Plumber in Wilmington, DE

The Salary Picture: Where Wilmington Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re considering a move. For a plumber in Wilmington, DE, the median salary sits at $64,015 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.78. This is a solid figure that puts Wilmington slightly above the national average for plumbers, which is $63,350 per year. It’s not a massive premium, but every dollar counts, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

The demand here is tangible. The Wilmington metro area has 143 jobs for plumbers listed, which is a healthy number for a city of its size (population 71,672). More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is a respectable 6%. This isn’t a boomtown, but it’s a stable market with steady demand, largely driven by the city’s aging housing stock and consistent commercial development.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience translates to pay in the Wilmington market, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00
Mid-Career (3-6 yrs)	$60,000 - $70,000	$28.85 - $33.65
Senior (7-12 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Leader (12+ yrs)	$85,000+	$40.87+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards, with the median salary anchoring the mid-career range.

When you compare Wilmington to other Delaware cities, the numbers tell a story. While the entire state has a high cost of living, Wilmington’s salary is competitive. In the larger, more tourist-heavy coastal cities like Rehoboth Beach or Lewes, demand for plumbers is seasonal and often tied to construction booms, but year-round base pay can be lower or more variable. In smaller, more industrial towns like Dover or Milford, the cost of living is lower, but so are the salaries, often trailing Wilmington’s median by 5-10%. Wilmington’s advantage is its position as the state’s financial and corporate hub, which supports a steady, year-round commercial and residential service market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $64,015 salary sounds good on paper, but what does it actually feel like in your bank account each month? Let’s run the numbers for a single plumber (filing as Head of Household for a more favorable tax bracket) in Wilmington.

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,335
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~ $1,400
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$3,935

Now, let’s layer in the rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wilmington is $1,451 per month. This is a significant chunk of your take-home pay—about 37%. While this is under the commonly recommended 30% threshold, it’s close, leaving you with $2,484 for all other expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Post-Tax & Rent):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Varies by season (winter heating costs in DE can be high)
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential in Wilmington; public transit is limited for trades
Groceries	$300 - $400
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$200 - $400
Retirement Savings (10% of gross)	$530	Highly recommended for a trade career
Discretionary/Other	$500 - $700	Food, entertainment, emergency fund, tools
Total	$2,180 - $2,980

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Wilmington hovers around $275,000. To comfortably afford a home at this price, you’d typically need a household income of around $90,000+. For a single plumber earning the median $64,015, buying a home solo is a significant stretch. It would require a large down payment (20% = $55,000), a strict budget, and likely a move to the suburbs or a condo. For a plumber with a partner earning a similar salary, or a senior plumber earning $85,000+, buying a home becomes much more feasible. My insider tip: Many Wilmington tradespeople live in nearby, more affordable suburbs like Bear, New Castle, or even parts of Pennsylvania (like Upper Darby) and commute in. The commute is worth the equity gain long-term.

Where the Jobs Are: Wilmington's Major Employers

Wilmington’s job market is unique because it’s split between a massive corporate presence and a strong, traditional trades base. Plumbers here work for a mix of large commercial contractors, specialized service companies, and the institutions that keep the city running.

1. The Peck Companies (Commercial & Institutional): A major regional contractor with a strong presence in Wilmington, often working on projects for the city’s biggest employers. They handle commercial, industrial, and institutional projects (think hospitals, schools, office builds). Hiring is steady, and they often seek licensed plumbers with medical gas or backflow certification.
2. City of Wilmington (Public Works): The city itself is a direct employer. Plumbers here maintain municipal water and sewer systems, public facilities, and infrastructure. These are union jobs (IBEW Local 143 sometimes overlaps with pipe trades) with excellent benefits, pensions, and job security. The downside? It can be competitive to get in, and the starting pay might be slightly below the private sector median, but the benefits package makes up for it.
3. Bayhealth Hospital (Kent General & Sussex): While the main campus is in Dover, Bayhealth has a growing network of outpatient clinics and facilities in the Wilmington area, including in Newark. Hospitals are 24/7 operations with complex plumbing needs (sterile systems, medical gas, backflow prevention). This is a niche that pays a premium; plumbers with healthcare facility experience are highly valued.
4. Belfor USA (Disaster Recovery & Restoration): National company with a major Wilmington branch. After storms (like the nor'easters that hit the coast) or pipe bursts in older homes, Belfor is on call. Work is project-based and can be intense, but the pay can be high, especially for emergency response work. Good for a plumber who doesn’t mind irregular hours.
5. Local Union 55 (Plumbers & Pipefitters): The union hall is your direct pipeline to the highest-paying commercial and industrial jobs in the region. They have agreements with all the major contractors in DE, PA, and MD. Getting your name on the list here is one of the best career moves a plumber can make in the Mid-Atlantic. Their training center in nearby Philadelphia (a short drive) is top-notch.
6. J. Calnan & Associates (Commercial HVAC & Plumbing): A large regional mechanical contractor with a footprint in Wilmington’s revitalizing downtown and riverfront areas. They specialize in high-end commercial projects, including the conversions of old industrial buildings into apartments and offices—a common sight in Wilmington.
7. Residential Service Companies (e.g., Stan the Plumber, James A. Wheat & Sons): These are the bread-and-butter residential service companies that dominate the consumer market. They offer steady work, often with a base salary plus commission on jobs, which can push earnings above the median. They’re a great starting point for a new license holder to gain broad experience.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward plumbers who are dual-certified in plumbing and HVAC, especially for residential service techs. The commercial sector is hungry for plumbers with experience in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and prefabrication. The demand for service plumbers is steady year-round, while the construction side sees peaks in the spring and summer.

Getting Licensed in DE

Delaware has a clear, state-regulated path to becoming a licensed plumber. The Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Professional Regulation oversees the licensing board. You cannot legally perform plumbing work for hire without a license.

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship: This is the primary route. You need to complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which typically involves 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber and 120 hours of classroom instruction per year. You must register with the state as an apprentice.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the journeyman exam. You need to document your 8,000 hours of work and your classroom hours. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and state-specific amendments.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber, you need at least 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber in Delaware. You must also pass a more comprehensive master plumber exam.

Costs:

• Apprenticeship Application/Registration: Minimal fees, often covered by the union or employer.
• Exam Fees: Approximately $150 - $200 for the journeyman exam; $200 - $250 for the master exam.
• Licensing Fees: The journeyman license is roughly $150 for the initial license and $100 for annual renewal. The master license is more expensive, around $250 for initial and $150 for renewal. Total estimated cost to go from apprentice to journeyman: ~$500 - $800 over 4 years.

Timeline: From zero experience to a licensed journeyman, you’re looking at a minimum of 4 years. If you have prior experience in another state, you can apply for credit, but Delaware is strict about its own apprenticeship hours. Start by contacting the Delaware Department of Labor to find a registered employer or reach out to Local Union 55 for their apprenticeship program.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Wilmington will define your daily life—your commute, your rent, and your social circle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that make sense for a working plumber.

1. Trolley Square / Highlands: This is the “it” spot for young professionals. It’s walkable, full of bars, restaurants, and shops, and has a real urban vibe. Rents here are high ($1,600 - $2,200 for a 1BR). The commute to downtown commercial jobs is easy (10-15 mins), but parking can be a nightmare. Best for a single plumber who values an active social life and doesn’t mind a tight budget.

2. Pike Creek: A classic suburb in the northern part of the city/suburban ring. It’s family-oriented, quiet, and full of single-family homes. Rents are more reasonable ($1,300 - $1,600 for a 1BR, but 2BRs are better value). Excellent access to I-95 and Route 7 for commuting to job sites anywhere in the region. A great bet for a plumber with a family or who wants a quieter home base.

3. Riverfront (South Wilmington): The revitalized industrial area along the Christina River. It’s modern, with new apartment complexes, parks, and a minor league baseball stadium. Rents are similar to Trolley Square ($1,500 - $2,000). The commute to downtown or the I-95 corridor is minutes. It’s a clean, planned community vibe that’s growing fast. Good for a plumber who works on the new construction projects in the area and wants a short commute.

4. Newark (Just North of Wilmington): While not technically Wilmington, Newark is a major hub for the University of Delaware and has a thriving downtown. Many plumbers live here and commute the 15-20 minutes south to Wilmington. Rents are slightly lower ($1,200 - $1,500). The advantage is a younger, college-town energy and a strong local economy of its own. It’s a solid compromise between city and suburbs.

5. Brandywine Village / North Wilmington: This is a more established, affluent area with historic homes and a quieter pace. Rents can vary widely ($1,400 - $1,800). The commute to central Wilmington is short, but you’re closer to the Pennsylvania border, which opens up job opportunities in Delaware County, PA. Great for a senior plumber looking for a stable, respectable neighborhood with good schools.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s salary in Wilmington doesn’t have to plateau at $64,015. Your earning potential is directly tied to specialization and advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: In a city with multiple hospital systems (ChristianaCare, Bayhealth), this certification can add $5 - $10/hour to your rate.
• Backflow Prevention Tester: This is a must-have for commercial work. Certification costs ~$500 but allows you to perform mandatory testing for businesses, a steady side income.
• Welding (Pipefitter Hybrid): Plumbers who can weld (especially TIG) for industrial or commercial projects are in a class of their own. This skill can push a senior plumber’s pay well above $90,000.

Advancement Paths:

• Service Tech to Service Manager: Move from the truck to the office, managing a team of techs. Pay can reach $80,000 - $100,000.
• Estimator/Project Manager: With experience, you can move into pre-construction, quoting jobs for a contractor. Strong math and computer skills are key.
• Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Starting a small residential service company is viable in Wilmington’s stable market. The risk is high, but the ceiling is uncapped. Many successful local shop owners started on the tools.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The 6% growth is conservative. It reflects Wilmington’s stable economy but doesn’t account for the national infrastructure push or the constant need to maintain the city’s aging housing stock (much of it built before 1980). Plumbers who adapt to new technologies like PEX, trenchless pipe repair, and smart home water systems will be the most in-demand. The biggest opportunity lies in the commercial sector, as downtown Wilmington continues to redevelop.

The Verdict: Is Wilmington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average median salary ($64,015) for the region.	High cost of living, especially rent ($1,451/mo).
Stable, year-round job market with 143 listed jobs and 6% growth.	Buying a home is tough on a single plumber’s median salary.
Proximity to major cities (Philly, Baltimore, DC) for networking and higher-paying union work.	Traffic congestion on I-95 and Route 202 can be a daily grind.
Diverse employer base (corporate, municipal, medical, residential).	Winters can be gray and cold, limiting outdoor work for parts of the year.
Union presence (Local 55) offers a clear path to top-tier commercial wages.	The city has a "two-speed" economy; some neighborhoods are less safe than others.

Final Recommendation:

Wilmington is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber (3-10 years experience) who is willing to specialize. If you’re a journeyman looking to get your master’s license and break into commercial or medical work, the opportunities are here. The salary supports a comfortable lifestyle if you budget carefully and are open to living in the suburbs.

It’s a tougher sell for an apprentice just starting out, as the high cost of living will be a strain on entry-level wages. However, if you can secure an apprenticeship with a strong local contractor or through the union, the long-term payoff is solid.

For a senior plumber or expert, Wilmington is a goldmine. You can command a premium salary, potentially own a home, and have access to the best jobs in the region. The stable, non-seasonal demand is a huge asset for a long-term career.

In short: Wilmington is a practical, data-driven choice for plumbers who are strategic about their career path and lifestyle. It’s not the flashiest city, but it’s a place where a skilled plumber can build a very good life.

FAQs

Q: I’m a licensed plumber in another state. Can I get a Delaware license without an apprenticeship?
A: It’s possible, but not automatic. Delaware has reciprocity with some states (like Pennsylvania, under specific conditions), but you’ll still need to provide proof of your work hours and may be required to take the Delaware State Law portion of the exam. Contact the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation directly for a reciprocity application.

Q: Is the union (Local 55) worth it in Wilmington?
A: For commercial/industrial work, absolutely. The union provides top-scale wages (often $40+/hour with benefits package), training, and a pension. For pure residential service work, a non-union company