Plumber in Troy, MI

The Salary Picture: Where Troy Ststands

For a plumber considering a move to Troy, Michigan, the financial picture is one of a stable, middle-class career in a cost-effective metropolitan area. The median salary for a plumber in Troy is $62,969/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.27/hour. This is slightly below the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. The slight variance is expected and reflects Troy's position within the broader Detroit metro area's economy, which is strong but not as inflated as coastal major cities.

Troy is part of the larger Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which has a metro population of 87,338 for the city proper. There are approximately 174 plumbing jobs in the metro area, indicating a consistent, if not explosive, demand. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is a solid, steady forecast for a skilled trade, ensuring long-term job security for those who get licensed and established.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local industry standards, with the median being the central point.

Experience Level	Years in Trade	Troy Salary Range (Annual)	Troy Hourly Rate Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	$21.63 - $26.44
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$58,000 - $70,000	$27.88 - $33.65
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$65,000 - $85,000+	$31.25 - $40.87+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid to senior level is where you see the most significant pay increases, often tied to specialization (e.g., backflow prevention, medical gas) or supervisory roles. Union apprenticeships with the United Association (UA Local 98, based in Detroit) can provide a structured path to the higher end of these ranges with strong benefits packages.

How does Troy stack up against other Michigan cities? It’s a solid contender, especially when factoring in its cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Size
Troy	$62,969	98.0	Moderate (174 jobs)
Detroit	$61,500	95.0	Large (High density)
Ann Arbor	$65,000	108.0	Small (High specialization)
Grand Rapids	$58,000	92.0	Large (Growing)
Lansing	$56,500	91.5	Moderate

Troy offers a high salary relative to its cost of living, particularly compared to Ann Arbor, where a higher salary is offset by a significantly higher cost of living. For a plumber, this makes Troy a financially efficient place to build a career.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. With a median salary of $62,969, a plumber in Troy falls into the 22% federal tax bracket (2024 rates, single filer). After federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and Michigan state income tax (4.25%), the take-home pay is approximately $46,500 annually, or about $3,875 per month before any other deductions (like retirement or health insurance).

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Troy is $1,029/month. This is a critical factor.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$5,247
• Net Take-Home Pay (after taxes): ~$3,875
• Rent ($1,029): 26.5% of take-home pay
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: ~$2,846

With $2,846 left for all other expenses, this is a very manageable situation. Troy's Cost of Living Index is 98.0, meaning it's 2% cheaper than the national average. Groceries, utilities, and transportation (a car is essential in Troy) are all reasonably priced.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. Troy's housing market is strong but not out of reach for a skilled tradesperson. As of late 2023, the median home price in Troy is around $325,000. With a $62,969 salary and good credit, a plumber can likely qualify for a mortgage. A 10% down payment ($32,500) is a significant but achievable goal with a few years of saving. The monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,800-$2,200 range, which is still under 50% of the take-home pay—a standard benchmark for affordability.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in the area work overtime or on-call shifts, which can significantly boost annual income and accelerate savings for a home down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Troy's Major Employers

Troy's plumbing job market is a mix of large commercial/industrial contractors, residential service companies, and in-house opportunities with large facilities. The Detroit metro area as a whole is a hub for industrial and commercial construction, which drives demand for skilled plumbers.

Here are key employers and sectors to target:

