Plumber in Temple, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Temple Stands

As a plumber in Temple, Texas, your earning potential is solid for the region, though slightly below the national average. The median salary for a plumber here is $61,791/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.71/hour. For context, the national average for plumbers is $63,350/year, putting Temple about 2.5% below the U.S. median. This gap is typical for a mid-sized Texas city with a lower cost of living than major metros like Austin or Dallas.

The job market itself is stable but not booming. There are approximately 186 plumbing jobs in the Temple metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This growth is steady, driven by ongoing residential development and the constant need for maintenance on older housing stock. It’s not explosive growth, but it’s reliable.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your pay will climb significantly with experience and licensure. Here’s how salaries typically break down in Temple:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice duties, basic repairs, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, installations, troubleshooting.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Complex projects, commercial work, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$90,000+	Business ownership, specialized systems (medical gas, etc.).

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior-level is where you see the biggest pay increase. This is often tied to obtaining your Texas Master Plumber license, which allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Temple offers a good balance of pay and affordability compared to larger Texas markets. While the base salary is lower than in Austin or Houston, the lower cost of living in Temple means your money goes further.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Power
Temple, TX	$61,791	91.8	High
Austin, TX	~$72,000	~133.4	Moderate
Houston, TX	~$68,000	~96.5	High
San Antonio, TX	~$62,500	~89.2	Very High
Dallas, TX	~$69,000	~101.7	Moderate

Temple’s cost of living index is 91.8, significantly lower than the U.S. average of 100 and much more affordable than Austin’s 133.4. This makes Temple a strategic choice for plumbers who want to maximize savings or purchase a home without the financial pressure of a major metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the numbers for a mid-career plumber earning the median salary of $61,791/year. For this exercise, we’ll assume a single filer with no dependents, using an estimated 22% effective tax rate (federal + state + FICA).

• Annual Gross Salary: $61,791
• Estimated Taxes (22%): ~$13,594
• Annual Take-Home Pay: $48,197
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $4,016

Now, let’s apply this to Temple’s cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $900/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Income (After Tax): $4,016
• Rent ($900): $4,016 - $900 = $3,116
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: $3,116

This is a very manageable budget. With $3,116 left over, a plumber can comfortably cover average utility bills ($150-$250), groceries ($300-$400), a car payment/insurance ($300-$500), health insurance, and still have over $1,500 for savings, retirement contributions, or debt repayment each month.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Temple’s biggest advantages for skilled tradespeople. The median home price in Temple is around $245,000. With a solid down payment (e.g., 10% = $24,500) and a mortgage, monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely fall between $1,500 - $1,700.

Given the take-home pay of $4,016, a home payment would consume about 37-42% of monthly income. This is on the higher end but is still considered affordable for a single earner with no other major debts. For a dual-income household, it becomes exceptionally easy. Many plumbers in Temple I've spoken with own homes within 3-5 years of starting their careers.

Where the Jobs Are: Temple's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Temple is anchored by a mix of large institutions, commercial contractors, and local residential companies. The healthcare sector is a massive driver of construction and maintenance work.

Here are the key employers and hiring trends:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple: One of the largest employers in Central Texas. This massive medical campus (the former Scott & White) has a constant need for in-house plumbing maintenance for its facilities, including the main hospital, clinics, and research buildings. They often hire for specialized medical gas and backflow prevention roles.
2. Temple Independent School District (TISD): With over 30 schools and facilities, TISD employs maintenance staff, including plumbers, for ongoing repairs, renovations, and new construction projects. This is a stable, union-eligible job with excellent benefits.
3. Commercial Contractors: Companies like Duke's Plumbing, Heating & Air, Cactus Plumbing, and Patriot Plumbing are major players in both residential and commercial work. They often handle large-scale projects for new subdivisions and commercial developments around I-35.
4. The City of Temple: The municipal government employs plumbers for water and sewer line maintenance, public works projects, and city facility repairs. These positions are highly competitive and offer great job security and pension benefits.
5. Bell County & Federal Government: The nearby Fort Hood military installation (Killeen, 20 minutes west) and the Bell County Courthouse complex in Belton (15 minutes north) have ongoing maintenance contracts and occasionally hire directly for skilled trades positions.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a growing demand for plumbers with expertise in green building techniques (like PEX systems and tankless water heaters) and backflow prevention certification, especially for commercial and institutional clients like Baylor Scott & White and the school district.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a structured, multi-level licensing system for plumbers. You cannot legally perform plumbing work for a fee without a license.

