A Local's Guide to a Plumbing Career in West Jordan, UT

Welcome to West Jordan. If you're considering a move here to ply the plumbing trade, you're looking at a solid market. I've lived in the Salt Lake Valley for years, and I can tell you that West Jordan isn't the flashiest city on the Wasatch Front, but it's a workhorse. It's a city of families, retirees, and working-class folks who need reliable plumbing services. The demand is consistent, the growth is steady, and the quality of life is manageable. This guide is your no-nonsense, data-driven playbook for making that move.

We're going to look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the long-term prospects. No fluff, just the facts you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where West Jordan Stands

Let's get right to the point: the money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analyses, the financial landscape for a plumber in West Jordan is competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

The median salary for a plumber in West Jordan is $62,665/year. This is the midpoint—half of all plumbers earn more, half earn less. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.13/hour. For context, the national average for plumbers sits at $63,350/year, meaning West Jordan's median is slightly below the U.S. average. However, this is offset significantly by the lower cost of living in the Salt Lake metro area compared to major coastal cities.

The job market itself is active. The BLS reports approximately 229 plumbing jobs in the broader West Jordan metro area. This isn't a boom town, but it's a stable, growing area. The 10-year job growth projection for plumbers is 6%, which is on par with or slightly above the national average for the trade. This growth is driven by new construction in the suburbs and the constant need for maintenance and repair on older homes.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will climb with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression in the West Jordan area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Rate (Approx.)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $70,000	$26 - $34
Senior/Lead	8-15 years	$72,000 - $90,000	$35 - $43
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$90,000+	$43+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on market data and local job postings. Specialized roles (medical gas, hydronics, industrial) can command premiums.

Comparison to Other Utah Cities

How does West Jordan stack up against its neighbors? The data shows a clear pattern.

City	Median Salary (Plumber)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Takeaway
West Jordan	$62,665	96.4	Best balance of pay vs. living cost. High demand for residential service.
Salt Lake City	$65,200	110.1	Higher pay but significantly higher rent and overall costs. Competitive market.
Provo/Orem	$60,500	103.5	Slightly lower pay, higher cost of living. Tech sector drives commercial work.
Ogden	$59,800	98.2	Similar pay, slightly lower cost. More industrial/manufacturing base.
St. George	$58,000	106.0	Lower pay and higher cost of living, but strong retiree construction market.

Insider Tip: While SLC offers a marginally higher salary, the cost of living difference erodes that advantage. West Jordan provides the "sweet spot" for plumbers who want a stable career without the financial pressure of the core city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left for daily life. Let's break down the monthly budget for a plumber earning the West Jordan median of $62,665/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,222
• Taxes (28% estimated): This includes federal, state (UT has a flat 4.65% income tax), and FICA. This is a rough estimate; your actual rate will vary.
• Rent: The average 1-bedroom rent in West Jordan is $1,301/month.
• Utilities: $150 (power, gas, water, trash).
• Insurance (Health/Car): $400 (varies widely by situation).
• Food/Groceries: $400.
• Transportation (fuel, maintenance): $250 (West Jordan is car-dependent).
• Miscellaneous (cell, entertainment, savings, debt): $500.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Income	$5,222
Estimated Taxes	$1,462	Approx. 28% of gross
Net (Take-Home) Income	$3,760
Rent (1BR avg)	$1,301
Utilities	$150
Health/Car Insurance	$400
Food & Groceries	$400
Transportation	$250
Remaining (Misc/Savings)	$1,259

Can you afford to buy a home? With $1,259 left over after essential expenses, a plumber at the median salary is in a decent position to save for a home. The median home price in West Jordan is around $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000, which is a significant sum, but with disciplined saving over 4-5 years, it's achievable. Many local lenders offer FHA or VA loans with lower down payments (3-5%), making homeownership more accessible for tradespeople with steady income.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbing companies offer profit-sharing, bonuses for on-call work, and overtime, especially during the spring thaw and summer construction peaks. This can significantly boost your take-home pay and accelerate savings.

Where the Jobs Are: West Jordan's Major Employers

West Jordan's economy is a mix of residential service, commercial construction, and light industry. Here are the key players you should know about:

1. Viking Plumbing (and other local independents): West Jordan is home to several long-standing, family-owned plumbing companies. These are the backbone of the residential service market. They handle everything from emergency calls to kitchen remodels. Hiring trends are steady, often looking for apprentices and journeyman with good customer service skills.
2. Layton Construction: While based in Salt Lake City, Layton is one of Utah's largest general contractors and has major projects throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including large commercial developments in West Jordan (data centers, medical offices). They hire plumbers for large-scale new construction and offer union-scale wages and benefits.
3. Murdock Plumbing & Heating: A well-established company serving the entire Wasatch Front. They have a strong commercial and residential division and are known for hiring and training apprentices. They often post openings for licensed journeyman plumbers.
4. Wasatch Mechanical (Salt Lake County-based): This is a major mechanical contractor specializing in large commercial and industrial projects. It's a go-to for complex plumbing, heating, and medical gas systems. Requires a higher level of certification but pays top dollar.
5. South Valley Hospital (in nearby Sandy): While not in West Jordan proper, this is a major regional healthcare employer. Hospitals have constant, high-stakes plumbing needs (sterile systems, medical gas), requiring specialized, licensed plumbers. These positions are stable and offer excellent benefits.
6. Jordan School District: The district maintains hundreds of facilities. Their facilities department hires in-house plumbers for maintenance and repair. These are public-sector jobs with strong benefits and pensions, though they may pay slightly less than the private sector.
7. Homes and businesses: Don't overlook the sheer volume of residential plumbing work in West Jordan's housing developments (e.g., in the Copper Hills and West Jordan Hills areas) and the commercial strips along Redwood Road and 9000 South.

Hiring Trend Insight: There is a noticeable shortage of licensed journeyman and master plumbers in the Salt Lake Valley. Companies are actively recruiting, often offering signing bonuses and relocation assistance for qualified candidates. The demand is highest for plumbers skilled in modern PEX systems, tankless water heaters, and commercial backflow prevention.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah's licensing system is regulated by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). To work as a plumber, you need a license. Here’s the path:

1. Apprenticeship (1-4 years): You must complete a registered apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Programs are offered through the Salt Lake Apprenticeship & Training Center (IAP) and local unions (UA Local 140). You'll earn a wage while you learn.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship (typically 4 years / 8,000 hours) and passing the state exam, you become a licensed journeyman. The exam fee is approximately $110.
3. Master License: To work independently or own a business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires at least two additional years as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. The license fee is around $110.

Total Estimated Cost (Apprenticeship to Journeyman):

• Apprenticeship tuition (if any): $500 - $2,000 (often subsidized by employers/unions).
• Exam fees: ~$110.
• Licensing application fee: ~$110.
• Total: ~$720 - $2,220 (excluding tools, which can be a significant initial investment).

Timeline: From starting your apprenticeship to becoming a licensed journeyman, expect a 4-5 year timeline.

Insider Tip: The UA Local 140 union hall in Salt Lake City is a critical resource. Even if you don't join the union, they can connect you with approved apprenticeship programs and job leads. The state DOPL website is your definitive source for current requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in West Jordan means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are top picks for a working plumber:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Copper Hills	Central, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to most job sites.	$1,350 - $1,500	Proximity to major employers, newer housing stock (good for service calls), easy access to I-15 and Bangerter Highway.
West Jordan Hills	Slightly older, established, quiet. Close to Jordan Landing.	$1,200 - $1,350	More affordable, mature neighborhoods with older plumbing systems (higher repair demand). 15-20 min commute.
South Cove	Near the Jordan River, more suburban feel.	$1,250 - $1,400	Easy access to I-215 for jobs in Sandy or South Salt Lake. Growing area with new construction.
Oak Hollow / New Harmony	Newer development, further west.	$1,400 - $1,600	Close to the new commercial development and the Oquirrh Mountains. Longer commute to central SLC but great for new construction jobs.
East Central (near 5600 S)	Mix of older and newer homes, close to downtown West Jordan.	$1,250 - $1,450	Central location, near the police station and city services. Good balance of old and new housing stock for work.

