Plumber Hourly Pay in Valparaiso, IN: $37.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Valparaiso, IN runs $37.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,913 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Valparaiso's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valparaiso, Indiana, the plumber hourly pay is projected to reach $37.46 in 2026, which represents a significant advantage over the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate offers lucrative opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those engaged in residential service calls or commercial projects. A typical part-time plumber working three days a week can expect to earn a solid income, given the hourly pay structure and the local demand for plumbing services. The hourly range for plumbers in the area spans from around $26.20 for entry-level positions to $58.06 for top earners, reflecting the varied skill sets and experience levels across different work settings such as hospitals, industrial sites, and self-employed contractor jobs. Estimating hourly pay from annual salaries indicates a stable market where plumbers can thrive in diverse environments.
About the Valparaiso 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) | $26.20 | $209.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.37 | $234.98 |
| Median (P50) | $37.46 | $299.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.95 | $383.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.06 | $464.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valparaiso
Based on $37.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.46/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valparaiso, IN can expect to earn approximately $77,918 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,953. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valparaiso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valparaiso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,498.43 | $6,493 | $77,918 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $899.06 | $3,896 | $46,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.37 | $2,597 | $31,167 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Valparaiso) | $37.46 |
| 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 Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $77,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.12% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $79,019.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.46/hr = $46,751/year (purchasing power: $51,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,918/year (purchasing power: $85,343).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Valparaiso grew 15.7% from $31.59/hr (2019) to $36.54/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.40/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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso
Focusing on part-time work, a plumber in Valparaiso who only works three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could see their take-home pay accumulate to around $46,145 annually. This contrasts sharply with the earning potential of full-time workers, further influencing the choice for many in this trade. In Valparaiso, per diem plumber pay can vary, with traveling pipefitters often earning $100 to $175 daily, in addition to an hourly base of $40 to $65. For self-employed plumbers in high-cost-of-living markets, effective rates can reach $100 to $180 per hour, allowing greater flexibility and independence. Job types also affect hourly pay; union plumbing contractors, especially those affiliated with the United Association (UA), typically command higher wages than non-union counterparts. Choices made regarding hourly pay versus benefits can significantly influence plumbers' overall compensation, necessitating a careful assessment during negotiations. Considerable insider knowledge, along with local market insights, can empower plumbers to secure more favorable rates in Valparaiso.
More salary data for Valparaiso, IN:
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
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 Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso 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