Plumber in Yakima, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Yakima Stands

As a Yakima local, I can tell you the plumbing trade here is a solid, dependable career. It’s not the boomtown of Seattle, but it’s a steady market with real demand, especially in residential service and agricultural infrastructure. When you look at the numbers, Yakima holds its own.

The median salary for a plumber in Yakima is $62,969/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.27. This is very close to the national average of $63,350/year. For a mid-sized, agricultural city in Eastern Washington, that’s a strong position. It means your skills have value here, and you’re not taking a major pay cut compared to the national trend.

However, the real story is in the experience ladder. Like most trades, you start at the bottom and earn your way up. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in this region:

Experience Level	Yearly Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range	Notes for Yakima
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24	Often starts as an apprentice or helper. Focus on learning codes and safety.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.50 - $33.75	This is the core of the workforce. Licensed journeyman, independent on most jobs.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.75 - $40.85	Often leads crews, handles complex commercial/agricultural projects, or is a service lead.
Expert/Management (15+ yrs)	$85,000+	$40.85+	Master plumber, business owner, or specialized estimator. Top earners own their own shop.

Insider Tip: The upper range for senior plumbers here is heavily influenced by specialization. A plumber who can handle agricultural irrigation systems or commercial medical gas lines will command a higher wage than a standard residential service plumber.

How does Yakima compare to other WA cities?
It’s a tale of two states. Yakima doesn't compete with Seattle’s salary scale, but it also doesn’t have Seattle’s cost of living.

• Seattle Metro: Median plumber salary is closer to $85,000+, but a 1BR apartment averages $2,100/month. You earn more but pay a lot more.
• Spokane: A closer competitor. Median salaries are slightly higher, around $65,000, with a cost of living just a touch above Yakima.
• Bellingham: Similar to Yakima in pay but with a higher housing cost due to its coastal location and university town status.

Yakima offers a "sweet spot" for plumbers who prioritize stability and a lower cost of living over maximum raw pay.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $62,969 sounds good, but what’s left after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share? Let’s build a monthly budget for a single plumber earning this median wage.

Assumptions for this budget:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,247
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~25% = $1,312/month
• Net Take-Home Pay: $3,935/month
• Average Yakima 1BR Rent: $997/month

Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$997	This is the city-wide average. Prices vary by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Yakima has moderate utility costs. Older apartments can be less efficient.
Groceries & Household	$450	Yakima's agricultural heart means fresh produce is affordable.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)	$350	Crucial: You will drive. Public transit is limited. A reliable vehicle is a must.
Health Insurance	$300	Cost varies widely if through an employer or the marketplace.
Retirement/Savings (10% of net)	$394	A non-negotiable for a skilled trade career.
Personal/Discretionary	$700	Covers everything from a Netflix sub to a night out at The Green Lady or a tool purchase.
Debt Payments (if any)	$200	Student loans, credit cards, or a truck payment.
TOTAL	$3,441	Leaves a buffer of ~$494/month.

Insider Tip: The buffer is real. In Yakima, a family of two can live comfortably on a single plumber's income if they budget wisely. The key is avoiding high car payments and eating out too much. The local food scene is great, but it adds up.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. This is Yakima's biggest advantage. The median home price in the Yakima metro is around $375,000 (Zillow, 2023). With a $62,969 salary, a 20% down payment is a stretch, but not impossible with savings. More commonly, first-time buyers use a 5-10% down payment.

• A $375,000 home with a $40,000 down payment (10.6%) on a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of ~$2,250 including taxes and insurance.
• This is higher than rent but manageable on a plumber's salary, especially for a mid-to-senior level plumber. It’s a smart long-term investment in a stable market.

