Plumber Salary

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.

$72,012
Median Annual Salary
$34.62/hr
Hourly Rate
$49,229
Entry Level (P10)
$111,619
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Plumber Hourly Rate in Gaithersburg, MD — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Gaithersburg, MD plumber hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a plumber in Gaithersburg earning $34.62/hr would make approximately $41,545 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $72,012 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$41,545Reduced (32 hr/wk)$55,394Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$72,012

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$276.97
per 8hr shift
$1,384.84
per week
$6,001
per month
$72,012
per year

Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing plumber median salary in Gaithersburg ($72,012) with Maryland average ($71,512) and the US national median ($65,408).Gaithersburg$72,012Maryland Avg$71,512+0.70%US National$65,408+10.10%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for plumbers in Gaithersburg. Baseline $29.20/hr in 2025, projected to $35.49/hr by 2027.$28$30$33$35$372019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.20$29.82$31.70$31.81$32.58$35.99$33.77$34.62$35.49
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$29.20/hrActual
2020$29.82/hrActual
2021$31.70/hrActual
2022$31.81/hrActual
2023$32.58/hrActual
2024$35.99/hrActual
2025$33.77/hrActual
2026(current)$34.62/hrEstimated
2027$35.49/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Gaithersburg in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for plumbers in Gaithersburg is $34.62/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.52% annual growth). Rates range from $23.67 at entry level (10th percentile) to $53.66 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 10.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time plumbers make in Gaithersburg?

A part-time plumber working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Gaithersburg earns approximately $3,601/month, or $43,207/year at the median hourly rate of $34.62. Many plumbers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are plumbers in Gaithersburg paid hourly or salary?

The majority of plumbers in Gaithersburg are paid hourly at a median rate of $34.62/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $72,012/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Gaithersburg?

A full-time plumber working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Gaithersburg earns approximately $72,012/year at the median hourly rate of $34.62. This is 10.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $111,611/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Gaithersburg?

Part-time and per diem plumbers in Gaithersburg sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $53.66/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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