Entry-Level Plumber Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $44,857 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the South Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,857 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,634 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,398) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated plumbers in South Kingstown, Rhode Island can expect to earn an entry-level salary that starts around $44,857 annually. This figure is considerably below the median salary for plumbers in the area, which is projected at $62,398, highlighting a significant gap as new professionals begin their careers. However, the growth trajectory for new grads is promising, as they can anticipate gradual increases in salary over the first few years, moving from the entry-level starting pay to approximately $49,812 by the 25th percentile, and eventually aiming for the median as they gain experience. Given the local market dynamics, South Kingstown presents an adequate opportunity for recent graduates striving to establish themselves in the plumbing profession.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Kingstown
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 South Kingstown
Entry-level plumbers in South Kingstown, RI typically start between $44,857 and $49,812 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,859 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,398 — 4.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Rhode Island of $14,000 represents just 31.21% of the starting plumber pay ($44,857/year) in South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown
- 1Research the South Kingstown market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $44,857 to $49,812, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Kingstown, 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 South Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Kingstown'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 South Kingstown is $51,859 ( 115.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,857, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,716.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,397
2025 BLS Actual
$43,754
2026 Current Est.
$44,857
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,397 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,343 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,268 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,857 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,987 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in South Kingstown, RI grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,397 in 2019 to $43,754 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,987. New graduates entering the South Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
Many employers in South Kingstown actively seek out new graduates for plumbing positions. Union apprenticeship programs, specifically through the United Association (UA), welcome candidates through a selective application process that involves aptitude testing and offers a rigorous 4-5 year training curriculum. Non-union contractors also hire apprentices while providing on-the-job training. Service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS frequently recruit licensed journeymen, often incorporating commission structures that can lead to varied earnings. For those looking to enhance their starting plumber pay in RI, pursuing credentials such as a journeyman or master plumbing license, or certifications in backflow prevention and medical gas installation can be advantageous. As the plumbing workforce ages, and considering the ongoing need for skilled professionals in areas like hospital plumbing, entry-level plumbers can expect their salaries to rise within their first three years as they complete their apprenticeships and gain practical experience in the field.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in South Kingstown in 2026?
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Is plumbing school worth it in South Kingstown?
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Related Pages
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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 South Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Kingstown 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