Where the Jobs Are: Yakima's Major Employers

Yakima’s economy is built on agriculture, healthcare, and logistics. The plumbing demand follows these sectors. Here are the major places to look for work:

1. Harrison Memorial Hospital (Yakima Valley Memorial): Part of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system. They have a large, in-house facilities team. These are permanent, union jobs with excellent benefits, but they can be competitive. They handle everything from patient room fixtures to complex medical gas systems.
2. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital (Newer Facility): The main hospital on 40th Ave has ongoing maintenance and renovation projects. They frequently hire for facilities technicians and sometimes contract with local plumbing companies for larger projects.
3. Yakima School District: The district maintains dozens of schools. Their facilities department hires plumbers and maintenance workers. It’s a stable government job with a pension, great for someone looking for a 9-5 pace.
4. Warehouse Row (Amazon, Apple, Cold Storage): The massive warehouses along I-82 and in Union Gap are a huge source of commercial/industrial plumbing work. Whether you’re on the construction side building these facilities or in maintenance keeping their industrial systems running, this sector is booming.
5. Fair State & Local Farms (Agri-Plumbing): This is a niche but vital sector. Companies like Yakima Fruit & Cold Storage, Monson Fruit, and numerous hop and vineyard operations need plumbers for irrigation systems, frost protection, and facility plumbing. This is specialized work that pays a premium.
6. Top Local Plumbing Companies: The backbone of the trade. Companies like B&B Plumbing & Heating, Stark Heating & Plumbing, and Cooper Mechanical are the go-to names for residential service and construction. They are always looking for licensed journeyman plumbers, especially for service calls.
7. City of Yakima: The city’s public works department hires for water and sewer line maintenance and repair. These are stable, union jobs that are highly sought after.

Hiring Trend: There’s a steady demand for service plumbers—the troubleshooters who fix leaks, clogs, and water heaters. The construction side is tied to the health of the agricultural and warehouse sectors, which are stable but can have seasonal dips in the winter.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a clear but rigorous path to becoming a licensed plumber. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Washington State Plumbing Board regulate the process.

1. Apprentice Plumber:

• Requirement: You must be employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and registered as an apprentice with L&I.
• Timeline: You need a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 128 hours of classroom instruction from an accredited training program (like the one at Yakima Valley College or through the local UA 598 apprenticeship).
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs are often tuition-free or very low-cost, paid for by your employer. You’ll pay for your own books and tools.

2. Journeyman Plumber:

• Requirement: After completing your apprenticeship (usually takes 4 years), you can apply for the journeyman exam.
• Exam: You must pass the Washington State Journeyman Plumber Exam, which covers the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted by Washington.
• Cost: Exam fee is $250, plus license fee of $135 (as of 2023). Total upfront cost is around $400.
• Timeline: From starting as an apprentice, expect 4-5 years to become a licensed journeyman.

3. Master Plumber:

• Requirement: Must have held a journeyman license for at least 4 years.
• Exam: Must pass the Master Plumber Exam.
• Cost: Exam fee is $300, license fee is $160.
• Timeline: This is for those looking to own a business or be a lead estimator. Usually a 8-10 year path from day one.

Insider Tip: The UA Local 598 Plumbers & Pipefitters union operates a powerful apprenticeship program in the region. Union jobs often come with better benefits, pensions, and structured wage increases. It’s worth looking into, especially if you’re starting fresh.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Yakima is spread out, and traffic is light, so a 15-20 minute drive is your max.

1. West Valley (98908):

   • Vibe: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Good schools, new housing developments.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-82 for jobs across the valley. 15-20 mins to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers with families who want space and quiet.

2. Downtown/Yakima Avenue Corridor (98901):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, with ongoing revitalization. Mix of old apartments and renovated lofts.
   • Commute: Walk or bike to shops, restaurants, and breweries. 5-10 mins to most employers in town.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month (varies greatly by building age/condition).
   • Best For: Younger plumbers who want an active social scene and a short commute.

3. Tieton & Nob Hill (98902):

   • Vibe: Working-class, tight-knit community. Older homes, affordable rents.
   • Commute: Central location. Easy to get to the hospital, downtown, or the West Valley.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,050/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want a central, affordable base with a strong community feel.

4. Selah (98942):

   • Vibe: Separate town north of Yakima, more rural feel but with all amenities. Strong agricultural roots.
   • Commute: A 15-20 minute drive to downtown Yakima. No traffic to speak of.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month (smaller rental market).
   • Best For: Plumbers who work in the northern agricultural areas or want a quieter, small-town life.

5. Union Gap (98903):

   • Vibe: Retail-focused (Valley Mall), modern apartments, very convenient for shopping.
   • Commute: Right off I-82, making commutes to the warehouses or any point in the valley very quick.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers who prioritize easy access to highway and retail amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Yakima, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about gaining expertise and taking on more responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers with medical gas certification (ASSE 6000 series) can earn 10-15% more in hospitals and clinics.
  • Backflow Testing: A 2-day course lets you become a certified backflow tester. This creates a lucrative side business for annual inspections.
  • Industrial/Agricultural Systems: Expertise in high-pressure irrigation, steam, or specialized filtration can push you into the $80,000+ range.
  • Commercial Estimating: Moving from the field to the office as an estimator for a large contractor can be a stable, high-paying career path.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech to Service Manager: Move from fixing problems to managing a team of techs, scheduling, and inventory.
  2. Journeyman to Business Owner: The ultimate path. Yakima has a strong small-business culture. Starting a one- or two-truck service company is feasible and can be very profitable if you provide reliable service.
  3. Field to Public Works: Transition to a City or County plumber position for union wages and a pension.

• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
  The 6% job growth over 10 years is solid, outpacing many other fields. This growth is driven by:

  • Aging Infrastructure: Yakima’s water and sewer lines are old and need replacement.
  • Agricultural Modernization: More complex systems for water efficiency and climate control.
  • Population & Housing Growth: New homes and apartments need installation and maintenance.
  • Retirements: An aging workforce of plumbers is creating a skills gap that new talent can fill.

The Verdict: Is Yakima Right for You?

Pros of Being a Plumber in Yakima	Cons of Being a Plumber in Yakima
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here. Homeownership is realistic.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end pay is lower than in Seattle or Bellevue.
Stable Job Market: Tied to essential services (healthcare, water, agriculture).	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a family-oriented city, not a major cultural hub.
No Traffic: A 10-20 minute commute is the norm.	Car Dependency: You must have a reliable vehicle. Public transit is sparse.
Outdoor Access: World-class fishing (Columbia River), hiking, and hunting are minutes away.	Seasonal Air Quality: Wildfire smoke can be an issue in late summer.
Strong Apprenticeship: The UA 598 program is well-regarded and provides a clear path.	Summers are Hot: Expect 90-100°F days regularly. Outdoor work can be tough.

Final Recommendation:

Yakima is an excellent choice for plumbers who value stability, affordability, and a work-life balance over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for:

• Apprentices looking for a union-sponsored path with low living costs.
• Journeyman plumbers wanting to buy a home and start a family without drowning in debt.
• Specialists in agricultural or industrial plumbing who want to be in the heart of the industry.

If you’re a plumber who thrives on constant high-rise construction, a vibrant nightlife, and being at the center of global tech, Yakima might feel too slow. But if you want to build a solid career, own a home, and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by mountains and farmland, Yakima is a smart, data-backed bet.

FAQs

Q: I’m an out-of-state plumber. How do I get licensed in Washington?
A: If you have a journeyman license from another state, you can apply for reciprocity through the Washington State Plumbing Board. You’ll need to provide proof of your hours and pass a state-specific exam on Washington’s plumbing code. Contact the board directly for the current reciprocity agreements.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: Mostly no. Emergency service calls (leaks, clogs, no hot water) happen year-round. However, new construction can slow down in the winter months. A good service company or union job will keep you busy.

**Q: What’s the biggest challenge for