Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $62,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Grants Pass, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,818 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grants Pass's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,226 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,769) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the plumbing field in Grants Pass, Oregon, the starting plumber salary is projected at around $62,818 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum but offers a solid foundation for those just embarking on their careers. While this starting rate is substantially less than the city’s median salary of $83,769, it lays the groundwork for upward mobility as plumbers gain experience and certifications. With a growth trajectory from entry-level wages to the more experienced P25 earnings of $68,613, new plumbers can realistically expect steady salary increases in their first few years. Given the robust demand for plumbing services across the region, Grants Pass is currently a favorable market for recent graduates looking to establish themselves in this trade.
About the Grants Pass Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grants Pass
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 Grants Pass
Entry-level plumbers in Grants Pass, OR typically start between $62,818 and $68,613 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,025 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,769 — 28.07% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Oregon of $16,000 represents just 25.47% of the starting plumber pay ($62,818/year) in Grants Pass. 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 Grants Pass
- 1Research the Grants Pass market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $62,818 to $68,613, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grants Pass's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Grants Pass is $67,025 ( 106.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,818, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,843.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,730
2025 BLS Actual
$61,274
2026 Current Est.
$62,818
2019–2027 Growth
+116.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,696 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,274 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,401 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Grants Pass, OR grew 106.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,730 in 2019 to $61,274 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,401. New graduates entering the Grants Pass job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
In Grants Pass, multiple employers are keen to bring on entry-level plumbers, particularly through programs like the United Association (UA) apprenticeship paths, which typically require formal applications and aptitude tests. This training can last 4-5 years and significantly enhances earning potential. Non-union contractors often hire apprentices directly, offering hands-on experience right from the start. Major service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS also provide pathways to employment but favor those with completed apprenticeships, often utilizing commission structures that can lead to variable earnings. Credentials play a significant role in boosting starting pay; for instance, obtaining a journeyman plumbing license after completing the requisite hours can open more opportunities. Furthermore, plumbing specialties such as medical gas installation or backflow prevention certification can position new plumbers for more lucrative and stable roles. Given the aging infrastructure and workforce in the field, the consistent demand for skilled labor suggests that those starting in 2026 can expect positive salary developments throughout their careers in Grants Pass.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Grants Pass. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grants Pass is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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