1. Apprentice License (Texas Plumbing License - Apprentice):

• Requirements: Be at least 16 years old. You do not need to pass an exam, but you must work under the direct supervision of a Master or Journeyman Plumber.
• Cost: The application fee is nominal (around $20-$50). The real cost is the apprenticeship program, which may have tuition.
• Timeline: You can start immediately upon finding a sponsoring licensed plumber or enrolling in an apprenticeship program.

2. Journeyman Plumber License:

• Requirements: Complete 8,000 hours (about 4 years) of documented work experience as an apprentice. You must also pass the Texas Journeyman Plumber Exam.
• Exam Cost: Exam fee is approximately $125 (as of 2023).
• Timeline: This is the first major milestone, achievable after about 4 years of full-time work.

3. Master Plumber License:

• Requirements: Hold a Journeyman license for at least 2 years. Complete an additional 4,000 hours of work (often in a supervisory role). Pass the Texas Master Plumber Exam.
• Exam Cost: Exam fee is approximately $125.
• Timeline: Realistically, 6-8 years after starting as an apprentice.
• Insider Tip: Getting your Master license is the key to opening your own business in Texas. It allows you to hire apprentices and journeyman, and to pull permits for all work.

Total Estimated Licensing Cost (Exam Fees Only): $250 (Journeyman + Master). This does not include training costs, which can vary widely if you go through a union apprenticeship, community college, or private trade school.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Temple will affect your daily commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods popular with tradespeople:

1. South Temple (Near I-35 & Loop 363):

   • Commute: Excellent. Quick access to major highways (I-35, TX-36) for jobs anywhere in the metro. Very easy to get to commercial job sites.
   • Lifestyle: Practical. Mostly single-family homes, older subdivisions, and apartment complexes. Close to shopping centers (like the Temple Mall area) and fast food.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR/2BR apartment or a modest rental house.

2. North Temple (Near Sam Houston Ave & 31st St):

   • Commute: Good. Slightly more traffic during peak hours but still manageable. Close to downtown jobs and the hospital.
   • Lifestyle: Established. Quieter, tree-lined streets, older homes, and a more residential feel. Close to the Temple College campus and some parks.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR/2BR apartment or older house.

3. West Temple (Near I-35 & Industrial Blvd):

   • Commute: Prime for commercial work. Industrial area with many warehouses and factories, a hub for maintenance contracts.
   • Lifestyle: Industrial. Less about neighborhoods and more about affordability and proximity to work. Can be noisier due to highway and industrial activity.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR/2BR apartment. Often the most affordable option.

4. Downtown Temple:

   • Commute: Walkable to some jobs, but may require a drive for suburban or commercial work.
   • Lifestyle: Trendy. Revitalizing area with cafes, bars, and older, character-filled apartments. Ideal for younger plumbers who want an active social scene.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500/month for 1BR apartments in converted lofts or historic buildings.

5. Rural Outskirts (e.g., Rogers, Temple Lake area):

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Temple proper. Requires driving.
   • Lifestyle: Peaceful. Larger lots, lower rent, and a quiet, country feel. Popular with plumbers who own trucks and don't mind the drive.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $850/month for a single-family house or apartment. You get more space for your money.

Insider Tip: For a plumber with a work truck, West or South Temple offers the best combination of short commute times and affordable rent, maximizing your take-home pay.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Temple isn’t just about fixing leaks. There are clear paths to higher earnings through specialization and entrepreneurship.

