Service managers or sales reps for plumbing supply houses can earn a base salary plus commission, often exceeding $80,000.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid, but the real growth will be in your skill set. The transition to PEX and other modern materials is complete; the next frontier is smart water systems (leak detection, automated shut-offs) and sustainable water management (greywater systems, rainwater harvesting). Plumbers who master these technologies will be the most valuable and highest-paid in the decade to come. Arizona’s water scarcity will also drive demand for professionals who can design and install efficient systems.

The Verdict: Is Tempe Right for You?

Tempe offers a compelling package for a plumber, but it’s not without its challenges, especially the cost of living.

Pros	Cons
Steady job market with 379 jobs and 6% growth projected.	High cost of living (105.5 index) and rising rents ($1,424/month average).
Salaries are competitive, beating the national average.	Extreme summer heat (over 100°F for months) makes outdoor work grueling and increases A/C costs.
Diverse work opportunities—residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial.	Car dependency is high; public transit is limited for work trucks.
Home to ASU, a stable employer with great benefits and consistent projects.	Water scarcity is a looming issue; the trade is stable but may face future regulatory changes.
Vibrant culture with sports, dining, and outdoor activities (though summers are hot).	Competitive market for the best jobs; networking and licenses are key.

Final Recommendation: Tempe is an excellent choice for a plumber who is mid-career (journeyman level) or aspiring to specialize. If you’re looking to build a stable career in a growing metro with opportunities to earn above the national average, Tempe delivers. However, if you’re a new apprentice on a tight budget or someone who dislikes extreme heat and car commutes, you may find the financial and lifestyle pressures challenging. The key is to enter with a clear license plan, budget carefully for housing, and target employers in the commercial or institutional sectors for the best long-term stability.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union license to work in Tempe?
No. Arizona is a “right-to-work” state. You can work for a non-union contractor. However, joining the United Association Local 469 provides excellent training, benefits, and higher average wages. It’s a personal choice, but union work is prevalent on large commercial projects in the Phoenix metro.

2. How is the job market for apprentices in Tempe?
It’s competitive but solid. The best way to start is to apply directly to plumbing companies (like those listed above) or enroll in an apprenticeship program. Contact the Arizona Department of Labor or the APHC-AZ for registered programs. You’ll need a reliable vehicle and a willingness to learn.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Tempe?
The summer heat. Working in attics or direct sun in July and August is physically demanding. Hydration and proper gear are non-negotiable. The other challenge is the hard water, which accelerates pipe corrosion and fixture wear—making preventive maintenance a huge part of the