Plumber Hourly Pay in Carmel, IN: $37.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Carmel, IN runs $37.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Carmel's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,943 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber hourly pay in Carmel, IN stands at $37.61, which is significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate offers good opportunities for both full-time and part-time plumbers, especially those working three days a week in various settings such as residential service calls, industrial construction sites, and specialized medical gas installations. For entry-level plumbers, hourly wages start at approximately $27.14, while veteran tradespeople can earn up to $58.29, reflecting a clear progression in pay based on experience and specialization. The diverse environments plumbers operate in, from sewer line excavations to manufacturing plants, further showcase the varied demand for skilled plumbing services in Carmel, making the hourly pay an important factor for those considering a career in this field.
About the Carmel Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.14 | $217.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.14 | $241.13 |
| Median (P50) | $37.61 | $300.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.14 | $385.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.29 | $466.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carmel
Based on $37.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.61/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carmel, IN can expect to earn approximately $78,238 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,138. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carmel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carmel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,504.58 | $6,520 | $78,238 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $902.75 | $3,912 | $46,943 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.83 | $2,608 | $31,295 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Carmel) | $37.61 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Carmel, IN earn a median of $78,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.60% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.00% below the Indiana state average of $79,019.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.61/hr = $46,943/year (purchasing power: $51,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,238/year (purchasing power: $85,694).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Carmel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Carmel grew 15.7% from $31.72/hr (2019) to $36.69/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.56/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carmel 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.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Carmel
Analyzing the potential earnings for part-time plumbers reveals a substantial difference based on work schedules. A plumber working 24 hours a week at the Carmel hourly rate could earn around $46,988 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem plumber pay in Carmel can be even more lucrative, especially for those who travel for short-term projects, with rates often exceeding a base of $40-$65 an hour plus daily allowances ranging from $100 to $175. Employers in Carmel, including union plumbing contractors affiliated with the United Association, may offer higher pay but also include benefits like health insurance, which can influence decisions on accepting lower hourly rates. Negotiation skills are crucial for plumbers, as the varied rates across different employers—ranging from self-employed contractors to large service companies—can lead to significant income differences based on the specifics of the job, including hours worked and the nature of the assignments.
More salary data for Carmel, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Carmel in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Carmel. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carmel 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