Specialty Premiums:

• Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for commercial and irrigation systems. Can add $2-$5/hour to your rate.
• Medical Gas Certification: Essential for hospital work (Baylor Scott & White). This is a highly paid specialty.
• Hydronic Heating / Radiant Floor Systems: Niche, high-end residential work.
• Service & Repair Estimator/Dispatcher: Moving into a sales/management role in a larger company.

Advancement Paths:

1. Path to Ownership: Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Master Plumber -> Business Owner. This is the most lucrative path. With the low cost of living, you can reinvest profits into building your company.
2. Commercial/Industrial Specialist: Focus on the high-demand sectors in Temple (healthcare, education, manufacturing). These jobs often pay 15-20% above residential rates.
3. Project Management: For larger contractors, moving into supervising crews and managing timelines for new construction projects (like subdivisions in growing areas like Morgan’s Point Resort).

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The 6% growth is modest but consistent. It means demand will remain steady, but competition for the best jobs (like at the city or Baylor Scott & White) will be strong. Plumbers with a Master’s license and a clean record will have the most opportunities, especially as the current workforce ages. The rise in new construction around the I-35 corridor (from Temple to Killeen/Belton) will provide a steady pipeline of work.

The Verdict: Is Temple Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Your $61,791 median salary goes much further here than in larger cities. Homeownership is a realistic goal.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Austin or Dallas. Less opportunity for extremely high specialization salaries.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare and education, offering consistent, non-cyclical work.	Less Variety: Fewer large-scale commercial projects compared to a major metro. Job market can feel limited for ultra-specialized niches.
Manageable Commutes: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive, saving time and fuel.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: It's a family-oriented city. If you crave big-city amenities, you may find it quiet.
Pro-Business Environment: Texas has no state income tax and a relatively straightforward path to licensure for business owners.	Weather Challenges: Summers are brutally hot, which can make outdoor plumbing work physically demanding.
Growing Region: Situated on the I-35 corridor between Austin and Dallas, benefiting from spillover growth.	Competition for Top Jobs: The best-paying municipal and institutional jobs are highly competitive.

Final Recommendation:
Temple is an excellent choice for a plumber focused on financial stability, homeownership, and a steady career. It's ideal for apprentices and journeyman plumbers looking to build a life without the crushing cost of a major city. If your primary goal is to maximize your income potential in the short term to save for a future business or family, Temple’s low costs allow you to do that efficiently. It’s less ideal for someone seeking the highest possible salary or the most vibrant urban culture, but for the vast majority of tradespeople, Temple offers a compelling and sustainable career path.

FAQs

1. How does the cost of living affect my salary as a plumber in Temple?
With a cost of living index of 91.8 (12% below the U.S. average), your $61,791 median salary has a higher purchasing power. Essentials like rent ($900/month for a 1BR) are significantly cheaper than in national hubs, allowing for greater savings or faster home ownership.

2. Is it worth getting my Master Plumber license in Temple?
Absolutely. With a Master license, you can open your own business, which is where the highest earnings lie. The local market supports small businesses, especially those serving the growing residential subdivisions and the constant maintenance needs of the healthcare and education sectors.

3. What’s the demand for commercial vs. residential plumbing in Temple?
Both are strong, but for different reasons. Residential work is steady due to a growing population and an aging housing stock. Commercial work is driven by institutions like Baylor Scott & White and Temple ISD, which provide stable, long-term contracts. A plumber skilled in both has the most job security.

4. How do I find an apprenticeship in Temple?
The best routes are: 1) Contact local companies like Duke’s Plumbing or Cactus Plumbing directly; 2) Check with the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco (just 30 min away) for apprenticeship partnerships; 3) Join the local chapter of the United Association (UA) for union apprenticeship opportunities.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Temple?
The summer heat. From June to September, temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making outdoor work, especially on sewer lines or irrigation, physically taxing. Proper hydration, cooling gear, and scheduling early morning jobs are essential insider habits.