Plumber Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $28.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Helena, MT runs $28.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,157 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Helena, Montana, the plumber hourly pay stands at a median of $28.97, slightly below the national average hourly rate of $31.45. This rate is indicative of the opportunities available for both full-time and part-time workers, such as those who may only take on shifts three days a week or operate as per-diem plumbers. Typical venues for this work include commercial construction sites, residential service calls, and industrial facilities, where pay ranges from $21.24 for entry-level positions to $44.90 for more experienced installers. With these hourly figures derived from annual salary data, they reflect the broader labor market in Helena and suggest a steady earning potential for skilled tradespeople in this region.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.24 | $169.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.44 | $187.49 |
| Median (P50) | $28.97 | $231.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.08 | $296.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.90 | $359.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $28.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.97/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $60,262 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,767. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.89 | $5,022 | $60,262 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.33 | $3,013 | $36,157 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.55 | $2,009 | $24,105 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Helena) | $28.97 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $60,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $62,898.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.97/hr = $36,157/year (purchasing power: $37,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,262/year (purchasing power: $62,642).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Helena grew 15.7% from $24.43/hr (2019) to $28.26/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.70/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 Helena 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 Helena
Part-time plumbers working 24 hours over a three-day week can expect to bring home approximately $37,538 annually, which highlights the financial viability of part-time positions in this field. Per-diem opportunities, particularly for travel pipefitters and steamfitters, often provide lucrative compensation, with daily rates ranging from $100 to $175 in addition to base hourly wages of $40 to $65. While union plumbers affiliated with the UA earn generally higher rates and benefits, self-employed plumbers can command rates of $100-$180 per hour depending on their specialty, like medical gas plumbing. For many in Helena, choosing hourly work with benefits can mean accepting less pay upfront, as the trade-off for health insurance can significantly affect their overall compensation. Negotiation tactics can vary, but understanding the difference in hourly rates across various employers—whether union, non-union, or large service companies—will aid plumbers in making informed career choices.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Helena?
Are plumbers in Helena paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Montana
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 Helena. 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 Helena 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