Auburn vs Seattle: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,099 | $97,630▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.99 | $46.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,888 | $53,239▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,920▲ | $63,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,808 | $129,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,704 | $157,368▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 6,350▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Seattle is $16,531 (20.38%). Seattle's median is +49.26% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $72,816,Seattle spans $104,129. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($87,850 effective) pays 16.34% more than Auburn ($75,511 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,630/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,368)
- ✓Larger job market (6,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,850)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Auburn grew -9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Auburn, WA
$87,051 (2024) → $79,106 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$79,050 (2019) → $95,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Auburn or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Seattle as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Auburn vs Seattle?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov