Plumber in Wichita, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Stands

As a plumber in Wichita, your earning potential is solid, especially when you factor in the city's low cost of living. The median salary for a plumber here is $61,354 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.50. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but don't let that number fool you. When you adjust for Wichita's cost of living index of 89.5 (where the U.S. average is 100), your paycheck stretches much further. With a metro population of 396,123, the demand for skilled tradespeople is steady and consistent.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Wichita)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	$35,000 - $45,000	Assisting journeymen, learning code, material handling, basic repairs.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$50,000 - $68,000	Independent work on residential/commercial jobs, troubleshooting, customer interaction.
Senior (Master/Journeyman+)	$65,000 - $78,000+	Complex installations, project management, mentoring apprentices, code compliance.
Expert (Specialist/Owner)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Niche specialties (medical gas, industrial), business ownership, high-profile contracts.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 6%, which aligns with the national trend. However, the real opportunity in Wichita lies in the "replacement" market. The city's housing stock is older—many homes in neighborhoods like College Hill and Riverside were built pre-1960. This means a constant demand for repipes, water heater replacements, and trenchless sewer line repairs, which pay a premium.

Compared to other Kansas cities, Wichita offers a balanced market. Kansas City has higher salaries (median $66,000) but also a much higher cost of living. Topeka and Lawrence have similar wage scales but smaller job markets. Wichita’s strength is the combination of a moderate salary and the lowest living costs in a major Kansas metro area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what a $61,354 salary means for your daily life. This is the median, so many experienced plumbers earn more, but it’s a solid baseline for a stable career.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $61,354:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,112.83
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,200 (23.5% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,912.83
• Average 1BR Rent ($774/month): 19.8% of net income
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Car, Savings: ~$3,138.83

With an average 1BR rent of $774/month, a plumber in Wichita is well within the recommended 30% rule for housing costs. This leaves you with a comfortable margin for other expenses. For comparison, a plumber earning the same salary in a national hot spot like Denver would spend over 40% on rent alone for a comparable unit.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Wichita's median home price is around $175,000. With a $61,354 salary, you’re in a strong position to qualify for a mortgage. A 20% down payment is $35,000, but many local lenders offer conventional and FHA loans with lower down payments for skilled tradespeople. Given the low mortgage rates in Kansas (often slightly below national averages) and your stable income, homeownership is very attainable here, often within 3-5 years of starting your career.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita's Major Employers

Wichita’s economy is diverse, but the plumbing sector is anchored by a mix of large mechanical contractors, utility companies, and hospital systems. The job market has 792 active plumbing positions, indicating healthy competition and opportunity.

Here are the major local employers you should target:

1. Comfort Systems USA (Kansas): A giant in the regional mechanical contracting space. They handle massive commercial projects for everything from new schools to airport expansions. Their work is steady, benefits are excellent, and they invest heavily in apprentice training programs. Hiring trends show a consistent need for journeymen for their industrial and commercial divisions.

2. Wichita Service Co. / Metro Plumbing: These are the dominant names in residential and light commercial service work. They have large fleets of service trucks and serve the entire metro area. They’re always looking for technicians who are good with customers and can handle the high volume of service calls. This is often the best path for a new journeyman to build experience quickly.

3. Ascension Via Christi & Wesley Healthcare: The two major hospital systems in Wichita have massive, complex plumbing infrastructure. They employ in-house plumbers for facilities management. These jobs are highly coveted—they offer great pay, union benefits, and unparalleled job security. The work involves medical gas lines, sterile water systems, and constant maintenance, requiring specialized knowledge.

4. The City of Wichita: Public works departments, including the water and sewer division, hire plumbers for municipal projects and maintenance. These are city jobs with strong pensions and benefits. The work is less about customer service and more about infrastructure—repairing water mains, maintaining lift stations, and ensuring public water quality.

5. Cargill & Spirit AeroSystems: Two of the world's largest employers have massive facilities in Wichita. Cargill’s food processing plants and Spirit’s aerospace manufacturing plants have extensive, specialized plumbing needs (high-pressure water, process lines, compressed air). They often hire contractors but also have in-house maintenance teams. Working on these sites requires a clean background and often safety clearances.

Insider Trend: There's a growing demand for plumbers with cross-connection control certification for commercial clients. This is a niche that pays well and is less common. Also, the push for energy efficiency is driving demand for plumbers who can service and install high-efficiency boilers and solar thermal systems for commercial buildings.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions. You cannot work as a master plumber without a license.

The Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (typically 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 200+ hours of classroom instruction). You can register as an apprentice through the Wichita Plumbing & Pipefitters Local 441 or through an employer-sponsored program.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Kansas Journeyman Plumber Exam. The exam covers state codes, safety, and plumbing theory. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber, you need at least 4 years of journeyman experience and must pass the Master Plumber Exam. This license allows you to run your own business and pull permits. The exam fee is around $200.

Total Cost & Timeline: Expect to spend $300-$500 on exam fees and study materials over your career. The real investment is your time: the 4-5 year apprenticeship is the standard path. There are no shortcuts. Kansas does not offer reciprocity with many states, so if you're moving from another state, you'll need to prove your experience and may have to take the exam.

Insider Tip: The Local 441 union offers a top-tier apprenticeship program with guaranteed raises, healthcare, and a pension. It’s highly competitive, but for union jobs, it’s the gold standard. Non-union shops are plentiful and hire directly, but the benefits package varies widely.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Wichita impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social life. The city is spread out, but traffic is generally mild. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods that strike a good balance for working plumbers.

1. College Hill / Highland Park: This is the classic, historic neighborhood east of downtown. Beautiful older homes (great for your skills!), mature trees, and a strong community feel. It's centrally located, giving you easy access to job sites across the metro. Commutes to the hospital district or downtown are under 15 minutes. It's a favorite for tradespeople who take pride in their community.

   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $800 - $950

2. West Wichita (near 21st & Tyler): This area is more suburban, with newer housing developments and larger floor plans. It’s the fastest-growing part of the city. The commute to industrial areas (like Spirit AeroSystems) or the west side commercial corridors is minimal. It's ideal for someone who wants a modern home with a garage for tools and a shorter drive to work.

   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $750 - $900

3. Delano District (West of Downtown): A revitalizing historic district with a mix of lofts, townhomes, and older houses. It’s walkable, with great bars and restaurants, and is a short bike ride from downtown. It's perfect for a younger plumber who values an active social scene and a quick commute to downtown service calls. The vibe is more "city" than suburban.

   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $850 - $1,100

4. East Side near K-96: This corridor offers a great balance of affordability and convenience. You get more square footage for your rent, and you're minutes from the highway (K-96) for easy access to anywhere in the city. It's a practical, no-frills choice for someone who is focused on work and saving money. The commute to the east side hospitals or schools is very easy.

   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $700 - $850

5. Near South Central / Downtown: This area is for those who want to be near the action. It's close to Intrust Bank Arena, the Century II convention center, and the riverwalk. It’s a bit grittier but has a unique energy. The commutes are the shortest for any downtown-based job. You'll find older apartments and some newly renovated units.

   • Rent Estimate for 1BR: $750 - $1,000

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for plumbers in Wichita is stable with clear paths for advancement. The 6% job growth means steady demand, but the real growth in income comes from specialization and moving up the ladder.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: This can add $5-$8/hour to your wage. Hospitals and clinics require this, and there are few certified plumbers.
• Industrial/Pipefitting: Working on high-pressure steam lines, process piping, or hydronic systems in plants can command wages $10-$15/hour above standard residential plumbing.
• Trenchless Technology: Expertise in pipe bursting and lining is rare and highly sought after for commercial work, often paid on a project basis with high margins.
• Estimating/Project Management: Moving from the field to the office can lead to a salary of $70,000-$85,000+ with bonuses, without the physical toll.

Advancement Paths:

1. Apprentice → Journeyman: The primary climb. Focus on mastering all aspects of the trade.
2. Service Technician (Journeyman+): Become a lead service tech, handling complex diagnostics and emergency calls. This often includes a take-home service truck and a higher base.
3. Specialist/Foreman: Take on lead roles on large projects or specialize in a niche like industrial or medical.
4. Business Owner: Many master plumbers in Wichita own successful small businesses. The low startup cost (compared to coastal cities) and steady market make this a viable long-term goal.

The Verdict on 10-Year Outlook: The threat of automation is minimal for plumbers—it’s a hands-on, problem-solving trade. The real shift will be toward green tech and digital tools (like thermal imaging for leaks). Plumbers who adapt will thrive. You can realistically expect to go from $61,354 as a median journeyman to $80,000+ as a specialist or foreman within ten years.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (Index 89.5). Your salary goes far.	Lower median salary than national average, though adjusted for COL.
Stable, diverse job market with 792 openings and major employers.	6% job growth is solid but not explosive; requires proactive networking.
Short, manageable commutes with a car-centric layout.	Limited public transportation; a reliable vehicle is essential for work.
High homeownership rate; affordable and attainable for tradespeople.	Summers are hot and humid; working in attics and unconditioned spaces can be tough.
Strong union presence (Local 441) offering great pensions and benefits.	Cultural and recreational options are more limited than in larger coastal cities.
Friendly, community-oriented atmosphere for networking.	Can feel politically and culturally conservative for some.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita is an excellent choice for a plumber focused on financial stability and quality of life. If your goal is to own a home, avoid paycheck-to-paycheck stress, and have a steady career with a predictable schedule, this city checks all the boxes. It’s less ideal for someone seeking a high-energy, fast-paced urban environment or the absolute highest raw salary in the nation. For the pragmatic tradesperson, Wichita offers a realistic path to a comfortable, middle-class life.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to join the union to get a good job in Wichita?
A: No. While the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 441 offers a top-tier apprenticeship and pension, many successful plumbers work for non-union shops. Both sectors have good opportunities. Union jobs are often on large commercial projects, while non-union shops frequently dominate residential service work. Your choice should depend on your career goals and the specific benefits package.

Q: How competitive is the job market for apprentices in Wichita?
A: It's moderately competitive. The Local 441 apprenticeship is a highly sought-after program with a waiting list. However, larger non-union contractors like Comfort Systems and Metro Plumbing also sponsor apprentices and hire directly. Your best bet is to call companies directly, visit their offices, and apply in person. Showing initiative and a clean driving record is key.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or weekend plumbing work?
A: Yes, but it's typically through small side jobs, which carry legal and insurance risks unless you are a licensed master plumber with your own business. Most full-time employers expect 40+ hours. However, the on-call rotation for service companies can offer occasional overtime pay for emergency calls, which can significantly boost your income.

Q: What's the winter work like? Do plumbers have a slow season?
A: Wichita has a distinct slow season. Work tends to slow down in December and January, especially for new construction. However, service and repair work remains steady year-round. In fact, winter is often the busiest season for emergency calls (frozen pipes, water heater failures). Many contractors use the slow period for training, maintenance, and planning for the spring construction season.

Q: Is it worth getting a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
A: Absolutely. Many plumbing companies require you to drive service trucks or larger work vehicles. A CDL, especially a Class A, can open doors to more specialized roles in industrial plumbing and pipefitting. It can also give you a negotiating advantage in salary discussions. Most companies will help you get it once you're hired.