1. Commercial & Industrial Contractors: Companies like Barton Malow, Walbridge, and Christman Construction are major players in the Detroit metro area. They handle large-scale projects for automotive manufacturers (GM, Ford), data centers, and hospitals. These jobs are often unionized but offer steady, high-paying work with benefits.
2. Medical Facility Plumbers: Troy is home to major medical centers. Beaumont Hospital, Troy (part of Corewell Health) has an in-house maintenance team that includes licensed plumbers for facility repairs and upgrades. St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (in nearby Pontiac) is another major hospital complex with similar needs. These roles offer stability, regular hours, and excellent benefits.
3. Residential Service Companies: Major regional players like Randazzo Service Plumbing, Heating & Cooling (based in Chesterfield) and Luxury Plumbing (based in Bloomfield) serve the Troy area. They are always hiring for service technicians. These jobs are typically non-union, pay a base salary plus commission on sales, and require strong customer service skills.
4. School Districts and Municipalities: The Troy School District and the City of Troy itself employ facilities maintenance staff. These are civil service positions with strong job security, pensions, and benefits. Hiring is periodic and competitive.
5. Automotive & Manufacturing Plants: The automotive sector is the backbone of the region. While most assembly plants are in Detroit or Sterling Heights, their supply chain vendors are everywhere. Look for plumbers needed for factory floor systems, compressed air lines, and water treatment. Companies like AAM (American Axle & Manufacturing) have facilities in nearby communities.
6. Specialty Plumbing Firms: Companies focused on niche areas like backflow testing, hydronic heating, or green plumbing systems are growing. A & A Plumbing in Troy is a local residential and commercial service firm that represents the many small-to-mid-sized businesses that form the backbone of the industry.

Hiring Trends: The "Great Crew Turnover" post-pandemic has hit the trades hard. Employers are actively recruiting. There's a high demand for plumbers who are not only skilled but also have a clean driving record, can work independently, and have good communication skills. The growth in data centers and advanced manufacturing in Metro Detroit is creating a new wave of commercial plumbing projects.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan has clear, but non-negotiable, requirements for plumbers. You cannot legally work as a plumber without proper licensing.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Registered Plumber: This is the entry-level license for someone working under the direct supervision of a Master Plumber. You need to be at least 18 years old and have no felony convictions related to plumbing. There is no exam, but you must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Fee: Approximately $95.
2. Journeyman Plumber: This allows you to work independently on most plumbing projects. Requirements are:
   • Completion of a 5-year, 10,000-hour apprenticeship program (through a union or non-union program).
   • Passing the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research) or similar standardized exam.
   • Submitting an application to LARA.
   • Cost: Exam fee ($250), application fee ($150). Total starting cost: ~$400.
3. Master Plumber: This is the highest license, allowing you to own a plumbing business and pull permits. You must have at least 2 years of experience as a Journeyman Plumber and pass the Master Plumber exam.
   • Cost: Exam fee ($300), application fee ($150). Total: ~$450.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediate Steps (1-2 months): If you have experience in another state, contact LARA to see if your hours can transfer. Start applying for Registered Plumber jobs to get your foot in the door.
• Apprenticeship Path (5 years): The most common route. Apply to a Michigan State Plumbing Board approved apprenticeship program. You'll work full-time with a licensed plumber and attend classes 1-2 nights per week. You earn a progressively increasing wage while you learn.
• If You're Already a Journeyman: The process is faster. Get your experience verified, study for the Michigan-specific codes portion of the exam, and apply.

Insider Tip: The Michigan State Plumbing Board website is the definitive source. Bookmark it. Code changes happen, and staying current is your responsibility. Joining the UA Local 98 apprenticeship is a golden ticket—it provides top-tier training, benefits, and a clear career ladder.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

While you'll likely commute to job sites across Metro Detroit, where you live affects your lifestyle and budget. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods within and around Troy to consider.

1. Downtown Troy:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, modern. A mix of young professionals and empty-nesters.
   • Commute: Excellent. You can be on I-75 or I-75 in minutes. Many commercial job sites are within 15 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600 for a 1BR. Higher than the Troy average but offers amenities.
   • Best For: Those who want a social life and don't want to drive to everything.

2. Suburban Troy (East of Rochester Rd):

   • Vibe: Classic American suburbia. Quiet, family-oriented, with great parks and schools.
   • Commute: Easy. You're close to major arteries. A 10-15 minute drive to most of Troy's commercial corridors.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers with families or who want a quieter home life.

3. Clawson:

   • Vibe: A small, independent city with a strong community feel. More affordable than Troy, with a revitalizing downtown.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Troy. Direct access to I-75.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,150 for a 1BR. A great value.
   • Best For: Cost-conscious singles or young families.

