Plumber Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $34.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $34.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,012 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gaithersburg, Maryland, the plumber hourly pay reaches a median of $34.62, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This favorable rate reflects the robust demand for skilled plumbing professionals in areas ranging from residential service calls to complex industrial projects. For part-time plumbers working three days a week, averaging around 24 hours, the potential earnings could amount to roughly $42,249 annually. The hourly pay structure also allows for entry-level workers to start at approximately $23.67, while top earners can see rates as high as $53.66. These figures are indicative of the varied opportunities available in both commercial and residential settings, including operations in mechanical rooms of hospitals, sewer line excavation, and work with self-employed contractors.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.67 | $189.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.76 | $214.06 |
| Median (P50) | $34.62 | $276.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.32 | $354.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.66 | $429.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $34.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.62/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $72,012 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,545. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,384.84 | $6,001 | $72,012 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $830.90 | $3,601 | $43,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $553.94 | $2,400 | $28,805 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Gaithersburg) | $34.62 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $72,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $71,512.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.62/hr = $43,207/year (purchasing power: $39,531).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,012/year (purchasing power: $65,884).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Gaithersburg grew 15.7% from $29.20/hr (2019) to $33.77/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.49/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
For those considering the per-diem plumber pay in Gaithersburg, the reality can be quite profitable, especially for travel pipefitters and steamfitters involved in out-of-town industrial projects, who can make an additional $100-$175 per day. On a base bid of $40-$65 per hour, these professionals see their earnings rise significantly. Service plumbing typically presents a minimum charge of $150-$300 for call-out fees. Hourly rates can vary widely across employer types, with union contractors often paying a premium for specialized skills in medical and industrial settings. Some plumbers may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, underscoring the trade-offs within this profession. Negotiation tips that might serve workers in this area include emphasizing specialized credentials, such as medical gas or backflow prevention certifications, which can provide leverage to secure better compensation.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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