Commute Reality: West Jordan is a driving city. Most jobs will be within 15-25 minutes by car. Traffic on I-15 during rush hour can be brutal, so living near your primary employer or in a central location like Copper Hills can save you significant time and fuel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing license is a ticket to a lifelong, recession-resistant career. The path forward is clear and rewarding.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas: Plumbers certified in medical gas piping for hospitals and clinics can earn 15-25% more than residential plumbers.
• Hydronics & Radiant Heat: Expertise in high-end heating systems is in demand in the luxury home market.
• Backflow Prevention: Certification to install and test backflow preventers is a requirement for commercial clients and offers steady, high-margin work.
• Industrial/Commercial: Working on large-scale systems in data centers or manufacturing plants (like those in the nearby Utah Inland Port) commands top-tier pay.

Advancement Paths:

1. Foreman: Lead a team on a construction site.
2. Service Manager: Oversee a fleet of service technicians for a large company.
3. Project Manager: Bid on and manage large commercial plumbing projects.
4. Business Owner: Start your own shop. West Jordan's growing population and steady housing market create a fertile environment for a new plumbing business, especially one focused on residential service.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a solid indicator. As the Salt Lake Valley continues to expand westward, West Jordan will remain a key residential and commercial hub. Plumbers who adapt to new technologies (like BIM for commercial projects, smart home water monitors) and who build a reputation for reliability will have no trouble finding work. The aging workforce also means many experienced plumbers are nearing retirement, creating opportunities for the next generation to step into leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is West Jordan Right for You?

West Jordan offers a pragmatic, stable environment for a plumbing career. It’s a place for those who value a steady paycheck, a family-friendly community, and a manageable cost of living over high-octane urban excitement.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable demand for both residential and commercial work.	Car-dependent. You will need a reliable vehicle for work and life.
Affordable cost of living relative to salary (Index: 96.4).	Limited nightlife and cultural amenities compared to downtown SLC.
Central location in the Salt Lake Valley for job opportunities.	Competitive, but not explosive, job market. Not a place for instant riches.
Good school districts and family-oriented communities.	Summer air quality can be poor due to valley inversions and wildfires.
Access to outdoor recreation (Wasatch Mountains to the east, Oquirrh Mountains to the west).	Growth pressure on infrastructure, leading to ongoing construction and traffic.

Final Recommendation: West Jordan is an excellent choice for a plumber, especially if you are at the journeyman level or looking to start a family. It provides a realistic path to homeownership and a comfortable life. If you're a city-dweller who craves walkability and a vibrant arts scene, you might find the suburbs stifling. But if you want to build a solid career in a trade that will always be in demand, with a clear path for advancement and a quality work-life balance, West Jordan is a smart bet.

FAQs

Q: I'm a licensed plumber from another state. Can I work in Utah? A: Utah has reciprocity agreements with some states, but not all. You will need to contact the Utah DOPL to see if your license and experience qualify. You may need to take the Utah state exam. Start the process early, as it can take a few months.

Q: Are union or non-union jobs better in West Jordan? A: Both exist. Union jobs (UA Local 140) typically offer higher wages, better benefits, and structured pensions but require union dues and may have less flexibility. Non-union companies can be more flexible and offer direct ownership potential. Many large commercial contractors are union, while most residential service companies are not.

Q: What's the winter work like? A: Winter is less busy for outdoor new construction but is the peak season for service calls (frozen pipes, heater failures). It's a steady income time for service plumbers. Commercial work continues year-round.

Q: Do I need my own van/truck? A: For service roles, most companies provide a work van, but you'll need a personal vehicle to get to the office. For independent or small company work, having your own vehicle with tools is often a requirement.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship? A: Contact the Salt Lake Apprenticeship & Training Center (IAP), the UA Local 140 union hall, or directly approach local plumbing companies. Word-of-mouth is strong in this trade, so networking at supply houses (like Ferguson or Hajoca) can also yield leads.