4. Royal Oak:

   • Vibe: Trendy, vibrant, with a famous nightlife scene. Attracts a younger demographic.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Troy via Woodward Ave or I-75.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers in their 20s/30s who prioritize social and cultural amenities.

5. Madison Heights:

   • Vibe: Practical, middle-class, and geographically central. A hub of apartment complexes and shopping centers.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most of Troy. Extremely central to the metro area.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Someone who wants to minimize commute time no matter where the job site is.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Troy isn't just about a steady paycheck; it's about long-term growth and stability.

Specialty Premiums: To move above the median salary, specialization is key. In Metro Detroit, these specialties command premiums:

• Medical Gas Installation/Biohazard: +15-25% over base journeyman rate.
• Backflow Prevention & Testing: +10-20%. Requires additional certification but is in constant demand.
• Hydronic Heating/Geothermal Systems: +15-25%. Tied to the green energy movement and high-end residential work.
• Pipefitting/Welding: For commercial/industrial work, this can push earnings into the $85,000 - $100,000+ range.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Tech to Sales: Many top earners move from pure service to a sales role, selling system upgrades and maintenance plans. This is commission-based and can be highly lucrative.
2. Field Supervisor: Overseeing a crew of plumbers for a contractor. Requires leadership skills and deep technical knowledge.
3. Business Owner: Starting your own service company. This is the most lucrative but carries the most risk. Michigan's business climate is favorable for trades.
4. Inspector: After years of experience, you can pursue a plumbing inspector role with a county or municipality. This offers great pay, benefits, and a 9-to-5 schedule.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady, but the real driver will be the aging infrastructure of the Detroit metro area. Older homes and commercial buildings need repiping, and the push for water efficiency and lead pipe replacement will create ongoing work. A plumber who establishes themselves in Troy now will be perfectly positioned for the next decade of demand.

The Verdict: Is Troy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio ($62,969 vs. 98.0 index)	Car-Dependent City: You will need a reliable vehicle.
Stable, Diverse Employment Base (Auto, Medical, Commercial)	Weather: Harsh winters can make outdoor work challenging.
Strong Local Union (UA Local 98) for training and benefits	Competition: You need to be good and reliable to stand out.
Pathway to Homeownership is very realistic	Not a "Walkable" City: Social life often requires driving.
Central Location in Metro Detroit for job opportunities	Slower Job Growth vs. booming Sunbelt cities.

Final Recommendation:

Troy, MI is an excellent choice for a plumber, especially at the journeyman level and above. It offers a strong middle-class income with a low cost of living, making homeownership and financial security highly achievable. The job market is stable and diverse, providing options between union commercial work, residential service, and in-house facility roles.

It's particularly well-suited for a plumber who:

• Values financial stability and a good quality of life.
• Wants a central location to access a large metro area's job opportunities.
• Is willing to invest in a license and build a reputation over time.

For an apprentice or someone just starting, the structured path through a Michigan apprenticeship is a reliable route to a lucrative career. The data, combined with the real-world context of the Detroit area, makes a compelling case for Troy as a long-term career home for a plumber.

FAQs

Q: I'm a licensed plumber from another state. Can I work in Troy, MI?
A: Michigan is not part of a reciprocity compact for journeyman licenses. You will need to apply to the Michigan Department of LARA for a license evaluation. You may need to take a Michigan-specific code exam or demonstrate your experience meets Michigan's requirements. Contact LARA directly to start the process.

Q: Is the union the only way to get good pay in Troy?
A: No. While the union (UA Local 98) offers excellent benefits and standardized pay scales, many non-union residential and commercial shops in Troy pay competitively, especially for experienced technicians. The key is to prove your value through reliability, quality of work, and good customer communication.

Q: What's the weather really like for plumbing work?
A: Michigan has four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid. Falls are ideal. Winters are cold and snowy; you'll need insulated gear and will do more indoor service work. Springs are wet and can involve outdoor excavation. It's manageable if you're prepared.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship in the Troy area?
A: Start with the Michigan State Plumbing Board website for a list of approved programs. Also check the **UA