Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Duluth, MN: $47,467 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,467 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,473 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,204) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those entering the plumbing profession in Duluth, Minnesota can expect a starting plumber salary around $47,467, a figure which highlights a considerable gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $87,204. For new graduates, understanding this difference is vital, as it sets realistic expectations for early career earnings. Within the first few years, there is potential for growth, with salaries transitioning from entry-level to $60,764 at the 25th percentile, and ultimately progressing towards the median as apprentices gain experience and skills. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.52%, Duluth appears to be a favorable market for recent graduates, particularly as demand for plumbing services rises in conjunction with an aging workforce and infrastructure.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
Entry-level plumbers in Duluth, MN typically start between $47,467 and $60,764 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,639 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,204 — 33.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 33.71% of the starting plumber pay ($47,467/year) in Duluth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $47,467 to $60,764, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Duluth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Duluth is $64,639 ( 136.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,467, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,106.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,570
2025 BLS Actual
$46,300
2026 Current Est.
$47,467
2019–2027 Growth
+4.5%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,467 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,663 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew -0.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,570 in 2019 to $46,300 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,663. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Duluth
Several employers in Duluth actively seek out newly graduated plumbers, offering them a variety of pathways into the field. The UA Local apprenticeship program is a prominent option, allowing candidates to complete a 4-5 year formal training program through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job experience. Non-union contractors and larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS also hire entry-level workers, often offering commission-based pay structures which can enhance earnings significantly. To improve starting pay, pursuing additional credentials such as a journeyman or master plumbing license, and specialty certifications like medical gas installer and backflow prevention tester, can be beneficial. Entry-level plumbers can anticipate modest salary increases in their first three years, especially those willing to specialize in high-demand areas such as hospital plumbing, which is critical in the current job market where experienced workers are becoming increasingly scarce.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Duluth in 2026?
How fast do plumber salaries grow in Duluth?
Is plumbing school worth it in Duluth?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Duluth?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Duluth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov