Hagerstown vs Laurel: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,519 | $67,911▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.17 | $32.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,476 | $49,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,046 | $54,274▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,652 | $86,927▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,095 | $105,262▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Laurel is $11,392 (20.16%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $51,619,Laurel spans $56,074. Laurel 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, Laurel ($62,133 effective) pays 3.52% more than Hagerstown ($60,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,911/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,262)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,133)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Hagerstown grew 16.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.2% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$47,500 (2019) → $55,130 (2025)
Laurel, MD
$70,603 (2024) → $66,242 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Laurel, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Hagerstown or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Laurel as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Hagerstown vs Laurel?
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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